In today’s tutorial, I’ll share how to half double crochet step by step for beginners with video. It works up quickly, and is perfect for blankets, scarves, dishcloths and more.
The half double crochet stitch, often referred to as the hdc stitch, combines techniques used in how to single crochet and how to double crochet.
If you are exploring how to crochet for beginners, start with this what do you need to crochet post and then focus on these Crochet Basic Stitches Every Beginner Needs
What Is a Half Double Crochet Stitch?
The half double crochet stitch sits right between a single crochet and a double crochet in height. It creates a fabric that is soft and flexible. It is quick to crochet and great for beginner projects.
How To Half Double Crochet Step By Step
Start With a Foundation Chain of your choice. Here is helpful guide on how to create a slip knot and how to chain in crochet.
Step 1: Wrap the yarn over your crochet hook once, insert your hook into the third chain from the hook.
Step 2: Pull a loop through the chain, you should now have three loops on your hook.
Steps 3 + 4: Yarn Over one more time and pull through all three loops at once.
You have now completed your first half double crochet stitch!
Step 6: Continue across the row by repeating steps 1 to 4 into each chain.
Turning chain for HDC
Step 7: At the end of each row, turn your work and chain 2. Begin the next row in the second stitch and count your chain 2 as the first hdc
Note: If you are using thinner yarns, you can work your first hdc into the first stitch itself, and in those cases do not count the turning chain as a hdc.
Work hdcs into each stitch to complete your row.
What can you make with the half double crochet stitch?
The hdc stitch is perfect for creating soft beginner friendly projects.
- You can use this stitch to make scarves like this striped crochet scarf pattern, a cozy one skein crochet scarf or a warm kids scarf crochet pattern
- The hdc stitch works beautifully to make solid fabrics with no holes like in this caron cupcakes crochet hat
- This stitch is very stable to use in decorative projects like these easy crochet coasters, flowers to crochet and crochet leaf pattern
NOTES:
- Difference between hdc and dc: Beginners tend to confuse the hdc with dc very often. Remember that a half double crochet pulls through all three loops at once. The hdc is shorter than the dc in height and a little denser.
- Difference between hdc and sc: The hdc is taller than the sc, and creates a softer fabric with more drape.
- To keep your swatch rectangular in shape- keep your stitches consistent in height- don’t make one stitch tight and one stitch loose, make your stitches evenly.
- Make sure you are creating hdcs into each and every chain and not missing the last chain in the row accidentally.
- Keep count of your stitches and check your stitch count after every few rows to ensure that your swatch is growing properly.
How to Half Double Crochet Video:
Click the video box below for the how to half double crochet tutorial video tutorial or head over here to watch on Youtube https://youtu.be/oaeheUtyWik
Conclusion:
Learning how to half double crochet is easy and once you master it you can create everything from cozy scarves to blankets! It is one of the most versatile crochet stitches and very beginner friendly.
So grab your yarn and hook and practice a few rows and learn the hdc stitch today!
