13 Half Double Crochet Patterns (All Free!)
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Free crochet patterns that mainly use the half double crochet stitch and are all perfect for beginner crocheters
So, you have learned how to work a half double crochet stitch but what can you do with it? Quite a lot, actually! The half double is a very versatile stitch that lends itself well to blankets, scarves and even crochet socks.
Once you have learned how to make a crochet chain (ch), work a single stitch (sc) and the half double crochet stitch (hdc), you are well on your way to making all kinds of lovely things.
These stitches are the basic foundation of a variety of different patterns. You can combine them and also work variations such as making the stitch in the front or back loop only to give your pieces more texture.
The free patterns I have gathered for you here require only a beginner level, basic knowledge of crochet such as making a chain and working the single and half double stitches.
A few of them use small variations but you shouldn’t have any trouble if you follow the pattern instructions carefully.
As always, make sure and read through the entire pattern before you begin crocheting. This has saved me a lot of headaches in the past.
Listing of 13 hdc crochet patterns
Here is a fun idea for dressing up or upcycling your old can coozies.
This pattern uses mainly half double crochet stitches but there are also variations using the back loop only and third loop hdc.
When you are ready to tackle a larger project, this corner to corner triangle shawl is perfect for you!
It uses half double crochets and features heart shapes along the edge.
This versatile crochet pattern makes it easy to customize the size from a stroller blanket to a larger, full sized afghan.
The only additional technique you need to learn is how to hdc or half double crochet into the front or back loop.
This article shows you how to make these cute mini dish cloths three different ways including one using the half double.
For a complete beginner crocheter, dish cloths are a perfect pattern to practice.
A perfect beginner pattern that also shows you a few additional techniques such as increasing stitches. You do have to start with a magic circle, which you can learn how to do in this video.
Cotton yarn is a great choice for potholders or trivets.
Looking for a fun project you can complete quickly? Then this Key Fob crochet pattern is perfect for you.
Pick your favorite colors of worsted yarn and why not make a bunch of them as Christmas presents for your loved ones?
You can also customize the yarn color to suit their taste. (Maybe a favorite sports team color combo?)
This soft and cozy rug is made entirely of half double crochet stitches. It works up very quickly with Bernat Blanket Yarn.
The only other things you need to know are how to do a basic slip knot and crochet a chain.
The perfect beginner crochet pattern!
And when you finish crocheting the round rug above, you can make a companion throw pillow which uses the same bulky yarn and basic hdc stitches.
This cool cowl may look complicated but it is a super simple pattern that even very beginners can tackle.
Works up quickly in aran yarn.
We all have too much stuff on our coffee and bedside tables, right? Here is a useful and functional pattern for a handy couch or bed caddy and organizer.
This caddy uses mainly hdc stitches, some of them are worked in the back loop only (blo).
You will also learn how to surface crochet and how to switch colors at the end of a row.
Change the yarn colors to match your decor.
This lovely striped blanket or afghan is perfect for a baby shower gift!
I love the gold and cream yarn colors but you can, of course, make the stripes any color you want.
(A complete kit is available for this pattern!)
Another striped afghan pattern, but this one will teach you how to work the half double crochet in the spaces rather than the stitches. This gives the blanket a lot more texture.
My favorite Wool Ease yarn makes this blanket extra warm and cozy.
Crocheting socks seems to be complicated but this pattern is actually very easy for a beginner to follow.
(I, personally, have made several pairs of these for my family Christmas presents)
The only other techniques you need to know are how to crochet two singles together (sc2tog), how to crochet two half doubles together (hdc2tog) and how to work a hdc in the front post.
You may also like these free Single Stitch Crochet Patterns and Double Crochet Patterns and Triple Stitch Patterns
How do you make a half double stitch?
The half double is a stitch that goes one step further than the single (sc) stitch but is smaller than the double. This tutorial shows you exactly step by step how to make the hdc.
In a nutshell, once you have a chain, the basic steps are as follows: Yarn over, insert the hook into a stitch or chain, yarn over and pull the yarn through the stitch, yarn over and pull the yarn through all three loops on the hook.
Left handed instructions for the hdc
If you happen to be a lefty and are having trouble with the basic instructions for a half double crochet stitch, this video tutorial shows you how.
Where can I find free crochet patterns?
Besides the websites listed above, there are many, many more that share all kinds of free patterns for crochet. Here is a listing of 22 websites where you can literally find thousands of patterns.
Related Stitch Tutorial:
- How to make a Crochet Magic Circle
- Easy Waffle Stitch
- The Shell Stitch step by step
- 6 Beginner Crochet Stitches
- How to make a Puff Stitch
- How to work the Triple Crochet Stitch (tc or tr)
- Making a Double Crochet (dc)
- Learn the Half Double Crochet Stitch (hdc)
- How to Single Crochet (sc)
- How to make a Chain
Related Patterns:
- Baby Hat and Beanie Patterns (Free)
- 13 Shell Stitch Patterns
- 14 Baby Headband Patterns
- Double Crochet Patterns
- Single Crochet Patterns
- Free Patterns for Baby Booties and Sandals
- 19 Free Infinity Scarf Patterns
13 Half Double Crochet Patterns (All Free!)
