Between single and double — great for hats. BeginnerUS: hdcUK: htr
In US terms this is the Half Double Crochet (hdc). In UK terms the same stitch is called the Half Treble (htr). They are the identical stitch — only the name changes. Not sure which system a pattern uses? If it mentions a single crochet, it's US; if it mentions a half treble, it's UK. Convert any pattern with the US ↔ UK tool.
Video tutorial — pick your hand
Every stitch in Crochets has a mirrored lesson for lefties — no more mentally flipping videos.
🎬 Right-handed video by The Woobles on YouTube.
How to crochet the Half Double Crochet — step by step
Yarn over, insert hook into stitch
Yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops)
Yarn over, pull through all 3 loops
Instructions use US terms. Working left-handed? Do exactly the same moves as a mirror image — insert the hook from the same side of the stitch, working from left to right instead of right to left.
Where to use it
These are the stitches every pattern is built from. Master the tension on these and everything above them gets easier.
Common mistakes with the Half Double Crochet
Counting the turning chain as a stitch when the pattern says not to (or vice versa) — this is the number-one cause of rows that shrink or grow.
Working into the wrong loop: unless told otherwise, insert your hook under both top loops of the stitch below.
Pulling the yarn tight after every pull-through — keep the loops loose enough to slide freely on the hook.
Planning a project with the Half Double Crochet? Use the free yarn calculator to work out how many skeins you need, and the foundation chain calculator to get the width right the first time.
In UK terms it is called the Half Treble (htr). It is exactly the same stitch as the US Half Double Crochet (hdc).
Is the Half Double Crochet good for beginners?
It is a beginner stitch — you can learn it in your first week. Between single and double — great for hats.
Can I crochet the Half Double Crochet left-handed?
Yes. Left-handed crocheters work the same stitch as a mirror image — right to left becomes left to right. Crochets includes a left-handed video for the Half Double Crochet, and its pattern tools write instructions in your working direction.
What is the Half Double Crochet used for?
These are the stitches every pattern is built from. Master the tension on these and everything above them gets easier.
Learn the Half Double Crochet in your hand, at your pace
Crochets has 300 stitches with right- and left-handed videos, a pattern designer that writes the pattern for you, and a photo preview of your finished piece. Free to start.