Half Double Crochet Stitch Video Tutorial

Dark reddish orange crochet swatch made in half double crochet stitch. It sits on a white surface with a wooden crochet hook, aqua colored stitch markers and a matching ball of yarn. Text on the image reads: Half double crochet stitch video tutorial. Banana Moon Studio.

Last in my series of crochet basics is this half double crochet stitch video tutorial. I like this stitch a lot! It gives a little more height than a single crochet, which means you will finish your project faster, but it leaves smaller holes than the double crochet, which makes it more appropriate for clothing that you don’t intend to layer.

Any time you are working with a written crochet pattern, you will see half double crochet abbreviated “hdc.” If you aren’t very familiar with crochet abbreviations, I suggest you grab my free, printable crochet abbreviations list.

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Tip about working in half double crochet stitch

Something important, or at least interesting to know about the half double crochet stitch is that it’s top does not sit squarely over its post.

When you complete the stitch, or when you are looking at the right side of a row, the top of each stitch sits slightly to the right of its post. When you turn your work and are looking at the wrong side of a row, the top of each stitch sits a little to the left of its post.

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This can be important in helping you figure out where the top of the first and last stitch in the row or round are when you are trying to stitch into them for the next row or round.

How to make a half double crochet stitch

First we will go through the half double crochet stitch one step at a time with photos. Then you’ll find the half double crochet stitch video tutorial below to help you put it all together.

First, if you are staring with just hook and yarn and have no chains or stitches made at all, you’ll need to make some chains. You can see how to crochet chains here. If you’re just learning here, not working with a particular pattern, start with 12 or so chains. If you are using a pattern, use the number called for in the pattern.

You’ll need two chains that will act as your turning chain. These will travel up the side of the first row and you will not stitch into them. So skip the first two chains and work a half double crochet stitch into each of the remaining stitches.

To work a half double crochet stitch you will yarnover first. That means that you wrap the yarn around the back of your hook and back around to the front.

Dark reddish orange crochet swatch in half double crochet stitch and a wooden crochet hook on a white surface. The swatch shows a yarnover around the hook just about to begin a half double crochet hook. Text on the image reads: Banana Moon Studio.

Then you insert your hook into the chain or stitch.

Dark reddish orange crochet swatch in half double crochet stitch and a wooden crochet hook on a white surface. The swatch shows a partially completed half double crochet stitch. Text on the image reads: Banana Moon Studio.

Yarnover again, this time just by laying the yarn across the front of the hook.

Pull that loop through the stitch by catching it under the hook as you slide it through the stitch. It may help you get through the stitch if you turn it towards the left just before you go through the stitch.

After you pull that loop through, yarnover one more time…

…and pull that loop through all three of the other loops on your hook.

Dark reddish orange crochet swatch in half double crochet stitch and a wooden crochet hook on a white surface. The swatch shows a just completed half double crochet stitch. Text on the image reads: Banana Moon Studio.

That finished one half double crochet stitch. You will repeat that process in each chain or stitch across to the end of the row. At the end of a row you turn your work so that you can work from right to left again. Chain 2 at the start of each new row and work the stitches in each stitch across.

Half double crochet stitch written instructions

Below I’ll write out the instructions for a small half double crochet swatch using standard pattern language. Refer to the longhand instructions above and my free crochet abbreviations list for help if needed.

Use any yarn you like and a compatible hook size. The bottom row of this chart from the Craft Yarn Council will give you an idea of hook size if you aren’t sure. The label on your yarn might also give you a suggested hook size.

Ch 14

Row 1: Hdc in 3rd ch from hook and each remaining ch – 12 sts.

Row 2: Ch 2, hdc in each st across.

Repeat Row 2 until you reach desired length. Fasten off.

Half double crochet stitch video

Click to watch the tutorial video on YouTube and you’ll see the process in action.

Beginner pattern using the half double crochet stitch

Looking for a beginner project to use your new skill? Now that you’ve watched my half double crochet stitch video, my Ada Shrug would be the perfect crochet project to use your new skill! This beginner-friendly crochet pattern is a large square made in half double crochet stitch. A little sewing on the sides turns the square into an easy, casual cardigan.

Teen girl wearing a blue crochet blanket shrug over a white top and floral leggings. She stands in front of an ivy-covered tree. Text on the image reads: Banana Moon Studio.

Looking for more beginner-friendly crochet videos?

If you want to learn more about crochet my Learn to Crochet page shares all of my crochet tutorials and beginner-friendly patterns in order from beginner to intermediate.

I’d love to see what you’re making! Share it on Instagram and tag me or join my Facebook group and share it with me there.

Happy stitching,