What Is Herringbone Half Double Crochet?
Herringbone half double crochet (commonly abbreviated HHDC, and sometimes written as “herringbone hdc”) is a variation of the standard half double crochet stitch that creates a slanted, herringbone-look fabric. It’s a popular choice for crocheters who want a fabric that reads as more “knit-like” while still working up with a crochet hook. Be careful with the abbreviation when reading patterns: “hhdc” (herringbone half double crochet) is easy to misread as a typo for a regular “hdc,” so double-check which stitch a pattern actually calls for.
HHDC vs. Regular Half Double Crochet
The difference between HHDC and a regular hdc comes down to a single step. In a regular half double crochet, after yarn over, inserting the hook, and yarning over again to pull up a loop (3 loops on the hook), you yarn over one final time and pull through all three loops together. In herringbone half double crochet, instead of pulling through all three loops at once, you first pull through the first loop only — a motion similar to a slip stitch — and then yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops. That small change makes each stitch lean to one side. Worked flat in rows (alternating right-side and wrong-side rows), the alternating lean of each row is what produces the herringbone pattern.
The fabric this produces also tends to feel looser or more “squishy” compared to standard half double crochet, according to crocheters who’ve compared the two side by side.
How to Work Herringbone Half Double Crochet, Step by Step
- Yarn over and insert your hook into the next stitch, just as you would for a regular half double crochet.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop. You’ll have 3 loops on your hook.
- Pull the first loop through the second loop only (not through all three) — this is the step that makes HHDC different from a regular hdc.
- Yarn over and pull through the two remaining loops on your hook to complete the stitch.
It’s common for this to feel a little awkward or jerky at first, especially the step of pulling the first loop through just the second loop — some crocheters find it easier to do that step as two small tugs rather than one smooth motion. This becomes more fluid with practice.
Herringbone HDC Swatch Pattern
This swatch-level pattern reflects the general method described by established herringbone hdc tutorials. There’s no required stitch multiple for this stitch, so you can chain as long or as short as you like to practice.
Foundation Chain
Chain as many stitches as you’d like for your swatch width (for example, a practice swatch of around 20 chains is a reasonable starting point, though any length works).
Row 1
Work an HHDC in the 3rd chain from the hook, then work an HHDC in each chain across.
Row 2 (Repeat)
Chain 2 and turn (this turning chain does not count as a stitch). Work an HHDC in each stitch across the row. Repeat Row 2 for the length of your project.
What to Make With Herringbone HDC
Herringbone half double crochet is commonly used for blankets, hats, cowls, and dishcloths, where its slightly slanted texture and knit-like appearance are a nice contrast to flatter stitch patterns. If you want more drape and want to adjust the look further, you could also compare it against the waistcoat (knit-look) variation of regular hdc, which achieves a different knit-mimicking effect by splitting the stitch rather than changing the pull-through.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your herringbone fabric looks uneven, check that you’re consistently pulling the first loop through just the second loop (not accidentally pulling through all three, which would just produce a regular hdc) and that your turning chain of 2 isn’t being counted as a stitch, which would throw off your stitch count row to row. As with most textured stitches, working at an even, relaxed tension helps keep the overall fabric looking consistent.
FAQ
What’s the difference between hdc and herringbone hdc? Herringbone hdc changes the final step of the stitch: instead of pulling through all three loops at once, you pull through the first loop only, then yarn over and pull through the remaining two. This creates the slanted herringbone look.
Does herringbone hdc use a special stitch multiple? No — it doesn’t require a set multiple, so you can chain to whatever length your project needs.
Can herringbone hdc be worked in the round? Most written patterns for this stitch describe it worked flat, back and forth in rows, since the alternating row direction is part of what produces the herringbone pattern.