How to Crochet the Tunisian Half Double Crochet Stitch
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The Tunisian Half Double Crochet stitch is such a beautiful stitch. This stitch has great texture and is so fun to crochet. Made much like the traditional half double crochet, you’re sure to fall in love with this stitch in no time flat!
Tunisian Half Double Crochet Tutorial
If you are looking for a Tunisian crochet stitch that doesn’t curl as badly as others do, the Tunisian Half Double crochet stitch may be just the answer. This fun, easy-to-crochet stitch creates a gorgeous fabric that is plush and has great texture.
Be sure to check out the VIDEO tutorial for this stitch below!
About the Tunisian HDC stitch:
The Tunisian Half Double is abbreviated as Thdc in crochet patterns, much as it’s traditional crochet counterpart, the Half Double Crochet stitch (hdc).
For both of these stitches (traditional and Tunisian version) you’ll yarn over before inserting your hook into the appropriate place.
Because each Thdc is one stitch wide, there is no multiple needed to start. Chain any number of chains as needed for the size project (washcloth, blanket, etc) you are making.
This stitch is taller than both the Tunisian Knit stitch and the Tunisian Purl stitch and because the stiches are taller, you’ll need to work fewer rows. This means that your project works up quicker. Love that!
What you’ll need to learn the Thdc:
Yarn and hook. For this tutorial I am using worsted weight scrap yarn. You will also need a crochet hook, preferably an afghan (long) crochet hook but if you’re just getting your feet wet with a small sample any straight shaft regular crochet hook will for about 10 stitches or so.
There are two parts to each regular row of Tunisian Crochet. There is a forward pass (working right to left across the entire piece). Then the backward pass (or return pass, or reverse pass) that works from left to right. When you run out of stitches on the return pass it is time to make a forward pass once more. Simply alternate these two parts until the piece is as tall as you like.
How to Tunisian Half Double Crochet:
1. Start with any number of chains. In this tutorial I start with 10 chains.
2. YO, pull up a loop in the second chain from the hook. YO and pull up a loop in each chain to the end. Should have 19 loops on your hook. (one less than double the number of chains)
3. Return pass: Chain one to start. YO pull through 3 loops. YO pull through 3 loops, all the way to the end of the row.
To start a new row of Tunisian Half Double Crochet you will…
4. YO. Skip the very first two vertical bars and insert hook under both of the next two vertical bars, pull up a loop.
Repeat step 4 all the way to the end of the row. When you get to the end…
5. YO and pull up a loop in the outside stitch.
Repeat the return pass as in step 3.
Alternate these two steps until the piece is as tall as you like.
When you are ready to fasten off… you will do a slip stitch row. Maintaining the Thdc pattern and omitting each yarn over.
Isn’t this a gorgeous stitch? I hope you love it as much as I do.
VIDEO tutorial:
If you would like to watch this video you YouTube instead, you can find it here.
Ready to make your first Thdc project? You can make a quick washcloth using the following pattern:
Tunisian Half Double Crochet Washcloth:
Row 1: Ch-30, Thdc in 2nd ch from hook and in each to end (59 loops) Backward Pass: Ch-1, * YO pull through 3 loops * to end.
Rows 2 – 25: Thdc in each st across. Backward pass.
Sl st in each st across. Fasten off and weave in all ends.
More Tunisian Crochet Techniques:
Tunisian Crochet Basket Weave Stitch Tutorial
Tunisian Double Crochet Stitch Tutorial
Tunisian Crochet Waffle Stitch Tutorial
Tunisian Smock Stitch Tutorial
