Foundation Half Double Crochet (FHDC), Chainless Step-by-Step Guide

Foundation half double crochet (fhdc) is a chainless crochet technique that lets you create your starting chain and first row simultaneously. In this step-by-step tutorial, you’ll learn how to do foundation half double crochet easily and avoid tight or uneven starting chains. This crochet starting method is perfect for use on blanket patterns, clothing, scarves, and any pattern that starts with a half double crochet edge.

What is a Foundation Half Double Crochet?

Chainless half double foundation crochet stitches are just what they sound like. The chainless foundation stitch approach is a different way to begin a new crochet piece. You will not crochet a number of chains and then work your first row into these chains with this technique. Instead, you will make each chain and corresponding stitch at the same time.

Want to learn more crochet stitches? See the complete guide to crochet stitches and types.

Anyone who understands the basics of crochet will tell you that you must always begin your piece with a foundation chain and then add your chosen design. But there is another way to start your crochet borders without counting out that tedious long chain—chainless foundation half double crochet stitches!

This article will focus on the half double crochet foundation (fhdc). Fhdc is a variation of the foundation single crochet stitch (fsc) technique. The difference is that fhdc creates half double crochet stitches instead of single crochet stitches.

Foundation Half Double Crochet (Step by Step)

Do you want to start a new project without making that long chain? In these step-by-step instructions, you’ll learn why chainless half double foundations are a great way to start a crochet project.

If you are working with British terminology, this same stitch would be called foundation half treble crochet. (fhtc)

Here is how to do a chainless half double crochet stitch:

1. First FHDC Stitch

• STEP 1 – Start with a slip knot, chain 2.

• STEP 2 – Yarn over, insert hook through the second chain from the hook.

• STEP 3 – Yarn over and pull through. (3 stitches on hook)

• STEP 4 – Yarn over and pull through the first loop on the hook. (This is your foundation row’s first chain.) (3 stitches on hook)

• STEP 5 – Yarn over and pull your hook through the three loops. The first fhdc has been created. Quick and easy!

2. Second Foundation Half Double Crochet

• STEP 6 – Yarn over and slip the hook through the additional “chain” created in step 4. The hook must be inserted into the bottom “v” of the chain.

• STEP 7 – Yarn over and pull through a loop. (Three loops on hook)

• STEP 8 – Yarn over and pull through the first loop on hook, resulting in a chain 1. Pull this chain up loosely. This is your foundation row’s next “chain.”

• STEP 9 – Yarn over and pull your hook through the three loops. The second fhdc is made.

3. Half Double Crochet Foundation Row

Steps 6 to 9 should be repeated until the desired row length is obtained. Be sure to concentrate on working a chain and then a half double crochet into each previous chain. It is easy to forget the chain part of the step!

Once you have worked that first row of half-double crochet stitches, you are ready to start with the stitch pattern of your choice for the rest of your crochet item.

Tips and Tricks for FHDC

One piece of advice is to not to pull your stitches too tightly so that your foundation half-double row doesn’t curl. To do this, after pulling up the initial loop in a stitch, the hook should be held perpendicular to the foundation row. This prevents the bottom of the row from being significantly tighter than the top, which leads to less curling overall.

As a second piece of advice, as you draw through the initial loop on your hook, try to make it lie to the left so that all of your stitches have the same appearance. It will want to lie that way naturally, but I’ve found that giving each stitch a light push with my thumb (also to the left) on the foundation row helps it turn out beautifully.

Why Use Foundation Half Double Crochet Instead of Chains?

1. Because of chain counting errors, you end up having to start projects over and over.
2. You find it boring to work the long chain and it is sometimes difficult to crochet into the beginning chain because those chain stitches can be tight!
3. Instead of a smooth, straight edge, the first row of your project has an uneven base.
4. You want the first row to be a little bit looser. Crochet chains are often too tight, but a foundation row without chains is much more flexible.

I’m sure all of you have been at chain number 189,  concentrating carefully, counting, when someone walks in and starts talking to you! Extremely frustrating! You have lost the stitch count and must start all over again! Now you can learn a new technique that allows you to count stitches even if you lose your stitch count!

When to Use Foundation Half Double Crochet?

Most crochet patterns begin with a long line of chain stitches to form a starting chain, then return to work the stitches for the first row into that chain foundation. Chainless half double crochet foundation stitches, on the other hand, replace this entire process, allowing you to work your chain stitches and first row of stitches at the same time. It is excellent for finishing the edge of a garment, a large blanket, or anything else you choose to name.

The fhdc can be used on any project that starts with a row of half double crochet. The half double crochet stitch creates a crocheted cloth that is hole-free and sturdy. So if your project is a hdc project, this type of foundation row is ideal.

Fixing Common Fhdc Problems

• Edge too tight? Pull up the first loop higher before completing each stitch.
• Row curling? Keep the chain section loose and consistent.
• Hard to find chains? Use a stitch marker every 10 stitches.
• Uneven stitches? Slow down and focus on forming the chain first.

Foundation Half Double Crochet FAQs

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In Conclusion

That’s all there is to the foundation half double crochet stitch, sometimes known as fhdc. I hope you liked learning this interesting basic crochet stitch! Fhdc is not difficult to learn, but it may take a bit of practice to get the hang of it. Once you master the technique, you’ll find that it’s a useful skill to have in your crochet toolbox. Remember that any stitch may be used to create a foundation row following the same logic as the fhdc!

• Foundation single crochet (fsc)
• Foundation double crochet (fdc)
• Foundation treble crochet (ftc)