how to double crochet 2026

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A complete how to double crochet step-by-step guide for beginners, with clear explanations and tips.

The Half Double Crochet (HDC) is one of the most popular crochet stitches. It’s taller than the single crochet (sc), shorter than the double crochet (dc), and creates a soft, flexible fabric—perfect for blankets, scarves, baby projects, and even amigurumi double treble crochet

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from holding the yarn to completing your first rows. how to increase in crochet

What You Need

Yarn (any type, but medium/4 worsted weight is easiest)
Crochet hook matching your yarn size (usually 5mm or 5.5mm)
Scissors
Yarn needle (optional)

tutorials tips

Before You Begin: Understanding the HDC

The HDC is a three-step stitch:

Yarn over
Insert hook and pull up a loop (3 loops total)
Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops

It’s simple and creates a neat, slightly stretchy texture

Resources and tutorials you may find helpful in following this pattern: Crochet Abbreviations, US to UK Crochet Conversion Chart. Find links to stitches on the “Tutorial” menu: will show basic stitches used in many patterns and shows our growing collection of crochet stitch tutorials.

how to double crochet 2026

How to Make a Half Double Crochet (Step by Step)

Step 1 — Make a foundation chain

Start by making a slip knot.

To begin your first row of HDC, you will skip the first two chains—these act as the “turning chain” and give your row height

Smooth, worsted-weight yarn in a light color is a good choice for learning new crochet stitches.

Step 2 — Yarn Over (YO)

Wrap the yarn once over your hook before inserting it into the next stitch.

This yarn over is what makes the stitch taller than a single crochet.

Step 3 — Insert the hook

Insert the hook into the third chain from the hook.

When you crochet in rows, begin the row with a turning chain. The height of the turning chain depends on the height of the crochet stitch. In half double crochet, chain two for a turning chain.

Step 4 — Yarn Over again

Wrap the yarn over the hook a second time.

Push your hook under the top loop(s) of the chain.

Step 5 — Pull up a loop

Pull the yarn through the stitch.

You will now have 3 loops on your hook.
This is the key characteristic of the HDC.

Step 6 — Yarn Over again

Wrap the yarn around the hook again.

(You still have 3 loops waiting.)

Step 7 — Pull through ALL 3 loops

Pull the yarn through all three loops on the hook in one smooth motion.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

❌ Mistake: Only pulling through 2 loops

✔️ Solution: Remember, HDC ALWAYS pulls through all 3 loops at once.

❌ Mistake: Too many or too few stitches per row

✔️ Solution: Count your stitches every row. HDC can sometimes hide the first and last stitch.

how to double crochet 2026