Half Double Crochet: Learn How to Half Double Crochet

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The half double crochet is another basic crochet stitch that beginner crocheters should add to their repertoire. In fact, it is common to see this stitch abbreviated as HDC in crochet pattern.

So, in this crochet tutorial, you will learn how to do the half double crochet, step-by-step. Just to be clear, this tutorial explains how to make a US half double crochet.

A row of double crochet stitches made using orange yarn to a text area which says "Tutorial: Learn How to Half Double Crochet, thecrochetfox.com" next to 2 rows of half double crochet stitches

Table of Contents

What is the Half Double Crochet Stitch?

A half double crochet stitch is taller than a single crochet and shorter than a double crochet. It is created by using aspects of both stitches as it eliminates one step from the double crochet stitch. This makes a HDC about half as tall as the double crochet stitch.

The resulting fabric is quite similar to the one produced by the single crochet. In other words, the HDC produces a fairly tight fabric.

Half Double Crochet in UK Patterns

There is no such term as a half double crochet (HDC) in UK patterns. In UK crochet patterns, the same stitch is referred to as a half treble crochet (HTC).

Confused?

We have an article that clearly explains the differences between US and UK crochet terms. You can find this article here: Crochet Terms: The Differences between US vs UK Crochet Terms Explained.

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Double Crochet

Before starting your first row in half double crochet, you will need to make a slip knot and a foundation chain. You can find our step-by-step tutorials here, if you are not familiar with how to make these:

Working Row 1 in Half Double Crochet

How to Half Double Crochet: A crochet hook with 13 chains made using orange yarn

1.	Begin by making a slip knot.
2.	Chain 13 stitches (that is just what has been used for this example).
3.	From back to front, bring the working yarn over the crochet hook.
4.	Skip the first 2 chains from the hook.
5.	Insert your hook into the 3rd chain from the crochet hook. Ensure that you insert the hook through the center of the stitch (the V). Make sure the hook is under the back bar of the chain.

How to Half Double Crochet: A crochet hook with 13 chains and 3 loops on it made with orange yarn

1.	Bring the yarn over the crochet hook from back to front.
2.	Draw the working yarn through the chain stitch and up onto the working area of the hook.
3.	You should now have 3 loops on the crochet hook.

How to Half Double Crochet: A crochet hook with 13 chains and 3 loops with an arrow under them

How to Half Double Crochet: A crochet hook with 13 chains and 1 half double crochet

1.	From back to front, bring the yarn over the hook again.
2.	Pull the working yarn through all three loops on the hook in just one motion.
3.	You have now completed one half double crochet.

How to Half Double Crochet: A crochet hook with 12 half double crochet stitches made with orange yarn

1.	To finish the row, continue to work one half double crochet in each remaining chain across the row.
2.	After working in each chain across, count the number of half double crochet stitches.
3.	You should now have 12 double crochet stitches. That includes counting the first two chain stitches you skipped at the beginning of the row as a half double crochet.

Working Row 2 in Half Double Crochet

How to Half Double Crochet: A crochet hook with 12 half double crochet stitches made with orange yarn turned over

1.	Keep your crochet hook in the loop and turn your work counterclockwise – this will allow you to work back across the first row.

How to Half Double Crochet: A crochet hook with 12 double crochet stitches made and 2 chains

1.	Chain 2 to make a turning chain. This will bring your working yarn to the correct height for working the first stitch on row 2.
2.	The two chains in the turning chain counts as the first half double crochet of the new row. Therefore, skip the first half double crochet in Row 1.
3.	Work your next half double crochet into the second stitch in Row 1.

How to Half Double Crochet: A crochet hook with 2 layers of half double crochet stitches made and 3 loops

1.	Bringing the yarn over the hook from back to front (i.e., make a yarnover).
2.	Insert the hook under the top 2 loops of the second stitch in the row below.
3.	Make a yarnover and pull the working yarn through the two loops and up into the working area of the hook.
4.	You should now have 3 loops on the crochet hook.
5.	Make a yarnover and pull the working yarn through all of the three loops.

How to Half Double Crochet: A crochet hook with 12 half double crochet stitches on the first row and 11 half double crochet stitches on the second

1.	Repeat 1 to 5 in Step #3 in each remaining stitch across the previous row until you get to the end of the row.
2.	Make sure to work the last half double crochet into the top of the two skipped chains from Row 1. You do this by inserting the crochet hook into the center of the V (and back bar) of the top chain of the second chain of the turning chain.
3.	Count your half double crochet stitches – you should have 12 of them on the row.
4.	Continue repeating Row 2 until you have the desired height and fasten off.

Fastening Off

When you have achieved the desired height, you need to fasten off.

1.	After the last stitch, cut your yarn, leaving a 6-inch (approx. 15.5 cm) tail.
2.	Draw your crochet hook straight up, pulling the cut yarn tail completely through the loop on the hook.
3.	To close, pull the yarn tail tight.
4.	To secure the yarn tail, thread it onto a yarn needle.
5.	Weave back and forth through the stitches until it is secure.