Half double crochet: steps, loops and turning

Learn half double crochet one motion at a time, with loop counts and a short practice strip.

Step 1 Yarn over, then insert the hook into the next stitch, under both strands of its top V.

Step 1 Yarn over, then insert the hook into the next stitch, under both strands of its top V.
Step 2 Yarn over and pull up a loop; three loops are on the hook.
Step 3 Yarn over and draw through all three loops together.

What it looks like Taller than single crochet, with an extra horizontal bar from the third loop under each row of tops.

Hook in your right hand; guide the working yarn with your left hand. The loop counts stay the same.

For stitches worked into a previous row, go under both strands of the top V unless the pattern says otherwise. Work into an individual chain when starting a foundation row.

Make the stitch

Yarn over, then insert the hook into the next stitch, under both strands of its top V. Yarn over and pull up a loop; three loops are on the hook.

US terms Half double crochetUK name half treble (htr)Em português meio ponto alto (mpa)

In this lesson

Before you start Step by step Practice and finish Common mistakes

Before you start

Chain stitch and a foundation chain. Practice with smooth, light yarn so the top loops are easy to see.

New to holding the hook or making a slip knot? Start there, then return to this lesson.

Make the stitch

Yarn over, then insert the hook into the next stitch, under both strands of its top V.
Yarn over and pull up a loop; three loops are on the hook.
Yarn over and draw through all three loops together.

Count check: One pull through all three loops finishes the stitch.

Try a practice strip

Chain 12. Half double crochet into the third chain from the hook and each remaining chain: 10 stitches. For this practice strip, chain 2 and turn, but do not count that chain as a stitch. Work in the first stitch and every stitch across: 10 stitches per row.

Put a removable marker in the first and last stitch of the row. Count before you turn. Different patterns treat turning chains differently; the rule above belongs to this practice strip.

Common mistakes to catch

Missing the initial yarn over. Wrap once before inserting; you should have three loops after pulling up.
Splitting the yarn while drawing through three loops. Open the hook notch toward the loops and catch the complete working strand.
Adding or losing edge stitches around the turning chain. For this strip, do not count the chain 2; start in the first stitch.

Keep going

Read these stitches inside a written pattern or chart.

Next lesson: Double crochet →

Before making a sized project, learn to measure a swatch. If a pattern uses a different hook label, convert the hook size.