What Is Half Double Crochet?
Half double crochet (abbreviated hdc) is one of the basic crochet stitches, sitting in height and density between single crochet and double crochet. It produces a fabric that’s a bit taller and more open than single crochet but denser than double crochet, which makes it a common choice for garments, blankets, and anything where you want warmth without excessive bulk.
US vs UK Terminology: Avoiding the Mix-Up
Crochet terminology differs between the US and UK systems, and this is one of the most common sources of confusion for anyone following patterns from different countries. In US terms, “half double crochet” (hdc) is its own distinct stitch. In UK terms, the equivalent stitch is called “half treble crochet” (htr). If you’re working from a UK-published pattern, don’t confuse “half treble” with “half double” (UK) — in the UK system, “double crochet” (dc) actually refers to what US patterns call single crochet (sc). Always check which terminology system a pattern uses before you start, especially if the source isn’t explicit about it.
This article uses US terminology throughout, which is the convention for this site.
How to Work a Half Double Crochet Stitch Step by Step
The basic mechanics of hdc are consistent across sources:
- Yarn over.
- Insert your hook into the next stitch.
- Yarn over again and pull up a loop. You should now have 3 loops on your hook.
- Yarn over one more time and pull through all 3 loops at once.
That single motion — yarn over before inserting the hook, then pulling through all three loops together at the end — is what distinguishes hdc from both single crochet (no initial yarn over, only 2 loops to pull through at the end) and double crochet (an initial yarn over, but the final pull-through happens in two steps instead of one).
Where HDC Fits Among the Basic Stitches
If you’re comparing the basic stitches by height and density, a rough order (shortest/densest to tallest/most open) runs: slip stitch, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, treble crochet. Half double crochet’s main appeal is that it splits the difference — it works up faster than double crochet while still giving you a looser, drapier fabric than single crochet.
Before you can work any of these stitches, you need a foundation row of stitches to work into. The standard way to start is the chain stitch, though some crocheters prefer a chainless foundation alternative for certain projects.
Variations of the Half Double Crochet Stitch
Once you’re comfortable with basic hdc, there are several popular variations that change its texture or appearance.
Waistcoat (Knit-Look) Half Double Crochet
Waistcoat half double crochet (sometimes called split half double crochet) is worked by inserting your hook through the front “V” of the stitch below — splitting the stitch in half — rather than under both top loops as usual. This creates a fabric that resembles knitting more closely than standard hdc does. According to crochet tutorials covering this technique, the resulting fabric has more movement and drape than the equivalent waistcoat variation of single crochet, and it can be worked flat in rows or in the round, though working it flat requires checking the back of your work to make sure the hook comes out through the “V” on the far side of the stitch too. The stitch doesn’t require a specific multiple, since it’s a stand-alone stitch rather than a repeating pattern.
Herringbone Half Double Crochet
Herringbone half double crochet (HHDC) is a one-step variation on regular hdc that creates a slanted, herringbone-look fabric. Instead of pulling through all three loops at once at the end of the stitch, you pull through the first loop only, then yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops. Worked back and forth in rows, this small change makes the stitches lean, and the alternating direction of right-side and wrong-side rows creates the herringbone pattern. For a full walkthrough and a swatch-level written pattern, see this site’s herringbone half double crochet guide.
The Suzette Stitch
The Suzette stitch (sometimes marketed as a “knit-look” or woven stitch) is a pattern that alternates single and double crochet stitches across offset rows, so that each stitch type lands in the gaps of the row below. The result is a dense, woven-looking fabric. Because exact stitch counts and row setups vary between the designers who publish it, this article won’t give a specific stitch-by-stitch pattern for it — if you’re looking for the Suzette stitch specifically, search for a dedicated written pattern or video tutorial from a single source and follow it consistently from start to finish.
Is There a “Hardest” Crochet Stitch?
This is a common question, but there’s no single, universally agreed-upon “hardest” crochet stitch — difficulty is relative to a crocheter’s experience and which skills (tension control, counting, following charts) they find hardest. That said, stitches and techniques that are commonly cited as more advanced include Bruges lace, interlocking/overlay crochet, and Tunisian crochet, as well as any stitch that requires precise, consistent loop lengths, such as Solomon’s knot. Basic stitches like hdc are generally considered approachable for confident beginners who already know chain stitch and single crochet.
FAQ
What are some variations of the half-double crochet stitch? Common variations include waistcoat (knit-look) hdc, herringbone hdc, and stitch patterns that incorporate hdc alongside other stitches, such as the Suzette stitch.
What is the Suzette stitch? It’s a woven-look crochet stitch pattern that alternates single and double crochet stitches across offset rows to create a dense, textured fabric.
What is the hardest crochet stitch in the world? There’s no single agreed-upon answer — difficulty depends on the crocheter’s experience. Techniques often cited as advanced include Bruges lace, interlocking crochet, and Tunisian crochet.
How do you do a half double crochet stitch step by step? Yarn over, insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), then yarn over once more and pull through all 3 loops together.