PurlbedCrochet › Basic stitches
Half double crochet
A stitch between sc and dc in height, with a horizontal bar (the third loop) along the back of each row. Yarn over, insert the hook into the stitch, pull up a loop (3 loops on the hook), yarn over and pull through all 3 loops.
What you work it with
Crochet · Tools: A hook for the yarn; any yarn.
Symbol chart
One or two repeats of the stitch pattern, in standard crochet symbols.Steps
- Chain the number of stitches plus
- Row 1: hdc in the 3rd chain from the hook and in each chain to the end.
- Turn, ch
- Hdc in each stitch.
- Repeat steps 3–4.
The full card
- What it looks like
- A stitch between sc and dc in height, with a horizontal bar (the third loop) along the back of each row.
- How it behaves
- Softer and more flexible than sc but still fairly solid; fast to work.
- How it works
- Yarn over, insert the hook into the stitch, pull up a loop (3 loops on the hook), yarn over and pull through all 3 loops.
- Tools
- A hook for the yarn; any yarn.
- Parameters
- Turning chain: 2 ch; patterns differ on whether it counts as a stitch.
- Steps
- 1) Chain the number of stitches plus 2. 2) Row 1: hdc in the 3rd chain from the hook and in each chain to the end. 3) Turn, ch 2. 4) Hdc in each stitch. 5) Repeat steps 3–4.
- Charting
- A T (stem with a bar) is one hdc. Each row starts with its 2-ch turning chain, row 1 from the right.
- Limits and common problems
- Pulling through 3 loops at once can be tight; keep the loops loose on the hook. The third loop at the back is easy to miss when counting.
- Combines with
- Single crochet, Double crochet, Bobbles and puff stitches
- Pieces and assembly
- Hats, scarves, blankets; working only in the back bar gives a knit-like rib [inference].
Written in our own words from machine manuals, knitting references and swatching. Knit a test swatch before a whole piece.