Crochet · stitch tutorial
How to half double crochet (hdc): step by step
To half double crochet (hdc), yarn over, insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop so there are 3 loops on the hook, then yarn over and pull through all 3 at once. It's between single and double crochet in height, and in UK terms it's a half treble (htr).
Half double crochet, step by step
- Yarn over. Wrap the yarn over the hook once, back to front.
- Insert the hook. Under both top loops of the stitch, or into the chain.
- Pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull it through the stitch: 3 loops on the hook.
- Pull through all 3. Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops in one movement. Done.
Starting a row and the turning chain
On a starting chain, the first half double crochet usually goes into the 3rd chain from the hook. At the start of each next row, chain 2 and turn. Whether that chain counts as a stitch depends on the pattern, so count your stitches at the end of the first two rows against the number it gives.
Increase and decrease
- Increase: 2 half double crochet in the same stitch.
- Decrease (hdc2tog): yarn over, insert in the next stitch, pull up a loop (3 loops); yarn over, insert in the stitch after, pull up a loop (5 loops); yarn over and pull through all 5.
The third loop
Half double crochet has a third loop: a horizontal bar just below the top V, on the side facing away from you. Working into that third loop pushes the top loops forward and makes a raised, knit-look ridge; it's used for ribbed brims and borders.
hdc, sc or dc?
Half double crochet is quicker than single crochet but still fairly dense, so it's a good choice for hats, scarves and blankets where you want warmth without gaps. Compare all three: single crochet vs double crochet and how to double crochet.
Questions
What is half double crochet in UK terms?
A half treble (htr). It's the same stitch with a different name; UK patterns call a US double crochet a treble.
Does the chain 2 count as a stitch in half double crochet?
It depends on the pattern. Many modern patterns say the chain 2 does not count, so you work the first hdc into the first stitch. Check the stitch count the pattern gives at the end of the row.
How do I decrease in half double crochet (hdc2tog)?
Yarn over, insert in the next stitch and pull up a loop (3 loops), yarn over, insert in the stitch after and pull up a loop (5 loops), then yarn over and pull through all 5.
Why is it hard to pull through all 3 loops?
The loops are too tight on the hook. Pull up the first loop to the height of the hook's widest part, or try a hook half a size bigger.
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