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Half Double Crochet (hdc) Tutorial

Learn half double crochet with the correct yarn-over sequence, stitch anatomy, turning guidance, and fixes for uneven rows.

By CrochetIndex EditorialUpdated 2026-09-17
Half Double Crochet (hdc) Tutorial
LevelBeginner
TypeTutorial
Learn in10–15 minutes
Updated2026-09-17
Quick answer

Yarn over, insert the hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, then yarn over and pull through all three loops on the hook.

Quick reference

Mini lesson sheet

Keep the short row instructions on one side and the visual target on the other.

Row 1
over once before inserting the hook.
Row 2
the hook into the next stitch under the loops specified by the pattern.
Row 3
over and pull up a loop.
Row 4
over again.
Row 5
through all three loops in one motion to complete the half double crochet.
Row 6
across, keeping the height of each pulled-up loop consistent.
Abbreviations
US abbreviation: hdc
Half Double Crochet (hdc) Tutorial practice sheet preview
Finished view
See the key steps and the finished look together.
Use this section as a fast visual check before you work through the full steps.
  • Use this as a quick check before the full lesson.
  • Keep it nearby while you practice the stitch or technique.
What you should see

Finished result

Final outcome
Half Double Crochet (hdc) Tutorial finished result

Key facts

US abbreviation: hdc
Taller than single crochet and shorter than double crochet
Creates a distinct third loop that can be used decoratively
Step by step

How to do it

  1. Half Double Crochet (hdc) Tutorial step 1
    01
    Step 1

    Yarn over once before inserting the hook.

  2. Half Double Crochet (hdc) Tutorial step 2
    02
    Step 2

    Insert the hook into the next stitch under the loops specified by the pattern.

  3. Half Double Crochet (hdc) Tutorial step 3
    03
    Step 3

    Yarn over and pull up a loop. You should have three loops on the hook.

  4. Half Double Crochet (hdc) Tutorial step 4
    04
    Step 4

    Yarn over again.

  5. Half Double Crochet (hdc) Tutorial step 5
    05
    Step 5

    Pull through all three loops in one motion to complete the half double crochet.

  6. Half Double Crochet (hdc) Tutorial step 6
    06
    Step 6

    Repeat across, keeping the height of each pulled-up loop consistent.

Watch it in action

Video walkthrough from Bella Coco

Use this as a second explanation after the written steps. Pause, replay, and compare the motion with the close-up images above.

HOW TO CROCHET FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS | UK HALF TREBLE/US HALF DOUBLE | EPISODE 4
Video by Bella Coco · YouTube
Watch on YouTube
Useful tips

Make it easier

  • Lift each pulled-up loop to roughly the same height before the final yarn over.
  • If a pattern uses the third loop, look for the horizontal strand behind the normal top V.
Common mistakes

What usually goes wrong

  • Forgetting the initial yarn over
  • Pulling through only two loops instead of all three
  • Confusing the back loop with the third loop
Frequently asked

Questions about half double crochet tutorial

What is the third loop in half double crochet?+

The third loop is a horizontal strand created by the stitch structure. In rows it often sits behind the normal front and back loops.

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