The half-double crochet stitch is perfect when you want something in between a single and double crochet. I use it all the time for projects that need a little more body.
If you're new to crocheting or just getting the hang of basic stitches, this one is a must-learn. It's quick, simple, and gives beautiful results. Let me show you exactly how I do it, step by step!
Contents
- 1 Why Use the Half Double Crochet Stitch?
- 2 Step 1: Start Your Foundation Chain
- 3 Step 2: Make the First Half Double Crochet Stitch
- 4 Step 3: Continue Crocheting Across the Row
- 5 Step 4: Tips for Better Technique
- 6 Step 5: Count Your Stitches
- 7 Step 6: Crochet the Second Row
- 8 Step 7: Finish the Row
- 9 Tips for Beginners: Keep Practicing for Smooth Results
- 10 The Bottom Line
Why Use the Half Double Crochet Stitch?
Let me tell you why I love this stitch. It's simple, but so helpful!
Great for Thicker, Sturdier Projects
The half-double crochet is my go-to when I want something thicker. If I'm making a scarf, a phone pouch, or even a pencil case, this stitch gives the fabric just the right amount of body.
It's sturdier than a single crochet but not as open as a double crochet.
Faster Progress with Taller Stitches
And here's the bonus—it works up faster than single crochet! Since the stitch is a bit taller, each row grows more quickly. That means I see progress sooner, and that keeps me motivated!
Step 1: Start Your Foundation Chain
Let's start from the very beginning. This foundation chain sets the stage for your first row of stitches.
Begin with 10 Chain Stitches
I begin by making a foundation chain of 10 chain stitches. I just yarn over, pull through, and repeat until I have ten loops chained together. It's easy once you get into the rhythm!
Add 2 Extra Chains for Height
After chaining ten, I add two more chains. These extra two chains give the row the correct height for the half-double crochet. I don't crochet into them—they just help raise the first row.
Step 2: Make the First Half Double Crochet Stitch
Now it's time to dive into the half-double crochet stitch itself. This is where the magic starts!
Yarn Over and Insert Hook into the 3rd Chain
I yarn over first, then insert my hook into the third chain from the hook.
To find the right spot, I count back: one, two, and three. That's the one I go into.
Pull Through All 3 Loops
Once my hook is in, I yarn over again and pull up a loop.
Now, there are three loops sitting on my hook.
I yarn over again and pull through all three loops at once.
That's it—that's my first half double crochet stitch! So satisfying!
Step 3: Continue Crocheting Across the Row
Let's keep that momentum going. We'll repeat that same stitch across the rest of the chain.
Repeat the Half Double Crochet Stitch
Here's the pattern I follow:
- Yarn over
- Insert the hook into the next chain
- Pull up a loop (now I have three loops)
- Yarn over again
- Pull through all three loops
I keep doing this until I've worked my way across all the stitches. It flows nicely once you get used to it.
Compare with Regular Double Crochet
One thing to note: the half double crochet is different from a regular double crochet.
With double crochet, you pull through two loops, then pull through two again. But in the half-double crochet, I pull through all three loops in one go.
That gives it a nice balance, not too short or tall.
Step 4: Tips for Better Technique
I've picked up a few small tricks that help a lot as we go along.
Slow Down and Observe Carefully
When I first learned this stitch, I found it helpful to go slow. Watching each movement makes it easier to understand what's happening.
Hook Positioning Tips
Here's something that helps a ton—when I insert the hook, I tilt the head of the hook slightly downward. That helps me catch the yarn more smoothly.
After I pull up a loop, I tilt the hook back up. This simple motion keeps things moving without snags.
Relax Your Hands
I also try to keep my wrist and fingers relaxed. If I hold everything too tight, my stitches end up tight and stiff. But I hold the yarn securely, just enough so my stitches don't get too loose.\
It's a balance—but it gets easier with practice!
Step 5: Count Your Stitches
Now that I've gone across the row, I count my stitches to double-check.
Yay! I have 10 half-double crochet stitches in my row. That's how I know everything is lining up properly.
Step 6: Crochet the Second Row
Let's move on to the next row. This is where it starts to look like something!
Chain 2 and Turn Your Work
At the end of the row, I chain 2 again—just like I did at the beginning.
Then, I turn my work to start the new row. These 2 chains give the new row the right height, so I don't crochet into them.
Insert Hook into the First Stitch
Now, I yarn over and insert my hook into the first stitch of the new row.
Then I yarn over and pull through all 3 loops, just like before.
Step 7: Finish the Row
Don't forget the last little step—it secures your hard work. When I reach the end of the row, I finish with one chain stitch.
That's how I make sure everything stays in place. It's a simple but important step!
Tips for Beginners: Keep Practicing for Smooth Results
Crocheting takes practice, but trust me—it's worth it. When I first learned the basics, I set aside 30 minutes to an hour daily to practice. It made such a difference!
Practicing helped me feel more confident with my hook, and my stitches started looking much more even and clean. That daily rhythm helped me improve quickly.
The Bottom Line
Ready to give it a try? The half-double crochet stitch is easy, fun, and super versatile. I love how quickly it works and how neat it looks in projects.
So grab your hook, yarn, and some time—practice makes progress! Let me know how it goes, or share what you make with this stitch!