Half Double Crochet: The Fast, Warm Stitch for Hats and Blankets
The half double crochet sits between single and double in height, with one smooth pull-through. Learn the stitch, the third-loop trick and when to choose it.
Pattern at a glance
US terms- Skill level
- Beginner
- Yarn
- Smooth worsted (#4) yarn
- Hook
- 5 mm (H-8)
- Time
- 15 minutes to learn
In this post
The half double crochet (hdc) is the crocheter's favourite secret: almost as fast as double crochet, almost as warm and dense as single crochet. That's why so many beanies, ear warmers and blankets use it.
The quick version: yarn over, insert, pull up a loop (3 loops on the hook), yarn over and pull through all 3.
UK patterns call it a half treble (htr).
The rest of this post is just below — free, as always.
How to half double crochet
- Step 1: Yarn over.
- Step 2: Insert the hook into the stitch, under both top loops.
- Step 3: Yarn over and pull up a loop. 3 loops on the hook.
- Step 4: Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops at once. One hdc made.
Practice swatch
- Row 1: Ch 17. Hdc in the 3rd ch from the hook and across. (15)
- Row 2: Ch 2 (doesn't count), turn. Hdc in each st across. (15)
- Rows 3–12: Repeat Row 2. (15)
The third-loop trick (knit-look rib)
Look just behind the top "V" of an hdc on the side facing you: there's a horizontal bar — the third loop. Working every stitch of a row into only that bar pushes both top loops forward into a raised line. Repeat on every row and you get a fabric that looks like knit ribbing — lovely for hat brims and cuffs.
When to choose hdc
| Stitch | Height | Fabric | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single crochet | Short | Dense, firm | Amigurumi, bags, baskets |
| Half double | Medium | Warm, a little stretch | Hats, ear warmers, blankets, cozies |
| Double crochet | Tall | Drapey, open | Granny squares, shawls, summer tops |
Projects that use hdc
- Santa hat, worked top-down in hdc.
- Coffee cup cozy.
- Trick-or-treat bucket.
- Ear warmer headband.
Common questions
Is half double crochet good for beginners?
Yes. It has fewer steps than double crochet and grows faster than single crochet, so many beginners find it the most satisfying first stitch.
Why does my hdc slant?
Hdc naturally leans slightly. Working in joined rounds and turning each round, or using the third loop, keeps it straighter.
Does the ch 2 count as a stitch in hdc?
In most modern patterns, no. Older patterns sometimes count a ch 2 as the first hdc — check the stitch count your pattern gives.
Third loop or plain hdc — which look do you prefer? 🧶
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