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How to Crochet: Foundation Half Double Crochet

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Are you working a new crochet pattern that uses the Foundation Half Double crochet? You’ll love it once you get the hang of it, and it’s easier than you think! 

Learn How to Crochet the Foundation Half Double Crochet Stitch

How to Foundation Half Double Crochet

The foundation crochet stitches (single, half double, double) are particularly helpful when you’re not sure how long to make your beginning chain. Great for clothing or a large blanket or if simply you want that nice, pretty edge on the bottom of your piece.  The Foundation Half Double crochet is similar to the foundation single crochet with one small addition: an extra yarn over. Easy, right? Let’s do it!

How to Foundation Half Double Crochet

Grab your hook and your yarn. If you’re more of a visual learner scroll down to the video below.

1. Chain two.

Foundation Half Double Crochet Step 1

2. Yarn over, insert hook into very first chain made.

Foundation Half Double Crochet Step 2

3. Pull up a loop (three loops on hook).

Foundation Half Double Crochet Step 3

4. Yarn over, pull through one loop (three loops on hook).

Foundation Half Double Crochet Step 4

5. Yarn over, pull through all three loops on hook.

Foundation Half Double Crochet Step 5

First Foundation Half Double Crochet complete!

To make subsequent stitches you will…

6. Yarn over, insert hook into both sides of the TOP of the previous stitch.

Foundation Half Double Crochet Step 6

7. Pull up a loop (three loops on hook).

Foundation Half Double Crochet Step 7

8. Yarn over, pull through one loop (three loops on hook).

Foundation Half Double Crochet Step 8

9. Yarn over, pull through all three loops on hook.

Foundation Half Double Crochet Step 9

Voila! The second Foundation Half Double crochet stitch is complete! Now you’ll simply add to those foundation half double crochet stitches until your foundation row reaches desired length.  You’ll also want to learn these two tips for making sure that #1) your chain isn’t too tight (does not curl) and #2) each stitch looks uniform in shape.

Foundation Half Double Crochet Tips

Tip #1: To make sure your foundation row does not curl you’ll need to make sure that your stitches aren’t too tight. To do this, after you pull up that first loop in the stitch make sure that the hook is perpendicular to the foundation row itself, not at an angle. This helps to ensure that the bottom of the row isn’t way tighter than the top, meaning that it will not curl as much/if at all.

Learn to Foundation Half Double Crochet

Tip #2: To help each stitch remain uniform in appearance, I find it helpful to coerce the first loop (when you pull through just the first loop on your hook) to lay to the left. It will naturally want to lay that way but by pushing it slightly with my thumb (also to the left) on each and every stitch the foundation row helps it to turn out beautifully!

Would you rather see a video of it in action? It’s cool, I prefer that too.

YouTube video
Will you try the Foundation Half Double Crochet as well? I just love it! You can also do the Foundation Single Crochet and the Foundation Double Crochet!

More crochet tutorials:

How to Make an Invisible Join in Crochet
The Double Crochet (Video Tutorial)
What to Do When You Forget Which Crochet Hook Size You Used
5 Reasons You Should Time Yourself While Crocheting
How to Crochet the Lemon Peel Stitch

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33 Comments

  1. When working fhdc, I reach the end of the row but can't figure out how to sl st together at end so the fhdc sts don't form a "v" at bottom.
  2. Ashley, you keep saying to insert the hook “into the TOP of the previous stitch,” but you don’t define what the “top of the previous stitch” *is.* I’m ending up with something circular, as I gather I’m not locating the “top of the previous stitch.” It sure would be helpful if you assume we don’t know what you’re talking about (as I clearly don’t know!) and show us where the previous stitch’s “top” is. (I seem to be able to make a foundation stitch with a double crochet as the stitches are clearly defined, but they seem to be much less so with the half-double.)
    1. I have a video in this post that might better show where you insert the hook. Here is a direct link to the video on youtube: https://youtu.be/D8kJzy-3PMI
  3. I loved learning that new stitch for myself thru your video. Easy to follow and understand. I’ve just started on the blanket.
  4. I have been admiring your product on Pinterest and now am officially following you, your explanation is clear and am humbled to say you are on top and thank you so much
  5. I'm in the process of begining your wrap me up cardigan but I can't for the life of me figure out how you manage to get 12 hdc stitches to be 4 inches long using DK yarn and a 5.5 mm hook. I'm having to use an 8 mm hook to get remotely close to that guage and I'm wondering if I'm doing something wrong because my practice piece is coming out very mesh like. So I'm wondering if it's supposed to be like that or if it's supposed to be denser like the picture looks.
    1. Hi! No, the piece isn't really supposed to be mesh like. If you need more help, you can send an e-mail and picture to support@hearthookhome.com and we can try to get it sorted out.
  6. Great video and written instructions. I find it really helpful that you share your own techniques that you’ve perfected to produce a pretty and consistent edge. So often I’m disappointed because my completed item doesn’t look as nice or “finished” as the pattern I’m following. It’s these little things that make a big difference. Thank you for sharing!
  7. I need to get 185 stitches and i put a stitch marker in the very first stitch and then count until i get to 185. When i turn to do the next row of stitches i have 187 loops. I have re done this 3 times now and i keep getting the same result. I don't know what i'm doing wrong.
  8. I've tried the foundation crochet before, but it always came out like a spiral. You've really helped. I'm ready to try it as I get ready to do the Hedonist Housecoat. Thanks. Great tutorial video.
  9. Great tutorial, thank you. I've tried other video tutorials for the HDC foundation stitch, and even though I got the stitch "right", I never like the look of them. With your help my stitches are now even and consistent. Thanks so much!
  10. I have been crocheting for some time but always shied away from foundation crochet. Thank you so much for showing how easy it is!
  11. I’m totally off topic, but, your nails look great in this video! I wish mine grew as well. I have enjoyed several of your patterns and you do a fantastic job writing them. The videos are also very helpful. I will be making the toddler sweater for a friend this time around.
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  13. Hi! I’m fairly new to crochet (within 2 years) and I want you to know the foundation stitch/row is the greatest find ever!!! Thanks so much for sharing! Makes life so much easier and I love the look :). Jeannie
  14. Hi There, I’m left handed, an can’t follow along. Want to made Woven In Time Sofa Blanket. Trying to do the Basic Foundation Stitch. Please help. Thank You
    1. If it's in right hand try looking at pics & videos in a mirror. Read this in a crochet book. Think it's on the yarn counsel page as well. Hope this tip will help. God Bless ❤‼
  15. Thank you for having written instructions w/ pics & a video! Excellent & Easy! I just learned this for the Current Woven CAL project
  16. Have you posted the link to the foundation double crochet stitch? I'm really looking forward to trying the foundation half double crochet. I learned to crochet at 12 years of age and have just picked it back up 45 years later,. I must say that I find it to be wonderful stress relief.
  17. I am going to do the Painted Canyon Cardigan. Do you have a tutorial for the entire pattern or pictures of the steps? I am new to reading the instructions and I did the Lotus Mandala Duster and there was a video and also pictures. It really helped me understand the instructions.
    1. Hi Kelly! I have a companion video for that cardigan. You can find that here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=061ASkM1GB8
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  20. Hi Ashley I figured out what was wrong and got my download, and can't wait to start my cardigan, which I am doing very shortly. Thank you. Karen Dudzinski