A beginners guide to crocheting a half double crochet (hdc).
Hello friend! I am so excited that you are eager to learn more crochet stitches! I can’t wait to teach you one of my favorites, the half double crochet (hdc). Just in case that last sentence confused you HDC is an abbreviation for H-half D-double C-crochet. I want to add these abbreviations to all posts and get you familiar with seeing them. This will help you later in your crochet journey to read patterns easily.
To get started you’ll need yarn and a crochet hook. Anything will do, I am using a size 5.0mm/H hook and Red Heart yarn. I’d like you to attach your yarn to your crochet hook and chain(CH) 11. When counting your chains(CH) look for the V’s or as my daughter likes to call them hearts. Each V is one chain.
- Now that you have 11 CH(chains), turn your work over.
- Yarn over.
- Now insert your hook into the second chain from your hook.
- Yarn over again and draw up a loop.
- With 3 loops on your hook, yarn over one more time & draw through all 3 loops on your hook. This stitch is similar to a double crochet, except you are drawing the yarn through all 3 loops.
Repeat for the remaining chains(CH) for a total of 10 half double crochets (HDC). Yarn over & insert your hook into the next chain space. Wrap your working yarn around the hook, draw through the chain space. With 3 loops on your hook, yarn over(wrapping the yarn around the hook) and pull through all 3 loops.
Now we are going to build on top of that first row by chaining(CH) 1 and turning your work over. Half double crocheting (HDC) on top of the previous row. Yarn over & insert your hook into the first stitch(opening), yarn over and draw up a loop. With three loops on your hook, yarn over and pull through all three. You’re half double crocheting (HDC).
To count your stitches turn your work slightly so that you’re looking at it from the top instead of the side. Count each sideways V or 2 strands of yarn. You should have 10 HDC-half double crochets. Continue working 10 half double crochets(HDC) across each row. Chaining(CH) 1 and turning to start another row. Once you feel comfortable half double crocheting(HDC) you can move onto a double crochet(DC). Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @shesrootedhome #abeginnersguidetocrocheting so I can see your progress and cheer you on my sweet friend!
PIN IT FOR LATER!!!
