The Half Double Crochet stitch (hdc) is one of the basic stitches that beginners learn in the early stages of crochet. Due to its simple construction and volume, hdc is also one of the best stitches for creating enough warmth for a winter project.
For those who already know how to single crochet, you will find working this stitch is very similar. It’s just one more step than the sc stitch and one less step than the double crochet. Come learn how to crochet a hdc stitch with us!
What Will You Learn from this Half Double Crochet Stitch Tutorial?
- What is a Half Double Crochet; the Anatomy, Abbreviation, and Chart Symbol
- Turning Chain and Stitch Height for Half Double Crochet
- Step by Step Tutorial on How to Half Double Crochet
- How to HDC into the Foundation Chain and into the next Row
- How to increase, decrease, and invisible decrease in HDC
- How to Half-Double Crochet in Different Loops
- Free HDC Patterns
What is a Half Double Crochet Stitch?
The Half Double Crochet stitch is a basic stitch with a height between the single crochet stitch and double crochet stitch. Crocheting the hdc stitch in multiple rows or rounds forms a solid and tightly crocheted fabric that is useful for projects in different ways, such as scarves, sweaters, beanies, and baby blankets.
Abbreviation
A Half Double Crochet is abbreviated as “hdc” in US terminology and “htr” (half treble crochet) in UK terminology.
[Note: All our patterns and terms are based on the US letter & number system. This guide is demonstrated using the right hand.]
Chart Symbol
In a chart pattern, a Half Double Crochet is represented by the letter “T.”
Stitch Height
The height of the hdc stitch is one time that of a Single Crochet stitch (sc), making it taller than a Single Crochet stitch but shorter than a Double Crochet stitch.
Its height is also equal to the length of two chain stitches, as shown in the image above. With that, it means you’ll need to crochet 2 chain stitches to raise the yarn to a height tall enough to make a hdc. These 2 chain stitches are also referred to as the turning chain of a hdc.
Turning Chain for Half Double Crochet
As previously explained, the turning chain for hdc is 2 chain stitches. Thus, it is a common practice to crochet 2 chain stitches before making a hdc in the next stitch when beginning a new row or round. Take note that some hdc patterns might call for a turning chain of only 1 chain stitch.
These 2 turning chains are sometimes counted as the first hdc stitch of the row or round. Always refer to the written pattern to determine if it counts.
Anatomy
The anatomy of a half-double crochet stitch is similar to other stitches in terms of having a front loop, back loop, 3rd loop, and a post (body of the stitch) that you can crochet around.
If you take a closer look at the front side of the hdc stitch, you will notice a bar just below the front loop. Though it is not common, this can also be treated as a 3rd loop in which you can crochet into. It is commonly used in the camel stitch pattern.
Understanding the anatomy of the hdc stitch is important as it plays a key role in achieving different appearances and textures in a project. We’ll show you how to crochet into each loop after the jump in the how-to hdc tutorial and how-do increase and decrease stitches.
What makes a hdc stitch 1 time taller than a sc stitch? It is simply because the hdc stitch calls for 1 extra yarn-over in the beginning than the sc stitch. Let’s take a look at how to make an hdc stitch!
How to Crochet Half Double Crochet Stitch
Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to make a Half Double Crochet stitch.
- With an active loop on your crochet hook, YO (yarn over) the working yarn;
- Insert hook into the next stitch;
- YO again and pull up a loop;
- You should see three loops on the crochet hook;
- YO for the last time and pull the working yarn through all three loops on the hook;
- There you have it, your first half double crochet stitch.
Half Double Crochet into a Foundation Chain
Let’s make a hdc crochet swatch! If you already have a practice crochet piece, you can work on that. Otherwise, start with a slip knot and make a series of chain stitches as the base.
The foundation chain does not count as the first row of the crochet project.
- Chain 2 for the turning chain and YO;
- Insert hook into the 3rd stitch from the hook;
- Yarn over and draw the working yarn through the loop;
- You should have three loops on the hook;
- YO again and pull the yarn through all three loops;
- You have your first dc stitch.
Half Double Crochet in Next Row
For the next row onwards, chain 2 for the turning chain and work hdc stitches as usual.
- Chain 2 and turn your crochet piece clockwise. You will now be working from the “wrong side” of your piece;
- Insert your hook into the first stitch of the new row;
- YO and pull through;
- This forms the third loop on the crochet hook;
- Yarn over again and draw the yarn through all three loops;
- You’ve completed a hdc stitch in the next row!
Always refer to the pattern notes to see if the turning chain counts as a hdc stitch.
Crochet into the last stitch of a row for hdc stitch
Make your last hdc stitch into the last stitch of the row, which is the 2nd chain stitch of the turning chain at the beginning of the previous row. Then, directly make two chain stitches for the turning chain. This will bring the new row to the correct height.
Half Double Crochet Increase / Decrease
After learning how to make a basic hdc, you can explore crochet techniques like increases and decreases.
