Half double crochet

The half double crochet stitch (US terms) isn’t used too often in amigurumi, but every now and then I’ll bust it out if I need a slightly taller stitch. It’s very similar to a single crochet, just with an extra step. The stitch is abbreviated as hdc. In UK terms, it’s called a half treble crochet (htr). Follow the steps below to learn how to do a half double crochet!

Before inserting your hook into the next stitch, yarn over.

Now insert your hook into the next stitch.

Yarn over and pull through.

You should have 3 loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through all 3.

Done!

How is the half double crochet used in amigurumi?

Some of the patterns I have that utilise this stitch are Victor, Yuri, Vaporeon and Jolteon. For those designs the hdc stitch is used in between a single crochet and double crochet to eventually build up height to build triangles. It’s the perfect stitch for doing something like this. I also find it is a great stitch for making things like amigurumi clothing. The texture it builds up is a little different to a single crochet, but because it’s taller it works up faster.

Besides amigurumi, the half double crochet is a great stitch to know for a huge number of patterns, such as blankets, cardigans, scarves, beanies, etc., so it’s well worth adding to your arsenal!