Foundation Herringbone Half Double Crochet (FHHDC)

Want to add some more elasticity to your crochet starting row? Try foundation crochet stitches! It’s an easy and useful technique. There is a foundation stitch version for each basic crochet stitch, and in this tutorial, you can learn the herringbone half double crochet foundation stitch.

With this simple step-by-step photo tutorial, a video demonstration, and clear written instructions you’ll master the chainless herringbone crochet stitch in no time!

What is a Foundation Herringbone Half Double Crochet (FHHDC)?

Foundation herringbone half double crochet stitch combines the foundation chain and the first row of herringbone half double crochet stitches into a single step, eliminating the need for a starting chain and then working stitches into it. So, instead of chaining a number of chains and working the first row of HHDC, you can skip the chain and start with the Foundation HHDC stitches instead.

a sample of foundation herringbone half double crochet row, showing 15 foundation stitches in light brown colour and a purple crochet hook. All on a white background.

Why use Foundation Herringbone Half Double Crochet stitches?

From my perspective, one of the key benefits of using foundation herringbone half double crochet stitches is the enhanced stretch they bring to the initial row of your project. While regular starting chains tend to be a little tight, if you want to create something snug and comfortable that also needs a touch of flexibility – like a warm scarf or a cozy blanket – foundation stitches step in to provide the perfect amount of elasticity.

Another good reason to choose foundation stitches over the starting chain is the time-saving aspect. While there might be a learning curve at the beginning when you’re just getting started with foundation stitches, once you’ve got the technique down, you won’t want to go back to the traditional starting chain.

Especially if it’s a large project and you have a long starting chain, the chain can become twisted. And for some crocheters, it might be uncomfortable to work into those tiny chain spaces. Plus, keeping track of chain counts can be a challenge, and you might only realize you’ve made mistakes in stitch counts after completing the first row.

With foundation herringbone stitches you don’t have these issues as you make the chain and the first row at the same time.

When can you replace the chains with FHHDC and how?

Any pattern that begins with the herringbone half double crochet stitches in the first row can be modified to start with foundation herringbone half double crochet (FHHDC) stitches. Simply examine the first row of your pattern and if the pattern uses herringbone half double crochet stitches in the first row (worked into each chain) then you can substitute them with foundation herringbone half double crochet stitches.

To determine how many FHHDC stitches you need to make, refer to the total number of stitches in the first row – this is the number you should aim for when creating your foundation stitches.

To begin the second row, simply chain the required number of chains as specified in your pattern after completing the first row (turning chain) and continue with pattern as usual.

Free Crochet Patterns that use FHHDC stitches

To start with something simple and learn how to adapt any pattern for foundation stitches, you can try this free pattern:

Herringbone Half Double Crochet Washcloth

Foundation Herringbone Half Double Crochet Photo Tutorial

Make a slip knot and chain 2.

purple crochet hook and two chain stitches in light brown colour, on a white surface

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 this stitch.

3. YO, pull through two loops on your hook. You’ll have two loops left on your hook.

4. YO, pull through last two loops. This is the second part of the foundation stitch (the herringbone half double crochet). The first foundation herringbone half double crochet (FHHDC) stitch is completed.

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).

6. YO, pull through two loops on your hook. You’ll have two loops left on your hook.

7. YO and pull through the last two loops. (hhdc). Now you have two FHHDC stitches completed.

8. Repeat steps 5-7.

Foundation Herringbone Half Double Crochet Video Demonstration

You can watch the short video demonstration of the FHHDC here.

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 this stitch.
YO, pull through two loops on your hook. You’ll have two loops left on your hook.
YO, pull through last two loops. This is the second part of the foundation stitch (the herringbone half double crochet). The first foundation herringbone half double crochet (FHHDC) 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 two loops on your hook. You’ll have two loops left on your hook.
YO and pull through the last two loops. (hhdc). Now you have two FHHDC stitches completed.
Repeat steps 5-7.

I hope you enjoy trying out this new way to begin your crochet projects!