How to Half Double Crochet for Beginners (hdc)

Learn how to half double crochet! Half double crochet (or an hdc crochet) is a versatile stitch, fitting neatly between single crochet and double crochet. If you are looking at the height of stitches, it can be confusing. The half double crochet has more height than a single but is not as tall as a double crochet.

What Is Half Double Crochet?

Half double crochet (hdc) is a basic crochet stitch that sits between single crochet and double crochet in height. It creates a soft, textured fabric with more drape than single crochet while remaining denser than double crochet. Because half double crochet works up quickly and creates smooth, even fabric, it is commonly used for:

• blankets
• scarves
• hats
• sweaters
• baby items
• crochet accessories

Half Double Crochet Stitch (Step by Step)

1. Crochet a Foundation Chain

Create a slip knot and make your foundation chain stitch in your desired length. The turning chain for half double crochet is 2 chains. Add these extra 2 chains to your foundation chain and make sure you have an even number of stitches.

2. Yarn Over & Insert Hook

Wrap your yarn from back to front around your crochet hook once. Insert your hook into the third chain from the hook. Don’t count the chain which is on the hook.

3. Yarn Over & Pull Through

Pull through and draw up a loop. There should be 3 loops on your hook.

❤️ BEGINNER TIP: This is the same movement as if you were making a double crochet stitch. If you were doing single crochet, there would be no yarn over. This extra wrap of yarn is what adds height to your half-double crochet stitch.

4. Yarn Over & Pull Through 3 Loops

Yarn over again. Draw this last loop through all 3 loops on your hook at once.

5. Complete Rest of First Row

Well done, you have made your first half double crochet stitch! Continue making hdc stitches all the way along your foundation chain.

1. Yarn over. Insert hook through next chain stitch (through the 2 loops)
2. Pull the yarn through so you have 3 loops on the hook
3. Yarn over. Pull through all 3 loops so you have 1 loop on the hook.

6. Crochet Additional Rows

Chain 2 for the turning chain and turn your work. The back of the work will now be facing you.

Remember not to start in the first chain from the crochet hook unless the pattern tells you to do so. Continue working in hdc all the way across your row, inserting the hook into both the top loops of each hdc from the previous row.

When you get to the end, work the last hdc stitch into the second chain of the 2-chain turn. Repeat for more rows.

Counting Stitches in Half Double Crochet

You can either count the ‘v’s’ formed by your stitches, or the loops at the top of each stitch. Or you can count the ‘posts’ of the stitches, which are the bits which go down vertically. At the end of each row, count your stitches to be sure you have the correct number. If you have too many stitches you may be working into the turning chain of the row. If your crochet fabric has uneven edges, this could also be from working into the turning chain.

Half Double Crochet Basics

Increasing Half Double Crochet Stitch

This is relatively easy; you simply work 2 stitches into 1 chain or 1 stitch from the previous row.

Decreasing Half Double Crochet Stitch

There are three ways to go about this.

Simply skip a stitch in your desired spot. This is by far the simplest method. Although it may look like a large hole since I used extra thick yarn, this is hardly noticeable in a fine yarn.

The second method of decreasing is the half double crochet 2 together, where 2 stitches are combined into 1.

The last method is the invisible hdc decrease.

1. Yarn over, insert hook into front loop only of next stitch. Insert hook into front loop only of the following stitch.
2. Yarn over and draw through 2 loops. (3 loops)
3. Yarn over again and draw through all the loops on your hook.

How to Half Double Crochet In The Round

Half double crochet can also be worked in the round for hats, baskets, amigurumi, and circular crochet projects. Join each round with a slip stitch and chain 2 to begin the next round. More about how to crochet a circle.

❤️ BEGINNER TIP: It may help to mark the beginning of each row with a stitch marker.

Crochet Projects Using Half Double Crochet

You can use half double crochet for many projects. It makes up faster than single crochet and is still warm and dense.

HDC Variations

Here are 3 variations using the half double crochet:

1. Crochet Ribbing – HDC can be used to make a rib-like stitch that is perfect for scarves and beanies. Instead of stitching through both loops of the row underneath, you insert the hook through the back loop only (blo).
2. V Stitch – Just as you can make a V stitch with double crochet stitches, you can make a tighter V stitch using half double crochet. Your ‘v’s’ will not be as clear as double crochet V-stitch, but you will end up with a lacy-looking fabric.

Half Double Crochet vs Single and Double Crochet

Half double crochet sits between single crochet and double crochet in both height and texture.

Stitch	Height	Texture	Speed
Single Crochet (sc)	Shortest	Dense and firm	Slowest
Half Double Crochet (hdc)	Medium	Soft with moderate drape	Medium
Double Crochet (dc)	Tallest	Open and airy	Fastest

Half Double Crochet Troubleshooting

Here are some common half-double crochet problems and how to fix them.

Problem	Cause	Solution
Uneven edges	Missed turning chains	Count stitches carefully
Tight stitches	Tight tension	Relax grip slightly
Holes in fabric	Loose tension	Tighten stitches evenly
Uneven rows	Inconsistent stitch height	Pull loops evenly
Curled foundation row	Tight starting chain	Use larger hook for chain

Half Double Crochet FAQs

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In Conclusion

Half double crochet is one of the most useful beginner crochet stitches because it creates textured fabric that works up quickly while still maintaining warmth. Sitting between single crochet and double crochet in height, hdc offers an excellent balance of density and drape. Because half double crochet is easy to learn and highly versatile, it is ideal for blankets, scarves, hats, garments, baby items, and many other crochet projects.

Related Articles

• Back Post Half Double
• Front Post Half Double
• Foundation Half Double