What is a half double crochet?

A half double crochet stitch is one of the basic crochet stitches. It is taller than a single crochet but shorter than double crochet. You work the half double crochet like these two basic stitches. The half double crochet is like double crochet, and single crochet combined because of the extra loop and tight stitch. The common abbreviation for a half double crochet is hdc.

How do you do a half double crochet stitch?

If you are familiar with double crochet, you make the half double crochet in the same way but with an extra yarn loop. The half double crochet is very easy to use in different crochet projects, big or small.

• Choosing the hook and yarn
  The half double crochet is a versatile stitch that you can use in any type of crochet project. You can choose the type of yarn suitable for your project and the hook size that fits the yarn. When working with a crochet pattern, the pattern will specify the type of yarn and hook to use.If you are a newbie in crochet, it will help if you use a smooth, worsted weight yarn in a light color to see your stitches. Hook size G or H is the size fit for worsted weight.
• Starting your half double crochet
  As with any crochet project, you always start with a slip knot. Start with a chain of stitches. The chain of stitches formed will be your foundation row. You base the number of chains for your foundation row on the pattern you are using. But if you are not working with a design, crochet enough stitches for the width that you want for your project.
• First half double crochet row
  To start your first row of half double crochets:

1. Bring your yarn over the hook.
2. Insert your hook on your foundation chain’s third stitch- not counting the loop on the hook.
3. Wrap the yarn again over the hook and draw the yarn through the chain stitch. Notice that you now have three loops on your hook.
4. Wrap the yarn over the hook again, then pull it through all the three loops on the hook. You have finished your first half double crochet.
5. Repeat the same process of wrapping the yarn over your hook before inserting it into the next stitch. Continue this process until you reach the row’s end.

• Row two and onwards
  To make the next row, turn your work, then chain two to create a turning chain equal in height to a half double crochet. Repeat steps for crocheting half double crochets on the next rows. Crochet hdc rows until you get the right size of fabric that you want.

What is the difference between half double crochet and double crochet?

Just like the basic c2c crochet, half double crochet and double crochet are excellent stitches for various crochet projects. These two stitches each have unique qualities that may benefit specific projects. Below are some differences between double crochet and half double crochet that can serve as a guide for your future crochet projects.

Half Double Crochet

• The half double crochet is a stitch between the single crochet and the double crochet. Its height is taller than a single crochet but shorter than double crochet.
• Same as a double crochet stitch, you have to yarn over first when crocheting hdc before inserting the. This step adds height to the stitch to both half double crochet and double crochet.
• The half double crochet stitch can replace the double crochet stitch in patterns where you want the same design to look shorter.
• Half double crochet stitches used for shell stitches make wonderful edging for blankets or table covers.
• The half double crochet is a great stitch to use for crochet projects with long patterns because it adds a bit of height to the stitches. The tightness of hdc stitches is almost similar to the single crochet. The project is also easier and faster to work on.
• The half double crochet is excellent for almost any crochet project, especially hats, bags, and shawls, to name a few. The tightness of the hdc stitch is perfect for such projects.

Double Crochet

• The double crochet is a perfect stitch to add height to your crochet projects. It is also easy and fast to work up any project with double crochet stitches.
• The double crochet’s drawback is that it does not produce tight stitches than the single crochet and the half double crochet.
• Classic crochet designs like the granny square and many other decorative stitches use the double crochet stitch.
• Double crochet is the best stitch to use on blankets, sweaters, or cowls. These are crochet projects that need volume but not tight stitches.

What is a half double crochet in UK terms?

In your crocheting journey, it is unavoidable that you will come across UK terms. Some crochet books and patterns write crochet terms using UK abbreviations. The common abbreviation of half double crochet is hdc since double crochet is dc. The UK term for a half double crochet is htr since double crochet in the UK term is treble.

How do you do a half double crochet increase?

Working on crochet patterns using half double crochet in rows is easy. You only repeat the process of making an hdc stitch until you reach the end of the row. Crochet until you get the number of rows you need to make. When your crochet pattern is not a rectangle or square, you may need to know how to increase or decrease hdc stitches.

You make a half double crochet increase by crocheting another hdc in a stitch where you already made one. Making a half double crochet increase is essential in making round crochet designs. Crochet patterns show where you need to do a half double crochet increase. Usually, you make the hdc increase at the end of the row.

How do you do a half double crochet decrease?

Decreasing is a technique used in crochet to make the size of your work smaller. There will be parts in your pattern that will need a decrease in half double crochet stitches. The procedure is a bit different but still easy to achieve.

Wrap your yarn over the hook and insert your hook into the stitch. Wrap yarn over the hook again, then pull through. Wrap yarn over the hook again, then insert it into the next stitch. Wrap yarn over, then pull through. Notice that there are five loops now on your hook. Wrap the yarn over the hook; finally, pull the hook through all five loops.

The decrease stitch combines two half double crochet stitches at the top into one stitch. You see them in crochet patterns as hdc2tog (half double crochet two together) or dec hdc (decrease half double crochet).