Hey everyone! Today you’re going to learn how to half double crochet in this easy, beginner-friendly step by step tutorial.

This week I’ve been trying out some new patterns and focusing on adding some new products to my Etsy shop (update post coming soon). I’m now officially 9 months pregnant and definitely starting to feel it, so I’ve been trying to relax a little while I still can and work on some smaller, more low-maintenance crochet projects. Baby girl is almost here!

Anyways, welcome to another tutorial in my How to Crochet series! In the last How to Crochet series tutorial we learned how to do a double crochet stitch. If you missed that tutorial check out my photo tutorial post and YouTube video tutorial. Hopefully you’ve been practicing those double crochet stitches!

By now you should be comfortable enough to move onto the next crochet stitch: the half double crochet.

The half double crochet is one of the most commonly used crochet stitches, taller than a single crochet but shorter than a double crochet–a great in-between stitch. It’s a versatile stitch that works up pretty quickly, great for textured patterns like front loop, back loop, and ribbing.

In this tutorial you’ll learn how to make your first half double crochet stitch.

This photo tutorial is meant to guide you step by step through the process, but the video tutorial is up on my YouTube channel if you’d like further explanation.

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All right, let’s get into it!

What you’ll need to get started:

• A crochet hook. An H/5mm hook is the best size to use at first because it’s not too big and not too small. If you want to read more about choosing the right hook and yarn check out my post, but if you just want the short answer then use an H/5mm hook!
• Yarn. Choose a worsted weight yarn (check out my post about hooks and yarns for a breakdown of the different yarn types) in a light color so your stitches are easy to see. Soft and fuzzy yarns are typically a little more difficult to work with so stick to a regular acrylic or cotton yarn until you’re more comfortable with crocheting.
• Scissors. You’ll need to cut the yarn when you’re finished!
• Sewing needle. This is really optional but if you’re wanting to weave in your yarn ends when you’re finished then you’ll need to use a needle to do so.

Ready to learn the half double crochet stitch?

Grab your yarn and hook and let’s get started. Watch the video tutorial and follow along with the step by step instructions here.

I’m using an aluminum Boye H/5mm crochet hook and I Love This Cotton light pink worsted weight cotton yarn. We’ll start by making a slip knot and 5 chain stitches.

Every crochet stitch except for the chain stitch needs a foundation to get it started unless you’re crocheting in the round (I’ll be making a post and a video on that soon). In this case the 5 chain stitches are going to be the foundation for our half double crochet stitches.

If you need a little help with holding your yarn check out the first tutorial in the How to Crochet series.

Skip the first chain and begin in the second chain from your hook (the loop just above my left thumb).

Yarn over and insert your hook under the top loop of that chain stitch.

Now you’re going to do another yarn over.

Pull the yarn through that top loop only, making sure to keep holding onto your chains with your right middle finger and thumb.

You should have three loops on your hook. Yarn over once again.

Pull through all three loops. You should now have just one loop on your hook.

Great job!! You just completed your first half double crochet stitch.

Let’s do another.

You’re going to skip over the chain stitch that you just worked a half double crochet in and move to the next empty chain.

Now do the same thing over again: yarn over, insert your hook into the next chain, yarn over and pull through the top loop, yarn over and pull through all three loops on the hook.

Keep making half double crochet stitches, one in each empty chain stitch, until you run out of chain stitches.

If your stitches are a little bumpy or some are smaller while others are bigger, don’t worry! Your stitches will eventually even out once you get your tension down.

Remember, practice makes perfect! Keep practicing managing your tension and making half double crochet stitches so you’ll be ready to learn the triple crochet in lesson 5 next week.

I’d love to see your work, so feel free to share your progress in the comments, or tag me on Instagram @handmade.by.micah . If you have any questions drop them in the comments. I’m always happy to help!

Stay tuned for lesson 5 and happy crocheting!