The half double crochet stitch is one of my favorites. Often overlooked, and in my opinion underutilized, the hdc stitch has some great properties. It creates a more solid fabric, without leaving as much open "lacy" space as taller stitches, but it's got much more drape and flexibility than single crochet. Even if you've never heard of it before, you can learn this simple stitch in seconds.
How to Crochet the Half Double Crochet Stitch: Right Handed Version:
How to Crochet the Half Double Crochet Stitch: Left Handed Version:
Written Instructions for the Half Double Crochet Stitch
Yarn over and insert hook into the next stitch. Yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over again and pull through all three loops on the hook. Done!
Easy as can be, right? In less than 2 minutes you've just learned a stitch and how many chains to make to start a row of them. I hope you enjoyed learning about this fun stitch! There are lots of patterns that use the hdc stitch here at moogly, including:
- Cable Heart Gift Bag
- Rainbow in the Clouds Pillow
- Baby in Bloom Sweater and it's matching Bonnet
- Toot Sweet Newborn Bonnet
- Riley Flower Square Motif
... and more! Thanks for watching! Is there a stitch you'd like me to demonstrate that you haven't seen here on moogly? Let me know in the comments!
Be sure to check out and like the moogly Facebook page to get the latest updates, links, sneak peeks, and to show off the things you've made with Moogly patterns! Moogly is also on Pinterest, Twitter, and Tumblr – come join the fun! You can contact me at TamaraKelly@mooglyblog.com.
rutecaetano says
gosto muito
Lin says
Great video, thanks so much for sharing!
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you! 😀
Merav says
I made a scarf with that stitch before I even knew anything other than one basic stitch. I "invented" it. lol, Now I know it has a name.
Tamara Kelly says
😀 It's funny how often that happens! When I first started I thought all stitches were worked in the back loop only...made a nifty ridged pouch lol!
Arlene says
What is your preferred method to work into starting chain when item will have edging added? For example on a wash cloth or placemat.
Tamara Kelly says
Personally I always like to work into the back hump of a chain for the first row/round. I find it's easier to get the hook under just the one loop, and then whether I add an edging or not it has a nice edge there. 🙂
Arlene says
Thank you for your reply. I'm making your trinity stitch wash cloth now and just love it. Your tutorials are the best I have found. Thank you
Tamara Kelly says
🙂 Thank you!
Amanda says
Hi...I'm still very basic on crocheting. I was wondering what "held doubled" meant I'm looking at your Cuddly Cat crochet Scoodie with pockets and just reading the instructions. My mom taught me the basics of crocheting but not much else.....though she can read the patterns she is not here with me to help me translate some of it. So any help would be grateful. Thanks!
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Amanda! Held doubled means you hold two strands of yarn together and crochet them as if it were one strand. So start two skeins, and hold the yarn together from each, and crochet as usual but using both at the same time. Does that help?
Sheryl says
I am looking for a half double crochet double strand hat pattern, do you have such a pattern¥ Thank you for your help!
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Sheryl! I do not, but if you are using two strands of worsted, this pattern should work: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/basic-bulky-beanie-hdc 🙂
judy says
Where is the 3 Rd loop in the hdc?
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Judy! I think this is the tutorial you want (click here)
Emily Taylor says
Hi Tamara your video tutorials are so helpful for us lefties! I was taught by a right handed crocheter and it was so confusing until I came across your blog. I keep going back to it to review the stitches and learn new techniques and terms. Thank you so much!
Tamara Kelly says
I'm so glad to hear it Emily, thank you so much!!
Debbie says
Watched the video, but there was nothing on how to crochet the bottom of the purse.
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Debbie! I'm afraid I don't know which pattern you are referring to.