Crochet Class 5: Master the Half Double Crochet Stitch

Hi, I'm Christa from The Secret Yarnery, and I'm excited to share this crochet class with you. Today we're focusing on the half double crochet stitch, perfect for beginners looking to expand their skills. Together, we'll create a sweet little coaster while mastering this versatile stitch that's taller than single crochet but shorter than double crochet.

The half double crochet (HDC) creates a fabric that's denser than double crochet yet works up faster than single crochet. It's ideal for projects like blankets, scarves, and especially coasters where you want some thickness without too much bulk. Many beginners find it easier to control than taller stitches, making it a great next step after mastering the basics in our beginner's crochet guide.

For this crochet class project, you'll need:

• Worsted weight yarn (I'm using Saver from Ice Yarns)
• 6mm (J) crochet hook
• Two stitch markers
• Yarn needle
• Scissors

The worsted weight yarn works well for beginners - it's thick enough to see your stitches clearly but not so bulky that it's difficult to handle.

Let's begin with the slip knot:

1. Wrap yarn around two fingers forming an X
2. Flip your hand and tuck the working yarn under the loop
3. Pull up gently, leaving a tail about twice your needle's length

Now chain 10. Remember:

• Don't count the knot or loop on your hook
• Count the "V" shapes - you should have 10 clear loops
  If chains give you trouble, check out our guide on starting your crochet journey for help.

Chain 2 more (this gives height for the HDC), then turn your work. You'll be working into the back loops of your foundation chain, looking for the "camel bumps" along the back.

Here's the HDC magic:

1. Yarn over - push hook onto working yarn and bring it under and up
2. Insert hook into the third back loop
3. Yarn over again and pull through (now 3 loops on hook)
4. Yarn over once more and pull through all 3 loops

That first stitch is your foundation. Mark it with a stitch marker by identifying the "lasso" around your working yarn - both strands of that V get marked.

Continue the HDC stitch pattern across:

• Find the next back loop ("camel bump")
• Yarn over before each insertion
• Keep stitches loose enough for easy hook movement
• Finish by marking your last stitch

If stitches feel too tight:

• Hold work under where yarn emerges
• Tip hook upward to stretch loops
• Don't pull yarn too tightly after completing stitches

At row's end:

1. Chain 2 (not counted as a stitch)
2. Turn work with working yarn underneath
3. First stitch goes into marked stitch from previous row
4. Mark new first stitch immediately

Subsequent rows use "dimples" rather than back loops - insert hook straight down into these spaces. Flip work to check you're catching both strands of the V.

Continue until you have 8 complete rows. To finish:

1. Chain 1 (secures the knot)
2. Cut yarn, leaving 3-4 inch tail
3. Pull hook up and yarn through
4. Weave in ends neatly

Your coaster should measure about 8 rows high with consistent tension throughout. If stitches vary, don't worry - this first project is about building muscle memory.

1. Maintain loose tension - tight stitches make hook insertion difficult
2. Count stitches - 10 per row including marked first/last stitches
3. Watch your height - the chain-2 at each row start keeps edges even
4. Practice the rhythm - yarn over, insert, yarn over, pull through (3 loops), yarn over, pull through all

For those wanting to explore more beginner-friendly projects, we've got crochet basics for beginners that build on these fundamentals.

Now that you've mastered HDC:

• Try alternating colors each row
• Experiment with different yarn textures
• Scale up to make dishcloths or small blankets
• Combine with single crochet for textured patterns

Remember, every expert was once a beginner. Each stitch builds your confidence and skill. I'd love to see your finished coasters - feel free to share them with our crochet community!

Learning the half double crochet stitch is a helpful step for any beginner. With this simple coaster project, you’ve built your skills and gained confidence. The HDC creates a strong, neat fabric that's perfect for many items. Keep practicing with different colors and yarns to improve your technique. Don’t worry if your coaster isn’t perfect—every project helps you grow. Share your results, try new patterns, and have fun with your crochet journey!