How to Half Double Crochet (HDC) - Instructions

The Half Double Crochet stitch (HDC in US terms) is one of the basic crochet stitches and is very easy to learn. It’s also one of the most common stitches in crochet and is a favourite of mine for creating cozy winter projects.

The half double crochet (HDC) stitch is generally considered an easy stitch to learn, as it involves fewer steps than some other crochet stitches. It is a good choice for beginners who are just learning how to crochet, as it is, in my opinion, a little easier to work than a double crochet (DC) stitch.

The half double crochet (HDC) is a crochet stitch that is shorter than a double crochet (DC) stitch and taller than a single crochet (SC) stitch. To work a half double crochet, you will start by yarn over (YO) and inserting your hook into the designated stitch. Then, YO again and pull up a loop. You will have three loops on your hook. YO again and draw the yarn through all three loops on the hook to complete the stitch.

Scroll down to learn more about this stitch or jump right to the section you’re most intrested in. And don’t forget to check out the free and easy HDC crochet patterns at the end of this post for some practice! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crocheter, these patterns are sure to help you master the HDC stitch in no time.

HDC Short Instructions
HDC Step by Step with Photos
How to Start a New Row
HDC Stitch Video Demonstration
How to Change Colour in Half Double Crochet
Free Patterns that Use Half Double Crochet Stitches

Half Double Crochet Tutorial

Difficulty: Easy / Beginner

Abbreviation: HDC (also Hdc or hdc)

Materials: any worsted weight or bulky yarn. You can use any type of yarn as long as you can see the stitches clearly. It might be easier to see the stitches in a lighter colour and bulkier yarn.

Crochet hook: 5mm H-8 (adjust the size of the crochet hook to the type of yarn you’re using)

Follow the steps below or scroll down to watch the short video demonstration to learn how to half double crochet.

HDC Short Instructions:

Yarn over
Insert the hook in the specified stitch
Yarn over
Pull up a loop. You’ll have three loops on your hook
Yarn over again
Pull through all three loops on the hook

You just made a Half Double Crochet stitch! To make another half double crochet stitch follow steps 1 to 6. To start a new row, chain 2 for the height (also called a turning chain) and work a half double crochet in the first stitch.

HDC Stitch Step by Step with Photos

To start learning this stitch, you’ll need some yarn and a crochet hook. When you’re ready, follow the steps below or scroll down for the video demonstration.

Foundation Chain

In order to practise this crochet stitch, first make a slip knot and chain any number of chains. For the purpose of practice, let’s chain 20.

Step 1

Row 1: To start the first row, yarn over the hook

Step 2

Insert your hook into the third chain from the hook

Step 3

Yarn over again

Step 4

Pull through the stitch. You’ll have three loops on your hook now.

Step 5

Yarn over

Step 6

Pull through all three loops on your hook. That’s one Half Double Crochet.

Repeat steps 1 to 6 into the next chain stitch. Here is a snapshot of the steps to make a HDC.

half double crochet instructions step by step

Continue to the end of the chain to complete the first row of half double crochet stitches.

one row of half double crochet completed

HDC – How to Start a New Row (Row 2)

When starting the second row, chain 2 and turn. This is a turning chain, and its purpose is just to provide some height (in this case, it’s the height of a half double crochet stitch) in order to start the next row.

Yarn over and insert your hook into the first stitch under both loops of the stitch.

Complete the row working HDC into every stitch.

Make sure not to skip the very last stitch.

And here is what it should look like when two rows are completed, see picture below. Make sure to count the stitches in the first few rows, you should have the same amount of stitches in every row. Continue for as long as you like. To make a square, simply repeat the steps for row 2 until you are happy with the size!

Overall, the half double crochet is a versatile and easy-to-learn crochet stitch that is great for a variety of projects. With a little practice, you will be able to master the HDC stitch in no time!

Half Double Crochet Stitch Video Tutorial

If you prefer video demonstrations, I’ve got you covered! Here is a video I made to show you how to work the half double crochet (HDC) stitch.

https://youtu.be/DASSShgcu3A

How to Half Double Crochet | Beginner Crochet (https://youtu.be/DASSShgcu3A)

Half Double Crochet – How to Change Colour

To start with a new colour in the next row we will have to switch to the new yarn in the middle of the last half double crochet stitch before the next row. Follow the steps below to learn how to change colour.

Start the last HDC in the row as normal.

Insert your hook in the last stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop. You’ll have three loops on your hook.

Joining new colour: Loop new yarn over the hook and pull up a loop to finalise the stitch with the new yarn.

Chain 2 with the new colour and turn.

Continue with the new colour.

Free Patterns with Half Double Crochet Stitches

The half double crochet stitch is a versatile crochet stitch that can be used to create a wide variety of projects. Some ideas for projects you can make using the HDC stitch include:

Blankets and afghans
Scarves and shawls
Hats and beanies
Sweaters and cardigans
Bags and purses
Pillows and cushions
Toys and stuffed animals
Doilies and lace patterns

The half double crochet (HDC) stitch is known for creating a fabric that has a super smooth drape and awesome stitch definition. It’s a great choice for projects that need a little extra height, but not as much as a double crochet provides. Plus, it works up pretty fast compared to other crochet stitches, so it’s a popular pick for projects that need to be finished fast.

The half double crochet stitch is super versatile and easy to work with, which makes it a top choice for a ton of winter crochet projects. Think blankets, scarves, hats – you name it! It’s especially great for keeping warm during the colder months because it creates a fabric that’s dense but still soft and cozy.

If you’re a fan of the half double crochet (HDC) stitch and are looking to create some cozy winter projects or home decor items, here are a few of my easy and free patterns that are suitable for beginners:

And if you would like to challenge yourself a bit, here is the popular Extra Thick Potholder – Half Double Crochet Thermal Stitch. This is an intermediate level pattern, as it requires a little more patience and attention to detail. This crochet potholder pattern also uses half double crochet stitches but in a more advanced way. 🙂

I’m a huge fan of the half double crochet (HDC) stitch because it’s so versatile and easy to work with. There are so many different projects you can make using this stitch – the possibilities are endless! What will you create using the HDC stitch?

I’d love to see what you create with the half double crochet stitch! If you use any of my HDC patterns, be sure to share your projects on Instagram and tag me @my_crochet_space. I can’t wait to see what you come up with!