Learn how to half double crochet with this easy to follow tutorial for beginners. Master the HDC stitch with step-by-step instructions and find answers to the most burning questions about half double crochet.
Introduction
Whether you’re a beginner or crochet fan, learning how to half double crochet stitch is a must. It’s a basic crochet stitch for various projects like scarves and blankets.
In this tutorial, we’ll demystify the stitch, answering key questions, discovering counting techniques, and exploring ways to achieve different textures.
We’ll guide you through decreasing, increasing, and share useful tips.
Plus, we’ve added step-by-step photos and videos for an easy learning experience.
Ready to level up your crochet skills? Follow my step-by-step piture and VIDEO tutorials and become a half double crochet pro!
How To Half Double Crochet
Making a half double crochet (HDC) stitch is a bit like the single crochet and double crochet, but with a few tweaks. Instead of pulling the yarn through two loops at the end, you’ll do it through three, creating a special third loop.
Here’s an east tutorial on how to half double crochet:
- Yarn over and insert the hook into the next stitch.
- Yarn over again and pull up a loop.
- Complete the stitch by yarn over once more and pull the yarn through all three loops on the hook.
Whether you’re working in rows or rounds, making HDC stitches follows the same simple steps. To start a new row or round, work a turning chain of two.
Incorporate this smart way of making HDC stitches into your crochet projects, and you’ll effortlessly improve your crochet skills.
What is Half Double Crochet?
Ready to boost your crochet skills? Meet the half double crochet (hdc), a stitch that’s between the single crochet and double crochet. In patterns, you’ll see it as “hdc” or a simple “T” shape.
Comparison with Single and Double Crochet
Picture the single crochet as tight and the double crochet as tall. The half double crochet? It’s the middle ground, giving your projects a bit of both. It’s not too tight or too tall, striking a balance.
Fabric and Texture
Why love the hdc? It makes a textured fabric – not too tight, not too loose. Perfect for cozy things like scarves, hats, and blankets. Your creations will be comfy with a touch of fancy.
Versatility in Projects
Now, where can you use the hdc? Everywhere!
Try it for scarves, hats, blankets, or even stylish sweaters. The hdc is like a crochet superhero, making your projects look cool without being hard to do.
In the next part, we’ll show you how to half double crochet step by step. It’s easy, and soon you’ll be adding this cool stitch to all your crochet creations.
Does the turning chain count as a stitch in HDC?
The turning chain in HDC sometimes counts as a stitch, depending on the pattern and designer.
If it does count, skip the first stitch and make the first HDC into the second stitch. Finish the row by making the last stitch into the top of the turning chain from the previous row.
If the turning chain doesn’t count, make the first HDC into the first stitch, the same one as the base of the turning chain, and end the row accordingly.
Always refer to the pattern introduction for guidance.
How to half Double Crochet: VIDEO TUTORIAL
To learn how to hdc, watch the step-by-step video tutorial below or scroll down for the written instructions.
This video teaches you step by step:
- How to crochet a half double crochet.
- How to increase in half double crochet.
- How to decrease in half double crochet in three ways: the regular way, less bulky way and the invisible way.
TIP: To view this half double crochet stitch for beginners video tutorial properly, please disable any ad-blocker you have running.
How To Half Double Crochet: Step-By-Step Tutorial
Now that you have your crochet tools ready, let’s demystify the process of doing a half double crochet
Follow this easy step-by-step picture tutorial, perfect for beginners looking to improve their crochet skills.
Step 1: Make a slip knot and work a chain any length.
Step 2: Yarn over and insert your crochet hook into the third chain from the hook. If you’re unsure, count three chains away from your hook.
You should now have three loops on your hook: the original loop and the two loops from the yarn over.
Step 3: Yarn over again and pull through the stitch.
Step 4: Then yarn over again and gently pull the yarn through all three loops on your hook in one smooth motion.
Congratulations, you’ve completed your first half double crochet stitch!
Step 5: To make another the next HDC: Yarn over and insert your hook into the next chain.
Next, yarn over and pull through the stitch. Then, yarn over again and pull through all three loops on the hook.
This completes the second HDC.
Repeat Step 5 across, working one hdc in each chain to end.
As you practice, pay attention to the tension of your stitches, aiming for a consistent height.
Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if it takes a few tries to get the hang of it.
Next Rows
Step 1: To start the next row, turn your work and make ch2 (turning chain). This ensures the right height for your half double crochet stitches.
Step 2:
- If the turning ch2 counts as a stitch: yarn over and insert your crochet hook under both of the loops at the top of the SECOND stitch. Yarn over again and pull through the stitch. Then, yarn over again and gently pull the yarn through all three loops on your hook in one smooth motion. This completes the first HDC of this row.
- If the turning ch2 doesn’t count as a stitch: yarn over and insert your crochet hook under both of the loops at the top of the FIRST stitch. Yarn over again and pull through the stitch. Then, yarn over again and gently pull the yarn through all three loops on your hook in one smooth motion. This completes the first HDC of this row.
Continue across the row.
To secure your crochet project, you’ll need to fasten off.