How to Increase Stitches in Half-Double Crochet
Hdc increase involves working two half-double crochet stitches (abbrev. hdc inc or 2hdc) into the same stitch or space of your work.
Doing so adds to the count of your stitch per row or round. Keep track of your stitches as you work to get the desired results.
Working 2 hdc stitches doubles the count of the stitches, but you can also make 3 or 4 Half Double Crochet into one stitch to form a pattern.
How to Decrease Stitches in Half Double Crochet
To perform a regular half double crochet decrease, or half double crochet two together (abbrev. hdc dec or hdc2tog), simply combine two stitches into one stitch!
This crochet technique reduces the number of stitches in a row and round. It changes the shape of a project, making it smaller and narrower.
There are two ways to decrease; regular and invisible decreases. We’ll show you how to work both of the methods.
Here are the steps on how to make a hdc decrease:
- YO, insert hook into a stitch, draw through, and pull up a loop;
- Do not complete the hdc stitch;
- You should see three loops on the hook;
- YO again, insert the hook into the next stitch;
- You should have five loops on the hook;
- YO again, pull the working yarn through all five loops on the hook;
- Now you’ve successfully combined two stitches into one!
How to Invisible Decrease in Half Double Crochet
An invisible decrease (abbrev. hdc inv dec) is perfect for creating a neat and seamless finish. It’s like making a regular decrease, but you will only work in the front loops instead of crocheting into a full stitch.
- Insert your hook into the front loops of the next two stitches;
- You should have four loops on your hook;
- YO and draw the working yarn through the first two loops on the hook;
- You should have three loops on your hook now. Yarn over again and pull through all three loops;
- There you have it!
Half Double Crochet in Different Loops
Typically, you would work your stitches into a “whole stitch” unless stated otherwise. But, there are several parts of a stitch that you can crochet into to achieve a different effect. All you have to do is insert your hook into a different loop!
There are four choices for you to insert your hook to make a hdc stitch:
- The top of a stitch that looks like a V-shape;
- The front loop (the part of the top of the stitch that is the closest to you);
- The back loop (the part of the top of the stitch that is the furthest from you);
- The third loop (visible on the wrong side of a crochet piece).
Half-Double Crochet Front Loop Only (HDC FLO)
Instead of placing your hook under the V-shape of the stitch, insert the hook into the front loop only. Doing so leaves the back loop empty, creating a nice ridge on the “wrong side” of your crochet piece.
Half-Double Crochet Back Loop Only (HDC BLO)
Insert your hook under the back loop and make your hdc stitch. A ridge will be made on the right side.
Half-Double Crochet in Third Loop (hdc 3rd loop)
Another option is to work in the 3rd loop of the hdc stitch. As you crochet, the little V stitches get pushed forward, revealing a row of horizontal ridges that resembles a braid or chain.
How to find the 3rd loop?
As mentioned early, the third loop is on the wrong side of your crochet piece, under the back loop.
When working in rows, when you flip your crochet work over to crochet the next row (with the wrong side facing you), the third loop is under the front loop.
When working in rounds, the 3rd loop is on the wrong side of your crochet piece, just under the back loop.
Here’s how to perform hdc in the third loop:
- Turn your work so that the wrong side is facing you. YO, and insert your crochet hook into that loop;
- YO and pull up a loop;
- YO and draw through all three loops to complete the hdc.
- Here is what it looks like from the back!
Half Double Crochet Stitch Variations
HDC Ribbing Stitch
Ribbing stitch can be made in a few different ways, the most common of which is to crochet into the back loop only (back-loop hdc rib), and the other is to crochet into the third loop (3rd loop hdc rib). Both generate ridge patterns that resemble the texture of a ribbing fabric.
Camel Stitch
The camel stitch is one of the ribbing stitches, similar to the 3rd loop hdc rib but constructed in a slightly different way in row. It generates a ribbing pattern that looks like it was knitted.
Herringbone Stitch
The Herringbone Half Double Crochet stitch is abbreviated as hhdc. This stitch appears a little slanted when worked in rows. You’d only be tweaking the original instructions of a hdc.
Crunch Stitch
The crunch stitch involves working the hdc stitch and slip stitch alternatively.
Extended HDC
The extended half double crochet (ehdc) is like a hybrid between hdc and dc. It’s a slightly taller stitch than the normal hdc and produces a looser fabric.
Braided Crochet Stitch
The braided crochet stitch uses a combination of extended hdc stitch and slip stitch. You’d alternate between a row of ehdc and a row of slip stitches. Repeat this pattern for the following rows to achieve a gorgeous texture.
FAQ About Half Double Crochet Stitch
How to HDC in crochet?
Yarn over, insert hook into next stitch, yarn over again, and pull through all three loops on the hook.
What is HDC in UK terms?
HDC is referred to as Half Treble Crochet (HTR) in UK terms.
