Left-Handed Half Double Crochet: Learn How to Half Double Crochet

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Another basic crochet stitch that beginners can add to their repertoire is the half double crochet. As a matter of fact, crochet patterns often refer to it by its abbreviation HDC. For this tutorial, we will show you how to do a left-handed half-double crochet step-by-step.

In addition, it is important to note that in this tutorial, you will learn how to make the US half double crochet.

A row of half double crochet stitches made using orange yarn to a text area which says "Tutorial: Left-Handed Half Double Crochet, thecrochetfox.com" next to a row of half double crochet stitches with a chain made using orange yarn

What is the Half Double Crochet Stitch?

The half double crochet stitch is in fact taller than the single crochet, and also shorter than the double crochet. To create the HDC, you will need to use elements from both stitches. Doing so eliminates one step from the double crochet stitch. This also makes the HDC approximately half as tall as the double crochet stitch.

This stitch results in a kind of fabric that is a bit similar to the one that single crochet stitches create. That is, a fairly tight fabric.

Half Double Crochet in UK Patterns

In UK patterns, you will not see the term half double crochet (HDC). Instead, they use the term half treble crochet (HTC) to refer to what US crochet patterns call the HDC.

Confused?

We have an article that covers the differences between US and UK crochet terms. Check out the article here: Crochet Terms: The Differences Between US vs UK Crochet Terms Explained.

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Double Crochet

Before starting the first row in your half double crochet, you will have to make a slip knot and a foundation chain. For some useful step-by-step tutorials to help you with the two, you can check out these links:

Working Row 1 in Half Double Crochet

Left Handed Half Double Crochet Tutorial: A crochet hook with 13 chains made using orange yarn

1.	First, make a slip knot.
2.	Chain 13 stitches (this is for illustration purposes only).
3.	Bring the working yarn over the crochet hook from back to front.
4.	Then skip the first 2 chains from the crochet hook.
5.	Insert the hook into the 3rd chain from the crochet hook. Take care to insert the hook through the center (V-shaped) stitch. Also, ensure that the hook is under the back bar of the chain.

Left Handed Half Double Crochet Tutorial: A crochet hook with 13 chains and 3 loops on it made with orange yarn

1.	From back to front, bring the yarn over the hook.
2.	Pull the working yarn through the chain, up on to the working area of the hook.
3.	Now, you should have 3 loops on the hook.

Left Handed Half Double Crochet Tutorial: A crochet hook with 13 chains and 3 loops with an arrow under them

Left Handed Half Double Crochet Tutorial: A crochet hook with 13 chains and 1 half double crochet

1.	Again, bring the yarn over the crochet hook, back to front.
2.	Draw the working yarn through all 3 loops on the hook in a single motion.
3.	You have just created one half-double crochet.

Left Handed Half Double Crochet Tutorial: A crochet hook with 12 half double crochet stitches made with orange yarn

1.	Continue working one half double crochet in each remaining chain across the row to finish Row 1.
2.	Then count the number of half double crochet stitches once you are done working in each chain.
3.	You should have 12 double crochet stitches. Include in your count the first two chain stitches you skipped at the start of the row as HDC.

Working Row 2 in Half Double Crochet

Left Handed Half Double Crochet Tutorial: A crochet hook with 12 half double crochet stitches made with orange yarn turned over

1.	Keeping the hook in the loop, turn your work counterclockwise. This allows you to work back across the first row.

Left Handed Half Double Crochet Tutorial: A crochet hook with 12 double crochet stitches made and 2 chains

1.	To make a turning chain, chain 2. This brings your working yarn to the right height for working the first stitch on this row.
2.	Count the two chains in the turning chain as the first half double crochet of the new row. Consequently, you can skip the first half double crochet in Row 1.
3.	Then work the next half double crochet into the second stitch in Row 1.

Left Handed Half Double Crochet Tutorial: A crochet hook with 2 layers of half double crochet stitches made and 3 loops

1.	Make a yarnover by bringing the yarn over the hook, back to front.
2.	Insert the hook below the top 2 loops of the second stitch in the row underneath.
3.	Make another yarnover and draw the working yarn through the 2 loops and up into the working area of the hook.
4.	You now have 3 loops on your crochet hook.
5.	Once more, make a yarnover and pull the working yarn through all 3 loops on the hook.

Left Handed Half Double Crochet Tutorial: A crochet hook with 12 half double crochet stitches on the first row and 11 half double crochet stitches on the second

1.	In each remaining stitch across the previous row, repeat 1 to 5 in Step #3 until you reach the end of the row.
2.	Ensure that you work the last HDC into the top of the two chains from Row 1 that you skipped. To do this, insert the hook into the center of the V and the back bar of the top chain of the second chain of your turning chain.
3.	Count the number of half double crochet stitches. You now have 12 double crochet stitches on this row.

Fastening Off

Once you reach the desired height, you will need to fasten off.

1.	Cut the yarn after the last stitch, leaving a 6-inch (about 15.5 cm) tail.
2.	Drawing the hook straight up, pull the cut yarn tail totally through the loop on the crochet hook.
3.	Pull the yarn tail tightly to close.
4.	Then thread it onto a yarn needle to secure the yarn tail.
5.	Finally, weave back and forth through the stitches until tail end is secured.