Welp newbies, we made it through the single crochet unit and we’re over 1/3 of the way through with this month’s lessons. Today, we have a new stitch and a new unit! We’re going to learn how to half double crochet (hdc). The half double crochet is my absolute favorite basic stitch. It works up quickly and it looks so freaking good. You’ll see!
NOTE: This tutorial utilizes US terminology.
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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
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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 swatch:
The chart above could be written 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.”
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. 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).
Supplies / Materials
You just need a hook and yarn, so pick your favorites!
For the hdc tutorial, I used:
NOTE: My friends at WeCrochet provided the materials for the Newbie Series.
Video Tutorial
Photo Tutorial
Half double crochets 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
Repeat these steps until you reach the end of the chain, then ch 1 and turn.
