Half Double Crochet Stitch

A half double crochet stitch is a basic crochet stitch that is slightly taller than the single crochet stitch, but shorter than the double crochet stitch. It is one of the first stitches you learn as a new crocheter, right after the single crochet.

Below, we’ll explain to you how to half double crochet with a photo tutorial and share some easy crochet patterns using half double crochets as well. As a beginner with this tutorial, you’ll be able to learn how to half double crochet easily and use it in a variety of the granny squares here on This is Crochet if you wish.

how to half double crochet

What is a Half Double Crochet Stitch?

The half double crochet stitch or hdc abbreviated is quite similar to the single and double crochet stitches, but with a few minor differences. A half double crochet is started with a yarn over (yo) the hook, unlike a single crochet stitch where no yarn over is made.

The difference of a half double crochet from a double crochet, is that at the end of the stitch you’ll pull through three loops on the hook instead of continuing on.

Here in the US, it’s called a half double crochet. And in the UK, it’s called a half treble crochet.

sc vs hdc vs dc vs tr vs dtr

Other HDC Stitches

There are a few variations of the half double crochet stitch, which you should know about as well. While the tutorial below only shows the basic HDC stitch, these various altered stitches will regularly come up in patterns that have shaping requirements.

The half double crochet increase (hdc inc) is where you work two stitches in one stitch of the previous row. This will effectively add an extra stitch to your current row, increasing the count by one.

The half double crochet decrease (hdc dec) – sometimes referred to as the hdc 2 Together (hdc2tog) – is the opposite of the increase. This is where you turn two stitches into one, thus reducing the total number of stitches in the row by one.

The increase and decrease HDC stitches are usually used to help you shape a crochet pattern. Conversely, the next ones are primarily used to create unique textures.

Crocheting the HDC stitch through the back loop only (blo) is used in patterns to either help keep certain stitches aligned, to join in amigurumi projects, or just to add a decorative texture.

The HDC front loop only (flo) is when you do a half double crochet stitch, but instead of going under both loops of the stitch you’re working in, you only insert your crochet hook under the front loop.

How to Make Half Double Crochet Stitches

To half double crochet, you will need a crochet hook and some yarn. The example uses Lion Brand Heartland yarn in the color Voyageurs and a 5 mm crochet hook.

Hold the yarn in your non-dominant hand, and the crochet hook in your dominant hand.

Simply follow along with the written tutorial below, and you will be on your way to crocheting a half double crochet stitch.

  • Start by making a slip knot on the crochet hook.
  • Crochet a foundation chain (aka chain stitch) of any amount
  • Yarn over the hook, insert the hook from front to back of the second chain from the hook.
  • Yarn over the hook again and pull back through the stitch (aka pick up a loop)
  • Yarn over the hook and pull back through all three loops on the hook. This completes a half double crochet stitch!

A half double crochet is a stitch that is considered basic and beginner level, since it usually the second stitch learned after the single crochet.

Half Double Crochet

The half double crochet’s symbol when shown in diagrams is this:

Stitch Symbol

Notes:

  • This stitch tutorial is written in US standard crochet terms.
  • Stitch Abbreviation: hdc

Stitch Description:

The half double crochet (abbreviated as hdc) is a beginner stitch that is a little taller than a single crochet, but shorter than a double crochet.

The Tutorial:

Row 1: Start by making a slip knot. Next make a foundation chain of your desired length, (the example shows 10) Yarn over (yo) the hook from back to front. insert it into the second chain from the hook.

*Yarn over the hook again, and pull up a loop. You should have three loops on the hook. Yarn over again, and pull through all three loops on the hook. ** This completes your first half double crochet stitch.

To make the next stitch, yarn over the hook, insert it into the next chain, and repeat from * to ** Continue making half double crochet stitches in each chain across the row.

 

Row 2 to ?: At the end of the row, chain two (ch 2) and turn your work. To start the next row, yarn over the hook and insert it into the second stitch from the hook.

Repeat from * to ** across. Continue making half double crochet stitches across the row.

Repeat row 2 for any number of rows you’d like.

Finishing: To finish your work, cut the yarn and pull it through the last loop on the hook. Weave in any loose ends with a yarn needle.

The Half Double Crochet Gallery

Here are a number of detail photos that should help you understand the Half Double Crochet a little better. My stitch tutorials aim to be as complete as possible to help you learn as easily as you can. I attempt to include both right- and left-hand photos, different yarn weights, and even a swatch diagram when I find the time to make one up! I hope these extra images help you learn the half double crochet a little easier!

Stitch Diagram
Swatch Diagram

The Stitch Diagram

This diagram is a symbol representation for how we created the swatch in the above tutorial. The symbol definition explains how the swatch is worked from the right side (right handed).

In Various Yarn Weights

In order to show the greatest detail of the half double crochet, I wanted to crochet up a swatch in varying yarn weights. Here are some of the samples:

Detail: Light / Yarn Weight #3
Light / Yarn Weight #3
Detail: Medium / Yarn Weight #4
Medium / Yarn Weight #4
Detail: Super Bulky / Yarn Weight #6
Super Bulky / Yarn Weight #6

Crochet Patterns Using Half Double Crochets

With practice, you will get better at creating a half double crochet and be able to use it in your crochet projects. Take a look below at a few of our favorite half double crochet stitch patterns for beginners to make.

Here are some half double crochet patterns for beginners:

  1. Crochet Cowl Pattern: This simple cowl uses on the half double crochet stitch and works up quickly too.
  2. Half Double Crochet Blanket: Make a beginner half double crochet blanket with this free pattern. It works up fast as well and is extra easy to crochet, which means you’ll have a cozy blanket in no time.

I hope you enjoyed the free patterns above!

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