Crochet Stitches•Tutorial

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 2026-10-21

LevelBeginner

TypeTutorial

Learn in10–15 minutes

Updated2026-10-21

Follow the written lesson for each stitch. US crochet terms are used unless stated otherwise.

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.

Half Double Crochet Tutorial video preview

Video tutorial

Watch half double crochet tutorial

Prefer to learn by watching? Open the full lesson, then use this page for quick reference, tips, common mistakes, and FAQs.

Watch video lessonBy Bella Coco

Quick reference

Mini lesson sheet

Keep each complete first instruction alongside the accompanying reference illustration.

Step 1

Yarn over once before inserting the hook.

Step 2

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

Step 3

Yarn over and pull up a loop.

Step 4

Yarn over again.

Step 5

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

Step 6

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

Abbreviations

US abbreviation: hdc

Half Double Crochet (hdc) Tutorial practice sheet preview

Stitch reference

Follow the stitch instructions for each step.

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

Crochet technique image for Half Double Crochet (hdc) Tutorial

Key facts

US abbreviation: hdc

Taller than single crochet and shorter than double crochet

Creates a distinct third loop that can be used decoratively

In practice

Details that prevent common beginner mistakes

Check all three loops

In US hdc, yarn over before inserting the hook; after drawing up yarn there are three loops on the hook. A final yarn over passes through all three. The starting chain counts only if your pattern explicitly says so.

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 half double crochet?+

Half double crochet is a medium-height stitch made by yarning over, inserting the hook, pulling up a loop, then yarning over and pulling through all three loops on the hook.

What is the abbreviation for half double crochet?+

In US terminology it is abbreviated hdc. In UK terminology the comparable stitch is usually called half treble crochet, abbreviated htr.

How many turning chains do I use for half double crochet?+

Many patterns use one or two turning chains. Follow the pattern because whether the turning chain counts as a stitch varies by designer.

Why is my half double crochet leaning?+

Uneven tension, pulling the first loop too tall, or missing edge stitches can make the fabric lean. Keep loop height consistent and count each row.

Do I work half double crochet through both loops?+

Usually yes unless the pattern specifies front loop only, back loop only, third loop, or another insertion point.

Is half double crochet faster than single crochet?+

Usually yes because it is taller, so fewer rows are needed to build the same height of fabric.

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