Crochet Half Double Stitch Guide Step By Step

The Half Double Crochet stitch is an elegant yet straightforward crochet pattern that yields a visually appealing texture, ideal for a wide range of crochet projects. Its balanced, slightly textured appearance makes it versatile enough for both garments and home decor, such as blankets and cushions. Additionally, this stitch creates a fabric that looks the same on both sides, making it perfect for items like scarves and afghans where both sides are visible.

Crochet Half Double Stitch

The stitch's moderate yarn usage and the fact that it's approximately 70% solid mean it provides enough warmth without being too heavy, offering an ideal blend of functionality and decorative appeal. Whether used with solid color yarns or to highlight the color transitions in ombre or variegated yarns, the Staggered Half Double Crochet stitch adds depth and interest to crochet creations, making it a favorite among both beginners looking to practice their skills and experienced crocheters seeking an easy, effective stitch for their projects.

• This stitch is easy, features a one-row repeat, and looks the same on both sides.
• It is approximately 70% solid.
• The yarn usage rate is about 6 out of 10.
• Necessary skills: chain stitch and half double crochet.

Materials

• Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver Ombre (medium weight number 4, 100% acrylic) in SEC Coral.
• Crochet hook: Size I (5.5 mm).

Pattern Overview

• This stitch is worked in an odd number chain.
• Utilizes a half double crochet two together (half double crochet 2 tog) technique over two stitches.

Row 1: Setting Up

1. Begin: Chain any odd number, according to the project needs.
2. Half Double Crochet (HDC) Start: In the third chain from the hook, work a half double crochet (do not count the loop on your hook as the first chain).
3. First Half Double Crochet Two Together (HDC2Tog):
   • Yarn over and insert the hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook).
   • Yarn over, insert into the next stitch, yarn over and pull up another loop (5 loops on hook).
   • Yarn over and pull through all five loops on the hook.
   • Chain one to lock the stitch.
4. Repeat: Continue the HDC2Tog across the row, ending with a HDC in the last stitch.

Row 2: The Repeat Row

1. Start: Chain two (do not make this tight as you will work into it later), turn your work.
2. First Stitch: Yarn over and work into the first chain space, then immediately into the second chain space, continuing the HDC2Tog as established.
3. Following Stitches: Work each HDC2Tog in the chain one space immediately after the one just completed. Then jump to the next chain space, completing the stitch as before.
4. Repeat: Continue this pattern across the row.
5. Ending the Row: Work the final HDC2Tog into the last two chain spaces, chain one. And then work a half double crochet into the top of the beginning chain two from the start of the row.

For Row 3 and Beyond

• Repeat Row 2 for the remainder of the project.
• Make sure to end each row with a half double crochet in the top of the chain two from the start of the row to maintain consistency.

Finishing

• The edges of the pattern may curve slightly; this can be corrected with a gentle tug to straighten.
• This stitch pattern is versatile and can be used for various projects, including wearable items, blankets, and kitchen accessories (use cotton yarn for kitchen projects).

Additional Tips

• The stitch pattern looks great in any yarn type, including solid colors, striped, ombre, or variegated yarns.
• Share your completed project pictures on the tutorial's Facebook page.