How to Half Double Crochet (hdc): Step-by-Step for Beginners
The half double crochet is my go-to “in between” stitch. It’s taller than a single crochet, so your project grows faster, but it still makes a nice, solid fabric that’s perfect for hats, cowls and blankets. It shows up in dozens of my patterns!
It’s also a little different from every other basic stitch: you finish it by pulling through three loops at once. Once that clicks, you’ve got it. In this tutorial I’ll walk you through:
- How to half double crochet, step by step
- How to start your rows and keep your edges straight
- What the “third loop” is and how patterns use it
- How hdc compares to single and double crochet
- Common half double crochet mistakes and how to fix them
Grab your yarn and hook and let’s go.
What is a half double crochet?
A half double crochet is a medium-height stitch, about halfway between a single crochet and a double crochet. You’ll see it abbreviated hdc in US patterns. In UK patterns the same stitch is called a half treble crochet (htr). On a crochet chart it’s drawn as a short T (see my crochet chart symbols).
What you’ll need
- Yarn: a smooth, light-colored worsted weight (#4) yarn so you can see every loop. My yarn weight chart explains the weights.
- Crochet hook: the size on your yarn label. Check my hook size chart if you’re not sure.
- A foundation chain of about 15 chains to practice on. New to chaining? Start with my chain tutorial.
How to half double crochet, step by step
Step 1: Yarn over
Before you insert your hook, wrap the yarn over your hook from back to front. You’ll have 2 loops on your hook. This first yarn over is what makes the stitch taller than a single crochet.
Step 2: Insert your hook
Insert your hook into the 3rd chain from the hook (on later rows, into the next stitch, under both loops).
Step 3: Yarn over and pull up a loop
Yarn over again and pull the yarn back through the chain. You now have 3 loops on your hook.
Step 4: Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops
Yarn over one more time and pull through all 3 loops in one motion. Take it slow at first. If it feels tight, pull your loops up a little taller in Step 3.
Step 5: That’s one half double crochet
You’re back to 1 loop on your hook. Work 1 hdc in each chain across to finish your first row.
How to start the next row
- Chain 2 and turn your work. The ch 2 lifts your yarn up to the height of the new row.
- Work your first hdc into the first stitch (the one right at the base of the chain). In most patterns the ch 2 does not count as a stitch.
- Work 1 hdc in each stitch across, and make sure you work into the very last stitch of the row.
- Count your stitches at the end of each row for the first few rows. It’s the fastest way to catch a mistake.
Tip: Always follow your pattern on this one. A few designers count the ch 2 as a stitch, and that changes where your first hdc goes.
The “third loop” of a half double crochet
Tilt the top of a half double crochet toward you and you’ll see a third loop (also called the back bar) sitting just below the back loop of the stitch. Only half double crochet has it. When a pattern says “hdc in the third loop” or “hdc in back bar,” you insert your hook under that horizontal bar instead of the top loops. Both top loops get pushed to one side and make a lovely knit-look ridge, which is why I love it for brims and cowls.
Half double crochet vs single and double crochet
| Stitch | Height | Yarn overs to finish | Turning chain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single crochet (sc) | Short | 1 | ch 1, doesn’t count |
| Half double crochet (hdc) | Medium | 2 | ch 2, usually doesn’t count |
| Double crochet (dc) | Tall | 3 | ch 3, usually counts as a stitch |
Common half double crochet mistakes (and how to fix them)
| Problem | Usually caused by | Try this |
|---|---|---|
| Your work keeps getting narrower | Skipping the first or last stitch of the row | Put a stitch marker in the first and last stitches and count every row. |
| Your work keeps getting wider | Working into the turning chain as if it were a stitch | Skip the ch 2 and start in the first real stitch (unless your pattern says the ch 2 counts). |
| It’s hard to pull through all 3 loops | Loops pulled up too short or tension too tight | Pull the loop up to the height of your hook in Step 3, or try a hook one size bigger. |
| Little holes at the start of each row | Turning chain too loose or too long | Keep the ch 2 snug, or try the ch 1 start some designers use. |
| Ridges where you don’t want them | Working into one loop instead of both | Insert your hook under both top loops unless the pattern says otherwise. |
Half double crochet FAQ
Does the ch 2 count as a stitch?
Usually not, and it doesn’t in my patterns. Some patterns do count it, so always check the pattern notes.
What’s the UK name for half double crochet?
Half treble crochet (htr). If a pattern uses htr, it’s UK terms, and the stitch is made exactly the same way.
Is half double crochet good for beginners?
Yes! It works up fast and is easy to see, so it’s a great second stitch after single crochet.
Why do my rows slant or look uneven?
Usually the stitch count is changing. Count each row and make sure your first stitch goes into the right spot.
Ready to practice?
These patterns use half double crochet, so you’ll get lots of practice:
- The Perfect Unisex Beanie (Easy)
- Jessie One-Hour Messy Bun Beanie (Easy)
- Quick and Easy Chunky Fingerless Gloves (Easy)
- Super Simple Kid’s Sun Hat (Beginner)
Next up: learn to double crochet! It’s one more yarn over and one more step, and your projects grow even faster.
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Keep learning
- How to Crochet a Chain (and Count Your Foundation Chain)
- How to Slip Stitch in Crochet (sl st)
- How to Single Crochet (sc)
- How to Double Crochet (dc)
- Crochet Stitch Library: All the Stitch Tutorials
- Crochet Abbreviations: Complete List for Beginners (US Terms)
- Crochet Chart Symbols
- Crochet Reference Library
