How to Half Double Crochet (hdc) Step by Step

What You'll Learn

• How to work a half double crochet in four simple steps
• How to start and end your rows so the edges stay straight
• The difference between hdc and the stitches on either side of it
• Common mistakes and how to fix them

What you’ll need

• Medium weight (worsted, #4) yarn in a light color
• A 5 mm (H-8) crochet hook
• A practice swatch: a foundation chain, or a few rows of single crochet

If you’re starting fresh, chain 15 for a practice row.

Step-by-step: how to half double crochet

The steps below show the stitch worked into a row of stitches, which is how you’ll use it most. To work into a foundation chain instead, start in the third chain from your hook.

Step 1: Yarn over

Before you insert your hook, wrap the yarn over it once, from back to front. You’ll have two loops on your hook: the one you started with, plus the yarn over.

Step 2: Insert the hook

Put your hook under both top loops of the next stitch.

Step 3: Yarn over and pull up a loop

Yarn over again and pull it back through the stitch. Now you have three loops on your hook.

Step 4: Yarn over and pull through all three

Yarn over one more time, and pull through all three loops at once. That’s one half double crochet!

Repeat steps 1 to 4 in each stitch across the row.

Starting and ending your rows

At the end of a row:

1. Chain 2 and turn your work.
2. Work your first half double crochet into the very first stitch (unless your pattern says the chain-2 counts as a stitch).
3. Work one hdc in each stitch across.
4. Make sure your last hdc goes into the last stitch of the row. It likes to hide.

Count your stitches at the end of every row. If you started with 14, you should still have 14.

hdc vs. sc vs. dc

Stitch	Yarn overs before inserting	Loops on hook before finishing	Height
Single crochet	0	2	short
Half double crochet	1	3	medium
Double crochet	1	3, then 2	tall

The big difference between hdc and double crochet is the last step. In hdc you pull through all three loops at once. In double crochet you pull through two at a time.

Common mistakes (and fixes)

I can’t pull through all three loops. Your loops are too tight. When you pull up the loop in step 3, pull it up to the height of the stitch, about as tall as the loop already on your hook. Turning the hook slightly downward as you pull through helps too.

My rows are getting wider. You’re likely working a stitch into the base of the turning chain. Skip that spot, and start in the first real stitch. Count at the end of each row to catch it early.

My rows are getting narrower. The last stitch is getting missed. Gently stretch the end of the row to find it.

There’s a third loop showing on the back. That’s normal! Half double crochet has an extra horizontal bar on the back of each stitch. Some patterns even use it on purpose for texture.

Where to use it

Half double crochet is wonderful for anything you want soft and cozy, but still fairly solid: blankets, hats, scarves and baby gifts. Once it feels comfortable, try double crochet next. It’s the same idea, just one step taller.

Frequently asked questions

What is half double crochet in UK terms?

In UK terms, half double crochet is called half treble crochet (htr). It's the same stitch with a different name.

Does the turning chain count as a stitch in hdc?

Usually not. Most patterns chain 2 and work the first hdc into the very first stitch. Check your pattern's notes, since some do count it.

Why does half double crochet leave three loops on the hook?

Because you yarn over before you insert the hook. That extra loop is what makes the stitch taller than a single crochet.

What is half double crochet good for?

Blankets, hats, scarves and anything you want to be soft but still fairly solid. It's quicker than single crochet and less holey than double crochet.