Are we allowed to have favorites? I hope so because, hands down, the half double crochet stitch is my first choice. It flows, it builds, it creates a beautiful fabric. I just love it. In this post I will provide you with the written steps on how to half double crochet and offer a quick video tutorial as well. In the video and the article below I outline several notable characteristics about the type of fabric the half double crochet makes so you can familiarize yourself with not just HOW to do it but WHY you might want to use this stitch in various different crochet projects.
I also include photo tutorials and explanations about: all 3 loops created by the half double crochet (HDC) stitch, how to increase and decrease with HDC, how the stitch compares to other stitches and how to handle the HDC turning chain.
So, are you read to become a HALF DOUBLE CROCHET MASTER!?
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INTRODUCING THE HALF DOUBLE CROCHET STITCH:
The half double crochet stitch is one of the most basic crochet stitches. It will be one of the first stitches you learn to make and one of the stitches you will see used most often. It is performed in the exact same way a single crochet is made, with the addition of one more yarn-over at the very start which gives the finished stitch a third loop that is uniquely identifiable to the half double crochet.
ABBREVIATION:
In a pattern using US terms, the half double crochet stitch is abbreviated HDC. In UK terms, it is called the half treble crochet stitch.
HEIGHT:
The half double crochet stitch is taller than a single crochet, but shorter than a double crochet. It is taller than it is wide.
VERSATILITY:
The half double crochet (HDC) stitch is highly versatile. It can be used when crocheting rows or rounds. It can be made by crocheting into any of the 3 different loops created by a crochet stitch (illustrated and discussed below). It can be increased or decreased (also discussed below).
HALF DOUBLE CROCHET FABRIC CHARACTERISTICS:
- Compared to the dense fabric created with a single crochet, the half double crochet provides more flexibility and drape because the posts are slightly taller.
- It will create a fabric that has a minor amount of breathability.
- It will build your fabric more quickly than a single crochet because it is a taller stitch.
HOW TO HALF DOUBLE CROCHET IN MANY WAYS:
As we’ve highlighted already, the half double crochet (HDC) is highly versatile. So, let’s practice! Below you will find written steps as well as video tutorial on how to make a half double crochet stitch. We cover the basics, as well as get down to the nitty gritty about all the 3 different loops, as well as increasing and decreasing while using the HDC.
When you’re done here you will be an HDC Master!
WRITTEN STEPS:
- Yarn over hook
- Insert your hook into the next stitch
- Yarn over and pull up a loop (you now have 3 loops on your hook)
- Yarn over again and pull through all loops on your hook
WRITTEN STEPS WITH PHOTO TUTORIALS:
1.Yarn over hook from back to front:
2. Insert the hook into the next stitch
3. Yarn over and pull up a loop (you now have 3 loops on your hook)
4. Yarn over again
5. Pull through all 3 loops on the hook (you’re left with just your working loop left on the hook!)
A CLOSER LOOK AT THE 3 LOOPS OF THE HALF DOUBLE CROCHET STITCH
As with several of the basic crochet stitches, the HDC is made up of 3 loops that you can work into: the front loop, the back loop and the 3rd loop (sometimes referred to the “back bump”). This photo is of a swatch of HDC that I twisted slightly so you can see the progression of the front, back and third loop. The front and back loops make up the recognizable “V” made with your crochet stitches. These are the two loops we crochet through most of the time and with which we first learn how to count our stitches.
There is a third loop that is created as well which is highlighted in this photo compared to the traditional “V” shaped stitch made up from the front and back loops.
When crocheting through only one of the 3 loops row after row, you achieve a “ribbed” look to your fabric. When crocheting into the third loop in particular, it pushes the “V” created by the front and back loops to the front of your work giving it sort of a knit look.
When reading a crochet pattern that calls for working in the front loop only, the abbreviation you will see for HALF DOULBE CROCHET FRONT LOOP ONLY IS: HDC FLO. Here is how it looks when you crochet under the front loop only:
When reading a crochet pattern that calls for working in the back loop only, the abbreviation you will see for HALF DOULBE CROCHET BACK LOOP ONLY IS: HDC BLO. Here is how it looks when you crochet under the back loop only:
Finally, you have the third loop. The third loop is created by your initial yarn over (YO) of the HDC stitch. You’ll find the horizontal third loop behind and beneath the back loop. When you turn your work you will see clearly the third loop of the previous row – it creates a mild ridge that is unique to the HDC stitch. Here is what it looks like to crochet into the third loop only:
HALF DOUBLE CROCHET INCREASE
A half double crochet increase is when you make more than one HDC into the same stitch. You can make 2, 3 or more HDC into the same stitch too! In a pattern, the HDC increase will be abbreviated HDC INC.
HDC INCREASE WRITTEN STEPS:
- Yarn over hook
- Insert your hook into the next stitch
- Yarn over and pull up a loop (you now have 3 loops on your hook)
- Yarn over again and pull through all loops on your hook
- Repeat steps 1-4 into the same stitch for as many times as required
HALF DOUBLE CROCHET DECREASE
A half double crochet decrease is when you stitch 2 (or more) HDC stitches together into one. In a pattern, the HDC decrease will be abbreviated HDC DEC or HDC2TOG which stands for “half double crochet 2 together”. The method I outline below is the version of the HDC decrease I use. It creates less bulk than the alternative which includes an additional yarn over in between steps 3 and 4 below.
HDC DECREASE WRITTEN STEPS:
- Yarn over hook
- Insert your hook into the next stitch
- Yarn over and pull up a loop (you now have 3 loops on your hook)
- Immediately insert hook into the next stitch
- Yarn over again and pull through all loops on your hook
VIDEO TUTORIAL – HOW TO HALF DOUBLE CROCHET:
WHAT ABOUT THE HDC TURNING CHAIN?
A turning chain is a number of chain stitches that you make at the beginning of a row to ensure your next row is brought up to the correct height to match the height of the stitch you are making. This creates a straight edge. There are two ways to make a turning chain for HDC. It is important to know the difference here because one version counts the turning chain as your first HDC stitch of the row and one does not. So, let’s talk about this. Ultimately, if you’re making a pattern, you’ll want to follow what the designer instructs on how to treat the chain.
When making a turning chain for HDC you will either chain ONE or chain TWO. When you only chain ONE, the turning chain does NOT count as a stitch. In this case you will make your first HDC of the row in the very first stitch. And you will make your last HDC of the row in the first HDC of the previous row.
When a turning chain consists of TWO chains, it DOES count as your first HDC of the row. In this case, you will skip the first stitch of the row and make your first HDC in the 2nd stitch from the hook. When you come to the end of the row you will make your final HDC of the row into the top of the turning chain.
Okay, I think you are now officially a master of my favorite stitch – the HALF DOUBLE CROCHET. I hope you found this tutorial helpful and instructive! If you love this stitch or just want some more practice, here are some free patterns that use lots of HDC!
- Mt Rainier Tweed Sweater Free Crochet Pattern
- Rainbow Love Crop Top Free Crochet Pattern
- Alpine Bath Spa Set Free Crochet Pattern Set
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