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How To Do A Half Double Crochet (HDC)

Half double crochet stitch, here we come! A half double crochet is one of the four basic stitches. It sounds more complicated than it really is. The half double crochet stitch is taller than the single crochet but shorter than the double crochet. It is personally my favorite stitch! I can’t tell you why because I don’t really know, but I find myself using it more often than the others.

With the half double crochet stitch, you will be pulling through three loops. Before I confuse you any more, let’s get into the tutorial. But first, let me tell you about the Learn to Crochet the Easy Way Series I created just for you.

Pinterest image with half double crochet swatch linking to blog post titled "How To Half Double Crochet For Complete Beginners Step By Step Picture & Video Tutorials (right and left handed)"

Learn to Crochet the Easy Way

Within the Learn to Crochet the Easy Way series, you will find a list of tutorials for beginner crocheters. If you are new to crochet and are interested in turning this into a hobby you love (with the least amount of frustration as possible), I highly suggest you check it out.

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How To Do A Half Double Crochet (HDC)

For this tutorial, I am using a medium weight yarn (#4) and a 5mm crochet hook. I recommend, when you’re first starting out, to use the same. Also, I recommend using a lighter color so that you can really see and count your stitches.

Getting Started

Create a slip knot and chain 18

Wrap your yarn around the back of your hook over to the front (this is called “yarn over”) and insert your hook into the 3rd chain from your hook. (the loop around your hook does not count as a chain)

Yarn over and pull the yarn back through the chain. You will have 3 loops on your hook.

Yarn over and pull through all three loops.

That’s your very first half double crochet!

half-double-crochet-stitch-for-beginners

Let’s try it together one more time.

Yarn over and insert your hook into the next chain.

Yarn over and pull that strand back through the chain. You will have 3 loops on your hook.

Yarn over and pull through all three loops.

Continue half double crocheting in each chain down the row.

Crocheting into the foundation chain is the toughest part as a beginner. Once you get a couple rows down it will become easier to grip your yarn. You can do it!

Once you’ve reached the end of the row, you should have 16 half double crochet stitches total (the two chains that you skipped at the beginning of the foundation chain counts as a half double crochet).

half-double-crochet-stitch-for-beginners

Chain 2 and turn your work so you’re facing the back of the row you just created.

*NOTE: The very first stitch in a row is known as a “false” stitch. The chain 2 at the beginning of each row counts as a half double crochet stitch. This means it’s as if the chain was worked from that stitch. You will make your first half double crochet into the next stitch (pay attention to the photos!).

Yarn over and insert your hook under both loops of the next stitch.

Yarn over, pull through. You will have 3 loops on your hook. Yarn over, pull through all three loops.

Continue half double crocheting in each stitch down to the end of the row.

half-double-crochet-stitch-for-beginners
half-double-crochet-stitch-for-beginners

IMPORTANT: Don’t forget about that last stitch! Because the chain 2 at the beginning of each row counts as a stitch, you’ll be crocheting into the top chain of the chain 2. Sometimes it can be a little tricky to find.

Remember to always count your stitches at the end of each row to make sure you’re on track.

half-double-crochet-stitch-for-beginners

Continue to repeat Row 2 until you feel completely comfortable with the half double crochet stitch. The longer you go, the easier it’ll get and the faster you’ll get to making projects!

Want to put that practice to good use?

I understand that in the beginning, you’re really excited to get going and practicing isn’t very fun when you don’t feel like you’re actually making something. If you’re one of those people (like I am), I’ve got a solution for you.

Rip back all of the rows you just did and start over.

If you can, pick up some 100% cotton yarn the next time you go to the store. You can find Lily Sugar ‘n Cream or Peaches & Creme super cheap at Walmart! You can also find them on Amazon, but they’re a lot more expensive for some reason.

Simple Half Double Crochet Washcloth Pattern

Chain 22, and follow the steps above. Half double crochet row after row until your project is about the size of a square (or longer if you prefer).

This could easily become your very own facecloth or a washcloth for your dishes! You practiced, your stitches look better and better after each row, and you made something you can actually use! Can it get any better than that?

An hour ago you might have felt intimidated by the half double crochet stitch, but now you’re on your way to becoming a pro. We briefly went over the basic stitches, the learn to crochet the easy way series, and then went on the learn the half double crochet stitch.

I hope this crochet tutorial was easy for you to implement and understand. You might have even finished your first project! If you’re having trouble learning how to keep track of your stitches, I highly suggest checking out one of my other posts, Counting Crochet Stitches and Rows.

It is jam-packed with a ton of great tips and tricks to make counting your stitches a whole lot easier! Plus, it will help immensely with keeping the edges of your work straight!

How are you feeling about the half double crochet stitch now? Let me know in the comments or send me an email at [email protected]. I would love to hear about your progress.


Next in the Learn to Crochet the Easy Way Series:

By the way, I’ve put together a quick-read, free beginners guide that you should really check out! The free eBook provides 13 essential, detailed tips that a lot of beginners don’t know and would truly benefit from! Get your free guide by signing up for my email list below!


The Crochet’dy Bunch Facebook Group

I created a Facebook Group just for you! We’re calling ourselves the Crochet’dy Bunch and I would love for you to join. We have daily threads that include:

  • Motivational Mondays
  • Tip Tuesday
  • WIP Wednesday
  • Tutorial Thursday
  • Chit Chat Friday!

In this group we talk about all things crochet, dive deeper into tutorials, and share tons of laughs! Plus, there’s a video tutorial for every picture tutorial. If you join the group and have any questions about this post or would like me to go over something I didn’t cover, feel free to leave a question on the wall or send me a message!

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