How to Half Double Crochet (hdc), Plus the Third-Loop Trick

Half double crochet (hdc) is taller than single crochet and shorter than double crochet. It works up faster than single crochet but is still dense enough to be warm, so it's a favorite for hats, scarves, cowls and cozy blankets.

It's also the only basic stitch that finishes by pulling through three loops at once. That one difference gives it a slightly different look, and an extra horizontal bar on the back that we'll use later.

1. 1.Yarn over before inserting the hook. This is the step that makes it taller than single crochet.
2. 2.Insert the hook into the stitch.
3. 3.Yarn over and pull up a loop. You now have 3 loops on the hook.
4. 4.Yarn over once more.
5. 5.Pull through all 3 loops. One loop remains, and the stitch is done.

If pulling through three loops feels stiff, the loops are probably too tight. Let them sit on the wider part of the hook and pull through in one smooth motion, turning the hook slightly downward as you go.

For your first row, work the first half double crochet into the 3rd chain from the hook. The two chains you skipped stand in for the height of the stitch.

For practice, chain 17 and work one hdc in the 3rd chain from the hook and in each chain across. Whether you have 15 or 16 stitches depends on whether those skipped chains count as a stitch, and patterns differ on this. Many modern patterns don't count them. Read the pattern notes and follow its stitch count.

At the end of a row, chain 2 and turn. Then there are two common methods:

• Ch 2 does not count as a stitch: work your first hdc into the first stitch, at the base of the chain. Don't work into the turning chain at the end of the next row. This gives the neatest edge and is common in newer patterns.
• Ch 2 counts as a stitch: skip the first stitch, work your first hdc into the second stitch, and at the end work the last hdc into the top of the turning chain.

Mixing these up is the most common reason half double crochet pieces grow or shrink. Pick the method your pattern uses and stick to it. Some designers also chain 1 instead of 2 for a tighter edge; either way, the pattern will tell you.

Tip your work toward you and look at the back of a row of half double crochet. Below the usual two top loops you'll see a third horizontal bar. That's the third loop, sometimes called the back bar.

Work into only the third loop of each stitch and the top two loops get pushed forward. This creates a raised horizontal ridge on the front. Worked row after row, it looks surprisingly like knitting. Some people call it the camel stitch.

Uses for it:

• Knit-look ribbed hat brims and ear warmers
• Cushion covers and blankets with a woven feel
• Neat borders where you want a defined line

Working only into the third loop makes the fabric slightly stretchier and wider than regular hdc, so make a swatch if gauge matters.

• Forgetting the first yarn over: if you skip it, you've made a single crochet. Look for 3 loops on the hook before your final pull-through.
• Uneven edges: usually caused by the turning chain issue above. Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each row.
• Holes at the start of rows: if the ch 2 looks gappy, try chaining 1 instead, as long as you keep it consistent.
• Stitches that look twisted: make sure you yarn over from back to front every time.

Half double crochet is ideal for:

• A simple scarf: chain the width you want and work rows of hdc until it's long enough.
• A basic beanie worked in rounds. Our hat size calculator gives the crown diameter and height for each size.
• A cozy throw. Half double crochet covers ground faster than single crochet but is still warm. Use the blanket size calculator to plan dimensions and yarn.