Half Double Crochet (US) / Half Treble (UK): How to Do It Step by Step
Half Double Crochet (hdc in US patterns, htr in UK patterns) is a beginner-level crochet stitch that makes medium height; soft and fairly dense. Stitchers use it for hats, blankets, sweaters. To start, yarn over, insert the hook, pull up a loop and pull through all three loops. It is usually learned alongside single crochet.
Half Double Crochet is a beginner-level crochet stitch that makes medium height; soft and fairly dense. Patterns abbreviate it as hdc in US terms and htr in UK terms. Makers use it for hats, blankets, sweaters.
The table below sums up half double crochet in one place: craft, abbreviation, difficulty and the projects it suits best.
| Craft | Crochet |
|---|---|
| US abbreviation | hdc |
| UK abbreviation | htr |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Look and feel | Medium height; soft and fairly dense |
| Best for | Hats, Blankets, Sweaters |
How do you work half double crochet?
- Yarn over.
- Insert the hook into the stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop. There are 3 loops on the hook.
- Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops.
- For the first row, work into the third chain from the hook.
Half Double Crochet is one of the stitches covered in how to crochet a blanket. When you are ready to plan a project in it, the blanket yarn calculator will estimate yarn for a blanket in it.
What are the most common half double crochet mistakes?
- Pulling through only two loops, which starts a double crochet
- Missing the third loop at the back of the stitch in patterns that use it
Practice on a swatch
Work a small sample before starting a project. It shows how the stitch looks in your chosen yarn or thread, and it is far easier to unpick a swatch than a finished piece.
Where does half double crochet lead next? Herringbone Half Double Crochet is the natural step up: herringbone half double crochet pulls the first loop through as you go, which slants the stitch and adds drape.
Which stitches are related to half double crochet?
The 3 stitches below are the closest relatives of half double crochet, with the abbreviation and difficulty of each.
| Stitch | Abbreviation | Difficulty | Look and feel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Crochet | sc | Beginner | Short, dense, firm, little drape |
| Double Crochet | dc | Beginner | Tall, open, drapey; works up quickly |
| Herringbone Half Double Crochet | hhdc | Intermediate | Slanted, slightly twisted texture; drapier than hdc |
What other beginner crochet stitches should you learn?
- Chain: foundation chains, turning chains
- Slip Stitch (Crochet): joining rounds, moving across stitches
- Single Crochet: amigurumi, bags
- Double Crochet: granny squares, blankets
- V-Stitch: shawls, summer tops
- Moss Stitch: blankets, scarves
- Extended Single Crochet: blankets, garments
Tools for crochet
Clover Amour Crochet Hook Set, 10 sizes
Under $50Soft-grip hooks in the sizes most patterns use, gentle on the hands for long sessions.
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Clover Quick Locking Stitch Marker Set
Under $25Mark the first stitch of a round or row so counts stay right.
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Tulip Etimo Rose Crochet Hook Set
Under $250A premium ergonomic hook set with smooth heads that glide through dense stitches.
Check pricePrices change often, so confirm on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently asked questions
What is half double crochet?
Half Double Crochet is a crochet stitch that makes medium height; soft and fairly dense. Makers reach for it for hats, blankets, sweaters. It is rated beginner here, so it is a good stitch to learn early and practice on a small swatch before a real project.
How do you do half double crochet step by step?
1. Yarn over. 2. Insert the hook into the stitch. 3. Yarn over and pull up a loop. There are 3 loops on the hook. 4. Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops. 5. For the first row, work into the third chain from the hook. Work slowly for the first few repeats, keep your tension even, and check the result against the steps before continuing across a whole row or motif.
What is the abbreviation for half double crochet?
US patterns abbreviate half double crochet as hdc. UK patterns write it as htr, so always check whether a pattern uses US or UK terms before you start, because the same abbreviation can mean a different stitch. Pattern keys list every abbreviation used, usually near the materials list.
What projects use half double crochet?
Half Double Crochet suits hats, blankets, sweaters. To size a project before you start, the blanket yarn calculator will estimate yarn for a blanket in it, and how to crochet a blanket walks through a full project from the beginning.
What are common mistakes with half double crochet?
The most common problems are: pulling through only two loops, which starts a double crochet; missing the third loop at the back of the stitch in patterns that use it. Most are easy to spot if you pause after a few repeats and compare your work with the steps. Good light helps a great deal, especially with dark yarn or thread.
What should you learn after half double crochet?
Herringbone Half Double Crochet is the usual next step, because herringbone half double crochet pulls the first loop through as you go, which slants the stitch and adds drape. It is rated intermediate here, against beginner for half double crochet. Its own step-by-step page is at herringbone half double crochet.
What stitches are similar to half double crochet?
Stitches closely related to half double crochet include Single Crochet, Double Crochet, Herringbone Half Double Crochet. Learning them together makes patterns easier to read, because many designs switch between related stitches to change texture, height or line. Each has its own step-by-step page in the stitch dictionary.
How we research: we compare manufacturer specifications, owner manuals, published standards and recurring themes in verified owner reviews. We do not test products in person, and this is researched guidance, not professional advice. Follow your machine manual and pattern, and take care with rotary cutters, hot irons and needles. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
