How to crochet the half double crochet stitch (US terms)

Step by step instructions

Let’s get started

Tension is very important. The yarn must glide smoothly from your left hand to the working project — not too tight and not too loose.

You will need the following:

• Wool / yarn suitable for a 4mm hook
• 4mm crochet hook
• Scissors
• Darning needle

Step 1: Start with a slipknot.

Prepare your yarn tension on your left hand (or right, depending on your orientation).

Step 2: Chain 12.

Count from the last loop on the hook (do not count the loop on the hook).

Step 3: Insert the hook into the top loop of the fourth chain.

Step 4: Yarn over and pull up a loop.

Check: You should have 3 loops on your hook.

Step 5: Yarn over.

Step 6: Yarn over and pull through all three loops.

You have just made your first half double crochet.

Step 7: Yarn over and insert the hook into the top loop of the next chain. Repeat Steps 4–7 across the foundation chain.

Starting the next row

Step 8: Chain 3. This counts as your first half double crochet. Skip the next stitch as it belongs to the turning chains.

Step 9: Yarn over and insert the hook into the next stitch.

Step 10: Yarn over and pull up a loop.

Check: You should have 3 loops on your hook.

Step 11: Yarn over and pull through all three loops.

Repeat Steps 9–11 across the row. You should have 9 half double crochet stitches plus 1 turning chain, giving a total of 10 stitches per row.