what is half double crochet
A half double crochet (often abbreviated hdc) is a basic crochet stitch that’s taller than a single crochet but shorter than a double crochet, creating a dense yet flexible fabric that’s great for blankets, hats, and garments.
Quick Scoop: What is Half Double Crochet?
- It’s one of the core beginner stitches, usually learned right after single crochet and before double crochet.
- In US terms it’s called “half double crochet” and written as hdc in patterns.
- The finished stitch height sits between single and double crochet, so your fabric works up faster than single crochet but with smaller gaps than double crochet.
- It produces a soft, squishy texture that many people like for cozy projects.
How to Make a Half Double Crochet (Step-by-step)
From a foundation chain or a row of stitches:
- Yarn over (wrap the yarn around your hook once).
- Insert your hook into the next stitch (or the 3rd chain from the hook, if you’re working into a starting chain).
- Yarn over again and pull up a loop; you now have 3 loops on your hook.
- Yarn over once more and pull through all 3 loops on the hook in one go.
That completes one half double crochet stitch (hdc).
What Does HDC Look and Feel Like?
- The stitch has three visible “loops” at the top: front loop, back loop, and a third loop created by the yarn over.
- Fabric made with hdc is:
- Thicker than single crochet fabric worked with the same yarn and hook,
- Less holey than double crochet fabric.
- It gives a neat, slightly ridged look, especially when you work into the back or third loop only for texture.
Where You’ll See Half Double Crochet Used
- Common in:
- Blankets and throws
- Cardigans, sweaters, and cozy cardis
- Hats, scarves, and cowls
- Simple beginner patterns and quick projects
- Designers also use hdc in:
- Chevron and ripple patterns
- Textured stitches and faux-knit fabrics (for example, alternating back-loop and middle-loop hdc rows)
Quick Comparison (Beginner View)
| Stitch | Height | Fabric feel | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single crochet (sc) | Shortest basic stitch | [3][1]Very dense, firm | [1]Amigurumi, sturdy items |
| Half double crochet (hdc) | Between sc and dc | [3][7][1]Soft, dense but flexible | [8][1]Blankets, garments, accessories | [7][4]
| Double crochet (dc) | Taller than hdc | [3][1]Looser, more drape, more gaps | [1]Airy blankets, shawls, lacy items |
One-sentence TL;DR
A half double crochet is a foundational crochet stitch, written as hdc , made by yarning over, inserting the hook, pulling up a loop, then yarning over and pulling through all three loops to create a medium-height, soft, and slightly dense fabric.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.
