How to Half Double Crochet (hdc): Step-by-Step Guide

The half double crochet, written "hdc" in patterns, sits between the single crochet and the double crochet. It is taller than a single crochet, so it works up faster, and it is shorter and denser than a double crochet, so the fabric still feels firm. That mix makes it a favorite for hats, blankets, scarves and soft toys. This guide shows how to make it, how to work a practice swatch and how to avoid the common mistakes.

US and UK names

The name "half double crochet" is a US term. In UK patterns, the same stitch is called a "half treble crochet" (htr). The stitch is the same, only the name changes. Check which system your pattern uses before you start, and see our US and UK crochet terms chart if the names are confusing.

Before you start

You should be comfortable with a slip knot, a chain and the single crochet. If any of these are new, start with our guide on how to crochet for beginners and how to single crochet. For practice, use smooth, light-colored, medium (worsted) weight yarn and a 5 mm hook, so you can see each stitch.

How to make a half double crochet

1. Yarn over (wrap the yarn over the hook from back to front).
2. Put the hook into the stitch you are working into, going under the top V of the stitch.
3. Yarn over again and pull the yarn back through the stitch. You now have 3 loops on the hook.
4. Yarn over once more and pull the yarn through all 3 loops at once. One loop is left on the hook.

Pattern line: hdc in each st across (20). That means a half double crochet in every stitch, with 20 stitches at the end of the row.

Your first row

1. Make a slip knot and chain 22. For half double crochet, the foundation chain is the number of stitches you want plus 2, because the first two chains stand in for the height of the first stitch.
2. Yarn over, and put the hook into the third chain from the hook, so you skip two chains.
3. Make a half double crochet in that chain, then work one in each chain across. You should end with 20 stitches, not counting the two skipped chains.

Turning and the next row

1. At the end of the row, chain 2 and turn your work.
2. Work your first half double crochet into the first stitch of the row (not into the turning chain).
3. Continue with a half double crochet in each stitch across, including the very last stitch.
4. Chain 2, turn, and repeat for 10 or more rows.

Some patterns count the turning chain of 2 as the first stitch of the row, and some do not. The pattern will say so, usually with a note like "ch 2 (does not count as a stitch)". If it does count, you work your last stitch into the top of the turning chain from the row before. Always follow the note in the pattern, and count your stitches after every row.

How hdc compares with sc and dc

Common mistakes and fixes

Half double crochet in the round

You can also work half double crochet in circles. You start with a magic ring and work stitches into it, then increase by working 2 half double crochets into the same stitch. Because the stitch is taller than a single crochet, a circle in hdc needs a different number of stitches in the first round than one in sc. A pattern written for single crochet will not work in hdc without changes, so use the stitch the pattern asks for.

Projects that suit half double crochet

• Hats and beanies, where a medium-height stitch gives warmth and shape.
• Scarves, cowls and simple blankets that are quick to make.
• Bags and baskets, if you work in a dense yarn with a smaller hook.
• Soft toys that need a fabric a bit looser than single crochet.

If you want to practice on a real project, browse our crochet patterns for beginners or the free crochet patterns page. Each pattern lists the stitches it uses in the abbreviations section, so you know what to practice before you begin.