How to Half Double Crochet Stitch (hdc) – Tutorial and Video

Beginners, learn how to half double crochet with this photo and video tutorial. You'll also learn the parts of the half double crochet, abbreviation (hdc), and crochet chart symbol.

Today, we’re going to learn how to half double crochet for beginners. The half double crochet (hdc) is my absolute favorite basic stitch. It works up quickly and it looks so freaking good. You’ll see! If you’re one of our newbies, we just finished the single crochet unit and we’re over 1/3 of the way through with this month’s lessons.

NOTE: This tutorial utilizes US terminology.

half double crochet swatch on a white wood background with text "how to crochet half double crochet - beginner crochet tutorial from you should craft"

Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links contained in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of the links, you will pay the same prices as always, but You Should Craft will receive a small commission that helps us provide free crochet patterns. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

HDC Stitch Learning Objectives

Since the hdc is a brand new stitch, we have some new objectives. If you follow along with today’s lesson and video, you’ll be able to:

  • Identify the half double crochet abbreviation in patterns and the symbol in charts
  • Label the parts of a half double crochet
  • Crochet the half double crochet stitch in rows

Are you a new crocheter? Join our 30-day Newbie Series to receive daily tutorials, simple patterns, and round-ups that will teach you how to crochet. Sign up here: ⬇️⬇️

About the Half Double Crochet Stitch (hdc)

The half double crochet stitch is one of the standard crochet stitches. It’s slightly taller than a single crochet (sc) and slightly shorter than a double crochet stitch (dc). Crocheting an hdc is similar to a single crochet, except you’ll yarn over before starting the stitch.

In the US, it’s called the half double crochet. In the UK, it’s called a half treble crochet. Patterns should specify if they’re written in US or UK terminology.

The half double crochet stitch creates a solid, reversible fabric. This means that both the right and wrong sides will look pretty much the same. You can use hdc stitches to crochet just about anything, including hair scrunchies, mug cozies, ribbed hat, blankets, and tiny sweater ornaments.

Identifying Half Double Crochets in Patterns and Charts

Half double crochets are abbreviated as “hdc” in written patterns and represented by a “T” in charts.

Here’s a stitch chart for a small crochet swatch with five rows of hdc stitches:

how to half double crochet stitch chart

The chart above could be written in US crochet terms as:

  • ch 15
  • ROW 1: hdc in second ch from hook, hdc across (14)
  • ROWS 2 – 5: ch 1 and turn, hdc across (14)

Parts of a Half Double Crochet Stitch

Like the single crochet stitch, a half double crochet has V’s at the top that create front loops (the loops closest to you) and back loops (the loops furthest from you). It also has a little cross bar called “the third loop.” The third loop is created with the addition of the yarn over at the start of each stitch.

We won’t use it during the Newbie Series, but as you become a more advanced crocheter, you’ll start to see patterns that utilize the third loops or the camel stitch. Here’s a cute knit-look blanket that used the third loops.

Like with the single crochet stitch, if a pattern doesn’t specify which loops you need to crochet into, just assume it’s both loops (front and back).

picture identifying the parts of a half double crochet stitch

How to Make a Half Double Crochet Stitch

Yarn over (yo), insert your hook into the chain or stitch below, yo and pull up the first loop, then yo and pull through the remaining three loops.

Supplies / Materials

You just need a hook and yarn, so pick your favorites!

For the hdc tutorial and video, I used:

NOTE: My friends at WeCrochet provided the materials for the Newbie Series.

Half Double Crochet Video Tutorial

Learn how to crochet the half double crochet stitch with this video tutorial.

Step-by-Step Half Double Crochet Photo Tutorial

Half double crochets (hdc) are *almost* exactly the same as single crochets, with one difference — you yarn over before inserting your hook.

To half double crochet, you will:

ch any number

  • a.) yarn over
  • b.) insert hook into the second ch from your hook
  • c.) yarn over and pull through the first loop (there are now three loops on your hook)
  • d.) yarn over and pull through the remaining three loops
collage of four images demonstrating how to half double crochet

Repeat these steps until you reach the end of the chain, then ch 1 and turn. Rinse and repeat for each row of stitches.

red crochet hook on a white wooden background, with a small chain and some half double crochets

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

These are the most commonly asked questions about crocheting the half double crochet stitch (hdc).

Does the turning chain count as a stitch?

Y’know how we chain 1 before each row of hdc stitches? Usually that won’t count as a stitch and you’ll hdc in the first stitch of the row. HOWEVER, it all depends on the pattern and the designer. Sometimes, that ch-1 will count as a stitch and you’ll skip the first st in the row. Be sure to read the pattern notes to see!