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How to Half Double Crochet and Half Double Crochet Two Together

If you are learning beginner crochet stitches, half double crochet and half double crochet two together are two helpful stitches to know. Half double crochet, written as hdc, helps you build soft, sturdy crochet fabric. Half double crochet two together, written as hdc2tog, helps you shape that fabric by decreasing your stitch count.

hdc builds fabric. hdc2tog shapes fabric.

In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through what each stitch does, when you might use it, and how to make both hdc and hdc2tog step by step.

Materials

• worsted weight yarn, light color recommended so it is easier to see your stitches while practicing
• crochet hook that matches your yarn
• scissors
• yarn needle, optional
• stitch markers

Abbreviations

ch = chain
hdc = half double crochet
hdc2tog = half double crochet two together
st/sts = stitch/stitches
yo = yarn over

What Is a Half Double Crochet?

A half double crochet is a basic crochet stitch used to build the main fabric of a project. It gives your work a little more height than a single crochet, but it still keeps the fabric fairly close and sturdy.

This makes hdc a useful stitch for projects like headbands, washcloths, scarves, blankets, bags, and simple garments. It works up nicely without feeling too stiff, too loose, or full of giant gaps. Basically, hdc is the dependable middle child of crochet stitches. Not too small, not too tall, but just the right height.

How to Half Double Crochet

1. Yarn over.
2. Insert your hook into the next stitch.
3. Yarn over again.
4. Pull up a loop. You should have 3 loops on your hook.
5. Yarn over one more time.
6. Pull through all 3 loops on your hook.

That’s one half double crochet made.

What Is hdc2tog?

hdc2tog stands for half double crochet two together. This is a decrease stitch, which means it takes two stitches and turns them into one.

Instead of keeping your row or round the same width, hdc2tog helps narrow your project. You may see it used when a pattern needs shaping, tapering, or a cleaner fitted edge. It is often used in accessories, hats, garments, amigurumi, and other projects where the stitch count needs to get smaller.

The good news is that hdc2tog uses the same basic motion as a regular half double crochet. You are just starting the stitch across two separate stitches, then finishing them together.

How to hdc2tog

1. Yarn over.
2. Insert your hook into the next stitch.
3. Yarn over again.
4. Pull up a loop. You should have 3 loops on your hook.
5. Yarn over.
6. Insert your hook into the next stitch.
7. Yarn over again.
8. Pull up a loop. You should have 5 loops on your hook.
9. Yarn over one more time.
10. Pull through all 5 loops on your hook.

That’s one hdc2tog made. You have now turned two stitches into one.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Common hdc mistakes:

• forgetting to yarn over before inserting your hook
• pulling through only 2 loops instead of all 3
• accidentally adding stitches at the end of the row