How many chain stitches do I need at the beginning of a row or round?
You will need two chain stitches for the turning chain in half double crochet. However, some patterns might call for 1 chain stitch for a reason.
Why am I having trouble pulling through all three loops?
Maybe your tensions are too tight. Try to loosen your crochet tensions a little and see if that helps!
Why is my stitch count not right?
You might have accidentally inserted a stitch into the chain two from the previous row. You can use a stitch marker to mark the last stitch of the previous row.
How do I differentiate between half double crochet and double crochet?
– HDC is shorter than DC
– HDC produces a tighter fabric than DC, which has a looser and stretchier fabric.
– HDC stitches resemble a T, whereas DC stitches resemble an F (a T with a short slanted bar in the middle).
How to find the front loop of hdc stitch?
The part of the V-shape stitch that is closest to you is the front loop.
How to find the back loop of hdc stitch?
The part of the V-shape stitch that is furthest from you is the back loop.
What is the third loop in half double crochet?
The 3rd loop of an hdc stitch is located underneath the top loops (front and back loop) of a stitch. It is often used to add texture to a project.
What’s next?
- Learn more about this craft through our basic crochet tutorials:
- Browse our library of free crochet patterns or see the below list of free and easy patterns to try out the stitch.
14 Crochet Patterns To Practice Half Double Stitch
Working with Half Double Crochet stitch is a great way to expand your abilities and explore new techniques. No matter what your current skill level is or what types of projects you want to create, there are many free patterns available that use hdc stitch.
Simple Solid Crochet Hexagon - Crochet Pattern
Measuring at 4”, these hexagon-shaped crochet pieces can be made into coasters, wall decorations, blankets, cushions, and more.
Beginner Crochet Potholder Pattern
Here’s a perfect project for beginners. It includes working hdc stitches in rows, completing two pieces of rectangles, and sewing them together.
Pretty Half Double Crochet V-Stitch Washcloth Pattern for Beginners
Practice your skills for chain stitch and hdc stitch with this washcloth project. The tutorial includes a free video, making it easy to follow through for beginners.
Watermelon Crochet Decoration
Here’s a crochet project that is worked in the round. Begin with a magic ring, followed by multiple rounds of half double crochet stitches. It’ll be useful to know how to increase in hdc as well.
Easy Crochet Hat Pattern – Chunky Ribbed Beanie
This is a thick and dense beanie made only with hdc stitches in the back loops. The final product measures at 12”, but you may refer to the given measurements to create a different size.
How to Crochet a Scarf - no experience needed! • Sewrella
This is a quick project to complete because of the combination of bulky yarn and hdc stitch. If you want the scarf to be wider, you can increase the number of chain stitches at the beginning.
Heart Jar Cozy Free Crochet Pattern
Dress up your old jars and bottles with this cozy. It’s completely customizable to fit different jar sizes; all you need to do is adjust the number of starting chains.
Free Crochet Coozie Cover Pattern
Gift these beautiful coozies as a housewarming present. You will be making half-double crochet stitches into different parts of a stitch, such as the back loop and 3rd loop.
Beginner Crochet Knotted Headband Pattern
The flexibility of HDC stitches is great for garment-related patterns. Upon completion, you’ll get a stretchy, knit-like headband.
Falling In Striped Crochet Blanket Pattern
This pattern uses a variation of the hdc – the herringbone half-double crochet stitch. You’ll find a detailed chart for different blanket sizes and a calculation on the pattern repeat for various color combinations.
Beginner Crochet Crop Top - free pattern + video tutorial
This crop top is made entirely with hdc stitches, giving it enough stretchiness without revealing too much. The tutorial comes with tips on adjusting the measurements to fit everybody.
Chunky Crochet Cowl - Layover Cowl Pattern- Blue Star Crochet
Customize this cowl to your desired size by increasing or reducing the stitches in a foundation chain or altering the number of rows. The designer included a video tutorial on creating the crossed design.
Minimalist Free Crochet Poncho Pattern
This crochet garment is made by only working hdc stitches into the back loops. Apart from that, it is a simple increase and decreases repeat pattern.
Crochet GrandPa Sweater Vest - Crochet with Carrie
Crochet the front and back panels separately and sew them with a tapestry needle. This pattern uses the BLO technique to create textured ribbings around the neckline and armhole.
How to Half Double Crochet
Learn how to make a half double crochet stitch. It's one of the six basic stitches
Materials
- Yarn
Tools
- Crochet Hook
Instructions
- With an active loop on your crochet hook, YO (yarn over) the working yarn;
- Insert hook into the next stitch;
- YO again and pull up a loop;
- You should see three loops on the crochet hook;
- YO for the last time and pull the working yarn through all three loops on the hook;
- There you have it, your first half double crochet stitch.
Notes
Get the full article at https://madefromyarn.com/how-to-half-double-crochet/ with more pictures and details.