How to Crochet the Foundation Half Double Crochet
Learn how to crochet the foundation half double crochet in this step by step tutorial. The fhdc, or foundation half double crochet is a way to crochet without first working into a long chain. Essentially, you are crocheting the chain and the hdc at the same time.
fhdc=foundation half double crochet
Sometimes foundation stitches are called a chainless start. That’s because you don’t have to first crochet a bunch of chains, and then work your stitches back into those chains. If you ask me, this is the hardest part of crocheting.
How are FHDC Stitches Made?
The foundation half double crochet stitch is worked by making a chain 1 first, then you make a regular half double crochet stitch. To keep the foundation growing, you insert your hook back into that chain 1 from the first stitch, and just repeat the steps.
Pros of Foundation Stitches
- Fhdc stitches create a clean edge that looks just like a stitch.
- No more working long chains. Who wants to work back into 100 chains? Or even more, if you’re making a blanket?! Not this girl. Not if I don’t have to!
- The Fhdc is also a little stretcher than using a chain to start. This is helpful for top down garments, sleeves, etc. Anything you’d want to have a little stretch to it.
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Can Foundation Hdc Be Used in the Round?
The foundation half double crochet can also be used when crocheting in the round. You can check out the step by step tutorial for how to join them in this post.
The Simple Joining Method
I prefer this simpler joining technique for fhdc in the round. Slip stitch the first and last stitches together as you normally would when crocheting in the round. Then use the yarn tail to join the bottom of the last and first stitches together.
Since the yarn tail is right there, and you have to weave it in anyway. I prefer this method. I have more control over finishing up my seam and keeping it clean.
You might also like these posts
Foundation Double Crochet Stitch Tutorial
Foundation Single Crochet Stitch Tutorial
If you love learning new crochet stitches, you might enjoy this Pretty Picot Mesh tutorial from Stardust Gold Crochet.
How to Foundation Half Double Crochet
Foundation half double crochet stitches can be made to any length, without a starting chain.
Materials
- Any weight yarn
Tools
- Crochet hook compatible with your yarn.
Instructions
- Chain 1
- Yarn over, Insert hook under the two loops of the chain 1.
- Yarn over, pull up a loop.
- Yarn over and pull through 1 loop. Keep holding this spot, you will work back into it.
- Yarn over and pull through last 3 loops on hook. One foundation hdc made.
- Yarn over, insert hook into bottom of stitch-where you're holding onto from Step 4. Marked here with a green yarn needle.
- Yarn over, pull through 1 loop, yarn over, pull through 3 loops.
- Repeat steps 6-7 until you'ver foundation chain is as long as needed.
Notes
This technique can be a little tricky at first. Hang in there, and just keep repeating the instructions. It becomes easier to see what's going on the more fhdc stitches you crochet.
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