Three loops on the hook, one pull-through – that is the whole trick. This beginner tutorial shows you how to half double crochet step by step, with a practice swatch, increases, decreases and the most common mistakes. Once you know it, you can make hats, scarves and blankets that grow fast and feel soft.
In this tutorial
What You Need
- A smooth, light-coloured worsted weight (#4) yarn – easy to see each loop
- 5 mm (H-8) crochet hook
- Scissors and a tapestry needle
Brand new to crochet? Start with our how to crochet for beginners guide to learn the slip knot, chain and single crochet first.
What Is a Half Double Crochet?
A half double crochet is a stitch that sits between single crochet and double crochet in height. In US patterns it is written hdc; in UK patterns the same stitch is called a half treble (htr) – see our US vs UK crochet terms chart.
| Stitch (US) | Abbreviation | Height | Turning chain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single crochet | sc | 1 chain tall | Ch 1 |
| Half double crochet | hdc | 2 chains tall | Ch 2 |
| Double crochet | dc | 3 chains tall | Ch 3 |
How to Half Double Crochet Step by Step
Step 1: Yarn over (wrap the yarn over the hook from back to front).
Step 2: Insert the hook into the stitch (or chain) under both top loops.
Step 3: Yarn over and pull up a loop. You now have 3 loops on the hook.
Step 4: Yarn over again and pull through all 3 loops at once. One half double crochet is done.
The magic moment is Step 4: unlike double crochet, you pull through all three loops in one go. If the last pull-through feels tight, keep the loops loose on the widest part of the hook shaft.
Practice Swatch: Your First Rows
Foundation: Ch 17.
Row 1: Hdc in the 3rd ch from the hook and in each ch across. (15 hdc)
Row 2: Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch), turn. Hdc in each st across. (15)
Rows 3–10: Repeat Row 2. Fasten off.
Count to 15 at the end of every row. Losing a stitch usually means you skipped the very first stitch after turning; adding one means you worked into the turning chain.
How to Increase and Decrease in Half Double Crochet
- Increase: work 2 hdc in the same stitch. This is how hats and circles grow – our crochet Santa hat uses this increase on every other round.
- Decrease (hdc2tog): yarn over, insert in the next stitch and pull up a loop (3 loops), yarn over, insert in the following stitch and pull up a loop (5 loops), then yarn over and pull through all 5.
Half Double Crochet Variations
- Back loop only (hdc blo): creates a ribbed, stretchy fabric – perfect for hat brims.
- Third loop (camel stitch): work into the horizontal bar behind the top loops for a knit-look ridge.
- Front post (fphdc): work around the post of the stitch below for raised texture.
- Hdc blanket: rows of plain hdc make one of the fastest, coziest beginner blankets.
Ready for a real project? The easy crochet infinity scarf uses only half double crochet.
Free printable version
Prefer paper? Download this free tutorial as a printable PDF to keep next to your yarn.
Keep crocheting
Your next free pattern: Easy Crochet Infinity Scarf Pattern (Free, Beginner-Friendly). Free easy crochet infinity scarf pattern for beginners: one stitch, a short cowl or long twisted loop, with sizes, yarn amounts and a free…
Free pattern · step by step · US terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Is half double crochet the same as half treble?
Yes. Half double crochet is the US name; half treble (htr) is the UK name for the exact same stitch.
Does the chain 2 count as a stitch in half double crochet?
In this tutorial it does not. Many modern patterns treat the ch 2 as a turning chain only, which gives straighter edges. Always check what your pattern says.
Why are the edges of my hdc rows uneven?
Usually the first or last stitch is being skipped or doubled. Place a stitch marker in the first and last stitch of each row until counting becomes automatic.
Which is faster, hdc or double crochet?
Double crochet grows faster, but half double crochet makes a warmer, denser fabric – a great middle ground for hats and scarves.
Happy hooking! 🧶 Want to keep learning? Try our magic ring tutorial and the lemon peel stitch.
Leave a Reply