The half double crochet is probably my favorite of the basic stitches. It has a simple elegance to it that makes it great for just about any project, from blankets to infinity scarfs. This classic stitch is especially easy to get lost in, which is why patterns made with this stitch are usually considered quick and easy.
Honestly the half double is the best of both worlds as far as stitches are concerned. As the name might suggest, it’s taller than the single crochet, but shorter than the double crochet. There is no special multiple for this stitch, you can use it in any number of chains. You will often see it in patterns written as, HDC, or in UK terms, as a half treble crochet.
There are many variations that include the half double or use it as a base. Such as The Crunch Stitch, the paired half double crochet, the half double V stitch, and the Herringbone half double crochet.
One thing I love about the half double crochet is that you can use it in the place of most double crochets. A good example for a stitch substitute would be a shell stitch or a V stitch. You would just end up with a slightly shorter version of the stitch.
So, let’s get into the tutorial!
Supplies
- Any worsted weight yarn
- I used Just Yarn worsted in the color Cyan
- I used a H/5. mm hook
- snips
- yarn or tapestry needle
Note: You can use any sized yarn and hook for this stitch. this is just my recommendation for following the pictures.
Abbreviation
- Yo = Yarn over
- St = Stitch
- Ch = chain
- Pull through = pull the yarn on your hook through the number of stitches specified
- <>= total number of stitches in row.
Half Double Crochet Stitch Tutorial
Foundation row. Ch 14.
Row 1.Yo, work into the second ch from your hook, pull up a loop, Yo, pull through all 3 loops,
*Yo, work into the next stitch, pull up a loop, Yo, pull through all 3 loops,* repeat from * to * until you reach the end of the row. <13>
Row 2. Ch 1, turn, be sure work into the st below the ch, *Yo, pull up a loop, Yo, pull through all 3 loops.* repeat from * to * until you reach the end of the row. <13>
Here’s a close up of how the last stitch of the row will look.
Rows 3-10. Repeat round 2.
Weaving in the ends of the half double crochet swatch
Cut your yarn and tie off leaving a 4 inch tail.
Weave in your tail.
And that’s it! You could go as long or as wide as you want. Just change the chain length, and you could easily make a lovely scarf using just the Half Double Crochet. What do you want to make with this stitch? Let me know in the comments!
Because the swatch ends up being a square, you can turn your swatch into a coaster. You can leave it how it is or add a fringe on 2 ends like a rug or all ends depending on your preference.
Cut lengths of yearn to 7 and a half inches, you will need 36 strands for each side. Take 2 stands and loop them through themselves as shown in the picture. Do this on any side that you wish.
And this is what it looks like once the fringe is trimmed! I did mine to 2 inches.
Want more Stitching basics? Try these!
- The Crochet Basics: How To Make A Single Crochet Stitch
- The Crochet Basics: How To Make The Chain Stitch And The Slip Stitch
- How To: Make A Magic Circle Crochet Tutorial (Or An Alternative)
- Learn How To Crochet A Starting Knot
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This written pattern and all it’s photos are copyrighted by Becka Hons, please do not take them and use them as your own work. Please link back to this page if you wish to share it.
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