How to Do Half Double Crochet

The half double crochet, often abbreviated as "HDC," comes in handy when you need a stitch that is taller than a single crochet stitch, but shorter than a double.

Instructions

Step 1: Chain Chain 10 or more stitches with your yarn and crochet hook to make a foundation. Leave the last loop on the hook.
Step 2: Yarn over Pull the long end of the yarn behind and over the top of the hook to yarn over.
Step 3: Hook into third stitch Count to the third chain from the hook and insert the hook through that stitch from the front to the back.
Step 4: Yarn over and pull through Yarn over and pull the hook and yarn back through the stitch.
TIP: You should now see three loops on the hook.
Step 5: Yarn over and pull through Yarn over again, but this time pull the yarn through all three loops on the hook. One half double crochet stitch is finished.
TIP: You should now have one loop on the hook.
Step 6: Repeat to end of row Yarn over and insert your hook into the next chain. Repeat the procedure and continue to the end of the row.
Step 7: Chain to turn Chain two at the end of the row, and then turn the chain around to the other side.
TIP: Read your pattern carefully to determine if the chain two at the end of the row counts as a stitch. If the pattern doesn't specify, then count it.
Step 8: Work next row Yarn over and work the first half double crochet of the next row, and each row after, into the second stitch from the hook.
FACT: In 2008, the World Reclamation Art Project (WRAP) completely covered an abandoned gas station with knitted, stitched, patched, and crocheted squares to express their concern about dependency on oil.