Crochet,  Crochet Tutorials

Foundation Half Double Crochet

October 3, 2019 / No Comments

Hi friends!

I’m beginning a series of posts geared toward crochet stitch tutorials. Most of my patterns are beginner friendly, but they definitely cater more toward the advanced beginner…someone who is familiar with the basics and is ready to dip their toe into trying new fun stitches and techniques.

It is my most fervent hope to add to these tutorials as I release patterns that include these more advanced stitches and techniques, and maybe, hopefully, someday, get some videos posted as well. Until that happens, I will link to videos from other bloggers. I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel, but it does seem that people can view a tutorial on the same stitch but only really GET IT with one of them.

Update 3/3/23: I’ve added a video below for the Fhdc and updated the photos for the tutorial as well! <3

So lets get started, shall we?  The tutorial I’m sharing with you today first appeared in my Basic Crochet Coffee Cozy last year (there’s a free printable insert there for you too if you are interested!).

Foundation half double crochet is a method used to work the starting chain stitches and your first row of half double crochet stitches at the same time.  It has more stretch than the traditional starting chain foundation, which is a big plus, particularly when you’re working with garments.  I also like it because it’s easier to make sure it isn’t twisted if/when it comes time to join into a round.

Video Tutorial

Photo Tutorial

Begin with a slip knot and chain 2.
Yarn over, then insert your hook into the back bump of the second chain from your hook, the first chain you made.
Yarn over and pull up a loop. You should have 3 loops on your hook.
Chain 1: Yarn over and pull through the first loop on your hook. You should have 3 loops on your hook.
Half double crochet: yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on your hook. This completes the first Foundation Half Double Crochet (Fhdc) of the row. Note: each Fhdc is made up of the chain-1 on the bottom and the half double crochet worked into it. Arrows indicate each of these separate pieces.
For the second and each subsequent Fhdc, yarn over and insert your hook into the chain stitch created in the previous Fhdc.
Yarn over and pull up a loop, then chain 1 as before. You should have 3 loops left on your hook.
Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on your hook to complete the half double crochet as before.
Repeat as many times as needed. Note, when counting these stitches, look for the top 'V' of each stitch and don't include the chain-2 you started with. An arrow indicates the first stitch of the row.

That’s it, my friends! What did you think? For someone who hates chaining (me!!), it’s a wonderful and efficient alternative, and avoids that tight chain foundation at the same time.

If you liked the foundation half double crochet, I’ll be adding more foundation stitch tutorials soon, so stay tuned!

Until next time,

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