How to Make a Half Double Crochet Stitch

Crochet Beginner’s Guide 8

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In a crochet pattern using US terms, a half double crochet stitch is abbreviated “hdc.”

1. Start with a foundation chain (the foundation chain in the images is formed by eight chain stitches). Put a stitch marker in the first chain stitch from the hook. Wrap the yarn over the hook.

• The reason for placing a stitch marker in the first chain stitch is that you will work into this stitch when making the second row later.
• The method to yarn over here is the same as when making a slip knot. 

2. Insert the hook, from front to back, into the third chain stitch from the hook.

• Tip: If the yarn that is wrapped over the hook slips off when you try to insert the hook into the chain stitch, you can use your hook-holding hand’s index finger or middle finger to help keep it in position. 

3. Wrap the yarn over the hook again. Then, follow the direction of the arrow in the image above: pull the yarn through the stitch (the top loop on the hook). 

• The method to yarn over here is the same as in making a single crochet stitch, step 2.

4. Wrap the yarn over the hook again. Then, pull the yarn through all three loops on the hook. One half double crochet stitch is made.

• The method to yarn over here is the same as when making a slip knot.

Similarly, let’s practice by finishing the row with half double crochet stitches. The next half double crochet stitch will be made into the chain stitch that’s next to the one into which you just made a half double crochet stitch.

To make the next half double crochet stitch, yarn over and insert the hook into the very next chain stitch; then, repeat steps 2, 3, and 4 to finish making the half double crochet stitch.

When one half double crochet stitch is made into each of the remaining chain stitches on the foundation chain, one row is finished. 

Counting the number of half double crochet stitches in the row:

The method for counting half double crochet stitches in a row is similar to counting single crochet stitches in a row: you can count the “V shapes” on the top of the stitches.

Notice that there are two chain stitches you skipped in the beginning by inserting the hook into the third or fourth chain stitch from the hook. In many patterns, these skipped chain stitches will be counted as a half double crochet. These patterns will indicate, “The first two chain stitches count as a half double crochet stitch.” In this case, the number of stitches in the row will be the number of half double crochet stitches you have made plus one (the stitch formed by the two chain stitches).

Later, when making a second row, that row’s final stitch will be made into the top chain stitch of these two skipped chain stitches. I recommend crochet beginners put a stitch marker in the first skipped chain stitch from the hook as a reminder.

On the other hand, some patterns might indicate, “The first two chain stitches are not considered a stitch.” In this situation, the number of stitches of the first row will be the number of half double crochet stitches you have made. When working on a second row, no future stitches will be made into those two chain stitches, unless the pattern states otherwise.

Below is a video tutorial about making a half double crochet stitch.

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