How to Foundation Half Double Crochet (FHDC)

The Foundation Half Double Crochet (FHDC) stitch is a great option to begin your crochet projects with more stretch and flexibility. When working on items like scarves, blankets, or hats that require stretchiness, skip the traditional chain and give the foundation stitches a go. This technique is also known as a chainless crochet foundation (or chainless starting half double crochet).

Comparison of chains and half double crochet row vs. foundation half double crochet stitches in orange yarn

Foundation stitches allow you to skip the initial chain and begin your crochet projects directly from row 1. This is possible because foundation stitches simultaneously create the chain and the first row.

If your pattern’s first row consists of regular half double crochets, you can use foundation half double crochet stitches instead. However, if the pattern starts with single or double crochet stitches, you can replace them with Foundation Single Crochet (FSC), Foundation Double Crochet (FDC) or even with Foundation Herringbone Half Double Crochet (FHHDC).

What is FHDC

Foundation Half Double Crochet (FHDC) stitches refer to a crochet technique where the starting chain and the first row of half double crochet stitches are combined into a single step. This method eliminates the need to create a separate foundation chain and then work stitches into it. FHDC stitches achieve a more elastic and flexible foundation row for your crochet project right from the start.

Free crochet patterns that start with FHDC stitches

Foundation Half Double Crochet Video Tutorial

Watch the short video demonstration of the foundation half double crochet stitches here.

FHDC Photo Tutorial

Make a slip knot and chain 2.

Two chained stitches and a purple hook, illustrating the first step of the foundation half double crochet stitch

2. Yarn over and insert the hook into the first chain. Yarn over again and pull up a loop. This step creates the initial part of the foundation stitch, which is the chain stitch. It’s important to remember this chain stitch for step 6. You can place a marker to help you remember or simply keep it in mind.

Three loops on a purple hook, illustrating the second step of the foundation half double crochet stitch

3. YO, pull through one loop on your hook. You’ll have three loops on your hook.

Three loops on a hook, using orange yarn and a purple hook, demonstrating the third step of the foundation half double crochet stitch.

4. YO, pull through all three loops. This is the second part of the foundation stitch (the half double crochet). The first foundation half double crochet (FHDC) stitch is completed.

One loop on a hook and one completed foundation half double crochet stitch, created with orange yarn and a purple hook, illustrating the fourth step of the stitch

5. To make the next foundation stitch, YO, insert hook into both strands of the chain stitch you created in step 2. YO and pull up a loop (chain stitch).

Two adjacent photos featuring orange yarn and a purple hook on a white background, depicting the next step of inserting the hook

6. YO, pull through one loop on your hook. You’ll have three loops on your hook.

three loops on hook, indicating the sixth step

7. YO and pull through all three loops (half double crochet). Now you have two FHDC stitches completed.

One loop on the hook, illustrating the completion of the second foundation half double crochet stitch.

Repeat from step 5.

Written Instructions

Make a slip knot and chain 2.
Yarn over (YO) and insert the hook into the first chain. Yarn over again and pull up a loop. This step creates the initial part of the foundation stitch, which is the chain stitch. It’s important to remember this chain stitch for step 5. You can place a marker to help you remember or simply keep it in mind.
YO, pull through one loop on your hook. You’ll have three loops on your hook.
YO, pull through all three loops. This is the second part of the foundation stitch (the half double crochet). The first foundation half double crochet (FHDC) stitch is completed.
To make the next foundation stitch, YO, insert hook into both strands of the chain stitch you created in step 2. YO and pull up a loop (chain stitch).
YO, pull through one loop on your hook. You’ll have three loops on your hook.
YO and pull through all three loops. (half double crochet). Now you have two FHDC stitches completed.

Repeat from step 5.

Why use foundation half double crochet stitches?

One of the main reasons for using foundation half double crochet stitches instead of chains is to add more stretchiness to the starting edges of your project!

Tips to perfect your foundation half double crochet

Are you noticing a slight curve in your foundation row? Don’t worry, a little bit of a curve is perfectly normal and will straighten out as you progress with your project. However, if the curve seems excessive, it means you need to make the chain portion of your foundation stitches longer. To do this, simply stretch the loop in step 2 a little bit longer, and you’ll immediately see the difference!

How to use foundation half double crochet stitches in a pattern

If you want to replace the traditional chain with Foundation Half Double Crochets in a pattern, it’s easy! Just check the number of regular half double crochets in the first row and work the same number of Foundation Half Double Crochets. Then continue with row 2. That’s it!

What is a substitute for FHDC?

If on the contrary, you have a pattern that uses FHDC stitches but you want to make a regular chain instead, you can achieve a slightly stretchier edge by using a larger hook for your foundation chain.

Generally, it’s recommended to go one to two sizes larger than the hook you’ll use for the first row. With a larger hook, you’ll create bigger chains and more space between them, resulting in a more flexible and stretchy edge.

It’s best to experiment with a few larger hooks on a small sample to find the perfect hook size. Things like the yarn type, your tension, and the stitch used in the first row all come into play, so there’s no exact formula. Go with what looks and feels good to you!

How do you like this chainless crochet method? Have you used it in any of your projects? Share it below if you like!