Basic Stitches Beginner

Half Double Crochet (hdc)

A stitch that is halfway between the height of a single crochet and a double crochet, creating a thick, solid fabric.

The half double crochet is a versatile stitch that offers more height than a single crochet but results in a denser fabric than a double crochet. It is particularly popular for hats, scarves, and sweaters.

How to do it

  1. Yarn Over: Wrap the yarn around the hook.
  2. Insert Hook: Push the hook into the next stitch.
  3. Yarn Over & Pull Up: Wrap the yarn again and pull a loop through the stitch (3 loops on hook).
  4. Yarn Over & Pull Through All: Wrap the yarn once more and pull it through all three loops on your hook at once.

Visual Difference

Unlike other basic stitches, the hdc has a “third loop” that sits behind the top V of the stitch. Working into this third loop is a common technique used to create a knitted-ribbing effect.

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