Learning half double crochet for beginners (hdc)
Half double crochet stitches belong to the family of tall stitches, just like double crochet and treble crochet. They are among the most commonly used stitches in crochet – whether for blankets, scarves or garments. In this tutorial, you will learn how to crochet half double crochet, which mistakes to avoid and how to create neat transitions.
What is half double crochet and what is it used for?
Half double crochet (hdc) is one of the most important crochet stitches and is often used for soft yet stable crochet pieces. It is taller than single crochet but shorter than double crochet, offering a pleasant mix of stability and flexibility.
This stitch is particularly suitable for scarves, blankets, jumpers and other garments, as it provides a dense yet supple texture. Half double crochet is also often used in crochet patterns and decorative edges, as it combines well with other stitches.
Other names:
- Half double crochet (US)
- Half treble crochet (UK)
What is half double crochet and what is it used for?
Half double crochet (hdc) is one of the most important crochet stitches and is often used for soft yet stable crochet pieces. It is taller than single crochet but shorter than double crochet, offering a pleasant mix of stability and flexibility.
This stitch is particularly suitable for scarves, blankets, jumpers and other garments, as it provides a dense yet supple texture. Half double crochet is also often used in crochet patterns and decorative edges, as it combines well with other stitches.
Other names:
- Half double crochet (US)
- Half treble crochet (UK)
Crocheting half double crochet:
Step-by-step tutorial
Crochet turning chains – insert into the stitch
For half double crochet, first crochet a turning chain at the end of the foundation chain. This is only necessary at the beginning of the row.
For the half double crochet, wrap the working yarn around the hook (from back to front) and then insert the hook into the chain.
For the first stitch, make sure not to insert into the turning chain (insert into the 2nd stitch).
Crochet turning chains – insert into the stitch
For half double crochet, first crochet a turning chain at the end of the foundation chain. This is only necessary at the beginning of the row.
For the half double crochet, wrap the working yarn around the hook (from back to front) and then insert the hook into the chain.
For the first stitch, make sure not to insert into the turning chain (insert into the 2nd stitch).
Yarn over and pull through the stitch
Place the yarn around the crochet hook again and pull it through the first stitch. There should now be three loops on the crochet hook.
Yarn over and pull through the stitch
Place the yarn around the crochet hook again and pull it through the first stitch. There should now be three loops on the crochet hook.
Pull the yarn through all loops
Now wrap the yarn around the hook once more and pull it through all three loops on the hook. The first half double crochet is now complete.
These steps are repeated until the desired number of half double crochet stitches has been worked.
Pull the yarn through all loops
Now wrap the yarn around the hook once more and pull it through all three loops on the hook. The first half double crochet is now complete.
These steps are repeated until the desired number of half double crochet stitches has been worked.
Crochet further rows:
If further rows are to be added to the row of treble crochets, a turning chain is worked at the end of the row. Then turn the work and crochet another treble crochet in each stitch of the previous row.
Tip: Half double crochet also works particularly well in rounds. It is often used for cuffs, decorative patterns or textured crochet work.
Crochet further rows:
If further rows are to be added to the row of treble crochets, a turning chain is worked at the end of the row. Then turn the work and crochet another treble crochet in each stitch of the previous row.
Tip: Half double crochet also works particularly well in rounds. It is often used for cuffs, decorative patterns or textured crochet work.
Common mistakes with half double crochet
Forgotten turning chains:
Without the right turning chains, the crochet piece can shrink or warp at the edges. Make sure you always work two turning chains for half double crochet.
Mistakes when inserting the hook:
Make sure to insert the hook correctly into the stitch – ideally under both loops. Inserting incorrectly can make the stitch pattern irregular or cause the crochet piece to warp.
Video tutorial: Half double crochet
In this video tutorial, Crasy Silvie shows you how to crochet half double crochet – and how you can even start without a foundation chain.
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Learn more
addiSwing Maxi crochet hook
In this tutorial, we used the addiSwing Maxi crochet hook .
The ergonomic crochet hook sits comfortably in the hand and is also beautifully coloured.
The addi crochet hook head: The extra-pointed head with utility model protection makes inserting easier, and the extra-deep throat pulls the yarn perfectly through every stitch.
addiSwing Maxi crochet hook
In this tutorial, we used the addiSwing Maxi crochet hook .
The ergonomic crochet hook sits comfortably in the hand and is also beautifully coloured.
The addi crochet hook head: The extra-pointed head with utility model protection makes inserting easier, and the extra-deep throat pulls the yarn perfectly through every stitch.
