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How to Crochet: Half Double Crochet

Updated: Oct 10, 2023


Learn how to crochet the half-double (abbreviated hdc) crochet stitch. This stitch is a little longer and bulkier than the single crochet and as the name states, it eliminates one step from the double crochet stitch and works up about half as tall.

Half Double Crochet Instructions

  1. Begin by making a chain of 12 chain stitches (ch 12). The first 10 chain stitches make your foundation chain; the last 2 make your turning chain.

  2. Yarn over the hook (yo) and insert your hook in the third chain from the hook. Remember to yarn over from back to front.

  3. Yarn over the hook and gently pull the wrapped hook through the center of the chain stitch, carrying the wrapped yarn through the stitch. Now, you should have 3 loops on your hook.

  4. Yarn over the hook and draw your yarn through all three loops on your hook.

One half double crochet (hdc) stitch is complete. You should have one loop remaining on your hook.


To finish your first row, work 1 double crochet stitch in each successive chain stitch across the foundation chain, beginning in the next chain of the foundation chain.


You should have 10 half-double crochet stitches in row 1.


Chain 2 (ch2). (These are your turning chains and get up to the right level for the next row.)


Turn your work so that the back side is facing you. This allows you to start on Row 2.

Repeat Steps 2 through 4 into each of the 10 half double crochet (dc) stitches. You should have 10 stitches in row 2. Repeat these steps for each additional row. Do not stitch in the turning chain or you will add a stitch to the row. Continue until you feel comfortable working this stitch.


Fastening Off

After the last stitch, cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch end. As you do when you take your crochet hook out for a break, draw the hook straight up, but this time draw the cut yarn end completely through the stitch. Pull the 6-inch end to close.


Notes: Don’t work a stitch into the top of the turning chain. Doing so produces an extra stitch, and if you continue to add a stitch in each row, your design gets wider and wider while it gets longer and longer. Be sure to count your stitches frequently to make sure that you haven’t inadvertently gained (or lost) any stitches along the way.


To learn how to make the single crochet just follow this link https://wisdompreserved.life/how-to-crochet-single-crochet/


For helpful how-to videos just visit our YouTube channel by following this link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCClHdEfsiSI8nmUbUoa6lKQ

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