Sounds fancy, but it’s a simple way to finish up. Once you’ve finished your last stitch, cut the yarn, leaving a little tail.
Pull that tail through the loop on your hook, just like threading a needle. Gently tighten it up, and there you go! You’ve officially fastened off.
Then weave in the yarn ends with a tapestry needle.
Bonus Tip: Count Your Stitches
Keep track of your stitches by counting regularly. This helps maintain the correct number of stitches per row and ensures a neat and even final product.
With these simple steps and a bit of practice, you’re well on your way to mastering the how-to of half double crochet.
Refer back to this tutorial as needed, and soon you’ll be effortlessly incorporating this versatile stitch into your crochet repertoire.
How To Do a Half Double Crochet Increase
So, you’ve got the hang of the basic half double crochet stitch – fantastic!
Now, let’s take your skills up a notch with the half double crochet increase.
Instead of working one stitch, simply add two or more HDC into the same stitch.
This easy tweak brings depth and shaping to your project, perfect for creating subtle curves or widening specific sections.
How To Do a Half Double Crochet Decrease: 3 Techniques
A half double crochet decrease, often seen as hdc2tog or HDC dec, is a nifty stitch that combines two neighboring stitches into one.
Let’s explore three simple ways to achieve this, catering to different preferences and projects.
1. Standard HDC Decrease
To kick things off, let’s master the standard HDC decrease. This technique ensures a neat finish without unnecessary bulkiness. Follow these steps:
- Yarn over and insert the hook into the stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop (you’ll have 3 loops on the hook).
- Then, yarn over, and insert the hook into the next stitch (now 4 loops on the hook).
- Yarn over and pull up a loop (5 loops on the hook).
- Finally, yarn over and pull through all five loops.
Achieve a seamless look with the first step, maintain the loops, and complete with a smooth pull-through. This is a classic move in the world of crochet, ensuring your projects stay sleek and polished.
2. Less Bulky HDC Decrease
Looking to reduce bulkiness in your projects? Try the less bulky HDC decrease. Here’s how:
- Yarn over and insert the hook into the stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on the hook).
- Without yarning over, insert the hook into the next stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop (4 loops on the hook).
- Finally, yarn over and pull through all four loops.
By skipping the yarn over in the second stitch, you create a decrease that’s both elegant and practical. Perfect for projects where minimizing bulk is key.
3. Invisible HDC Decrease
For a seamless and nearly invisible decrease, opt for the invisible HDC decrease. Ideal for delicate projects like crochet baby booties, follow these steps:
- Yarn over and insert your hook into the front loop of the stitch (no loop pulled up).
- Without yarning over, insert your hook through the front loop of the next stitch (4 loops on the hook).
- Yarn over and pull through the first 2 loops on the hook (3 loops remaining).
- Finally, yarn over and pull through all three loops.
This technique, focusing on the front loops only, results in a barely noticeable decrease, ensuring a polished look in your projects.
Experiment with these HDC decrease techniques and discover the one that suits your style. Whether you prefer the standard approach, a less bulky option, or the invisible method, mastering these techniques will elevate your crochet projects in a smart and efficient way.
How to Half Double Crochet: Stitch Variations
Ready to take your crochet skills to the next level? Let’s explore variations of the half double crochet (HDC) stitch that can transform your projects effortlessly.
When making a standard HDC, you typically insert your yarn through the top two loops, known as the front loop and the back loop. But did you know you can create captivating variations by working in different loops?
HDC BLO (Back Loop Only)
A popular variation is the “half-double crochet in the back loop only” (HDC BLO).
It’s as simple as it sounds. Instead of inserting your hook under both loops, focus on the back loop alone. This slight adjustment gives your finished swatch a ribbed, knit-like appearance, adding a touch of texture to your crochet projects.
HDC in the 3rd Loop
Take your HDC to another level by crocheting in the 3rd loop.
This often-overlooked horizontal bar forms at the back of each HDC stitch. When crocheting in rows, you’ll encounter it when you turn the work. In the round, you’ll find it behind the back loop.
This technique imparts a braided, knit-like texture to your fabric, making your creations stand out with a unique charm.
HDC Between Stitches
Looking for an elegant and richly textured stitch?
Try HDC between stitches. While slightly shorter than a regular HDC, this variation eliminates lines running across your work, providing a modern and knit-like aesthetic.
Experiment with HDC between stitches to achieve a sophisticated look without sacrificing simplicity.
Camel Stitch
Ever heard of the camel stitch? This technique involves making HDC stitches in the 3rd loop while working in the round. By doing so, you push the front and back loops toward the front, creating V-shaped loops that mimic the appearance of knit fabric.
Incorporating these simple tweaks into your crochet repertoire allows you to experiment with texture and appearance effortlessly. Whether you choose HDC BLO, the 3rd loop, or the camel stitch, each variation opens up new possibilities for your projects.
So, how do you master these variations and enhance your crochet skills? It’s simple – practice! Start with small projects to get the hang of working in different loops, and soon you’ll be creating textured masterpieces with the half double crochet stitch.
Ready to get started on your crochet journey? Learn more about how to half double crochet and experiment with these variations for a personalized touch to your creations.
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