A half double crochet (hdc) is a basic crochet stitch that is encountered often in crochet. In regard to stitch height, the half double crochet is the next size up from a single crochet. Typically, a chain two will start off a row/round of half double crochet. This tutorial provides instructions along with images to explain how to half double crochet from a chain row and how to half double crochet after a row of stitches. Below are the step-by-step instructions, including a video tutorial, on how to half double crochet:
*Before proceeding with this tutorial, make sure you are familiar with making a slip knot and chaining. If not, check out the links listed under ‘Supplemental Tutorials‘.
Supplemental Tutorials:
Terms Used:
- working yarn: the strand of yarn coming from the skein(ball)
- yarn over (yo): wrapping the yarn over the crochet hook
- turning chain: is used to begin a row/round of crochet by ‘lifting up’ the work. Each stitch requires its own number of chains to start off with, which is determined by the height of the stitch. A chain two is typically used when crocheting with half double crochet.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- How to Half Double Crochet (hdc) From a Chain Row
- How to Half Double Crochet (hdc) After a Row of Stitches
- Video Tutorial
1. How to Half Double Crochet (hdc) From a Chain Row:
- Chain 12 or desired number of chains plus 2 extra chains. (The extra two chains is a ‘turning chain’, therefore does not count as a stitch.)
2. The first half double crochet will be worked into the third chain from the hook. (In the image, the needle marks this placement.)
3. Yarn over.
4. Insert the hook into the third chain from the hook as referenced in step two.
5. Hook the working yarn.
6. Pull the working yarn through the chain. Three loops will remain on the hook.
7. Yarn over.
8. Pull the working yarn through all three loops on the hook. One loop will remain on the hook. This completes a half double crochet!
9. The next half double crochet will be placed into the next chain. (In the image, the needle marks this placement.)
10. Continue working a half double crochet into each chain across. Chain two after completing the last half double crochet of the row.
11. Turn.
Continue to section two on how to half double crochet after a row of stitches.
2. How to Half Double Crochet (hdc) After a Row of Stitches:
- The new row of half double crochet starts after chaining two from previous row and turning.
2. The first half double crochet of the row will be placed into the same stitch as the turning chain (chain two). (In the image, the needle marks this placement.)
3. Yarn over.
4. Insert the hook into the stitch.
5. Hook the working yarn.
6. Pull the working yarn through the stitch. Three loops will remain on the hook.
7. Yarn over.
8. Pull the working yarn through all three loops on the hook. One loop will remain on the hook.
9. The next half double crochet will be placed into the next stitch. (In the image, the needle marks this placement.)
10. Continue working a half double crochet into each stitch across. Chain two after completing the last half double crochet of the row.
11. Turn.
Repeat steps 3-11 until desired number of rows is reached.
StephieGCrafts 
Beautiful!
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Thank you.
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