Front Post Half Double Crochet (fphdc) Made Easy

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Front post half double crochet (fphdc) is a helpful stitch to have on hand. From front post single crochet to front post double treble crochet, front post stitches can be employed in a variety of crocheting applications and projects. Beginners and experienced crocheters alike can learn the fphdc crochet to add unique texture and style to an assortment of crocheting projects.

How to Front Post Half Double Crochet (Quick Guide)

Here is a quick summary of the FPHDC steps.

Yarn over.
Insert the hook around the front of the stitch post.
Yarn over and pull up a loop. (3 loops on hook)
Yarn over.
Pull through all 3 loops.
Repeat across the row as required.

What is Front Post Half Double Crochet

Front post half double crochet (FPHDC) is a textured crochet stitch worked around the post of a stitch instead of through the top loops. This creates raised vertical ridges that stand out from the fabric and add texture without creating large gaps. Because half double crochet is shorter than double crochet, FPHDC creates a denser fabric than front post double crochet while still producing attractive ribbing and texture. It is commonly used for blankets, scarves, garments, baskets, and decorative crochet patterns.

The hdc crochet acronym stands for half double crochet, which is, of course, the basis for fphdc. It can be used to make a number of basic crochet stitches. This tutorial will show you how to pick up and work around the front post in half double crochet. Working around the front of a post crochet stitch from the row before gives the crochet fabric an interesting raised ridge.

Crochet front post is done by inserting the hook from the front and going around the post of the crochet stitch from the previous row. The post of your stitch is the tall, vertical part of the stitch that gives the stitch its height.

How to Front Post Half Double Crochet (fphdc) Step By Step

Here are the written instructions for fphdc

Abbreviations

All instructions are in US terms. Read more crochet terminology.

fphdc = front post half double crochet
ch = chain stitch crochet
hdc = half double crochet stitch
dc = double crochet stitch
sl st(s) = slip stitch crochet

In UK terminology, the hdc stitch is called a half treble stitch. This is exactly the same stitch, just with a different name. If you are using a pattern written in the UK please take note of this.

1. Foundation Row of Hdc

Start with a foundation chain of 14 stitches (or your desired length) for a small trial swatch.
Chain 2 (for turning chain). Work 1 row of regular half double crochet.

2. First Front Post

Turn, chain 2. Work 1 regular half double crochet.
Yarn over hook. Insert hook through the stitch post. (The hook must be horizontal with the stitch post in front of it.)

Draw yarn through (3 loops on the hook).

Yarn over the hook.
Pull the hook through all three loops (1 loop on hook). Your first front post half double crochet (fphdc) is now complete.

3. Continue FPHDC Row

Continue along the row to complete a whole row of fphdc.
Work a regular half double crochet into the final stitch of the row.

4. Regular Hdc Row

Turn, chain 2.
Work ordinary half double crochets along the next row.

5. Repeat the FPHDC Pattern

Repeat rows 2 and 3 until you have a swatch the required length. On the wrong side, you will see raised ridges that give a textured appearance.

Front Post Half Double Crochet Notes

Skill Level: Confident Beginner
Abbreviation: FPHDC
Technique Type: Crochet Post Stitch
Worked In: Rows and rounds
Texture: Raised ridges
Best For: Blankets, scarves, baskets, garments, ribbing
Special Technique: Working around the stitch post instead of the top loops

FPHDC creates textured crochet fabric with more structure than standard half double crochet.

Front Post Half Double Crochet Techniques

Increasing FPHDC

Traditional increases are made by working two stitches together in the same stitch. To make a front post increase, crochet one stitch into the top of a stitch and one stitch around the post of the same stitch.

So working along your row of hdc, where you need to increase, you work it like this:

Insert your hook into the top of the hdc in the previous row, just as you would work a normal hdc. Work the hdc stitch.

Now insert your hook around the post of that same stitch, and work your front post half double crochet stitch.

You have now worked 2 stitches into one, so have increased by one stitch. Repeat as needed for as many stitches as you need to increase. When you are working on the next row, be sure to work into both of these stitches.

Decreasing FPHDC

To decrease, you will be working 2 together:

Work along your row of hdc, where you need to decrease.
Yarn over, and insert hook through the post of the next stitch.

Yarn over and pull up a loop (3 stitches on hook) – Do not complete the stitch.

Yarn over, insert hook into front post of next stitch.
Yarn over, pull up a loop (5 stitches on hook).

Yarn over, and pull the loop through all stitches on the hook.

You have now reduced 2 stitches to only 1, so decreased a stitch. Repeat as many times as you need to decrease.

Front Post Half Double Crochet FAQs

Can I make anything with fphdc?

You can substitute this fabric for any pattern that calls for a half double crochet stitch. It will give your craft a nice textured touch and may be used to create everything that can be crocheted, such as scarves, blankets, bags, sweaters, home décor, and so on. FPHDC will give you a firmer fabric than a front post double crochet, because the height of the stitches is smaller, so there are fewer gaps between stitches.

What can go wrong with fphdc crochet stitch?

Once you have the technique of front post stitches down pat, very little can go wrong. You may on occasion, forget the insert the hook into the post, but you will soon pick up the different look of the stitch. The other problem you may have is forgetting to work a row of ordinary hdc in between your front post rows. You will pick this up when you struggle to find a post to insert your hook into!

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Front Post Half Double Crochet – In Conclusion

Although the front post half double crochet stitch is less popular than other post stitches, it is still useful to master. It’s a simple stitch to learn, especially if you’ve already mastered the other post stitch equivalents. This post stitch creates beautiful textures. So, what are you holding out for? Start practicing all of the methods in this post with your favorite hook and yarn! You’ll be a front post half double crochet pro in no time at all!