If you’re just starting out with crochet, the half double crochet (hdc) stitch is a gentle place to begin.
Let me walk you through the steps and how to find calm in this simple, but beautiful stitch.
It’s simple, rhythmic, and creates a soft fabric with just a bit more height than a single crochet. It’s also one of the most satisfying stitches to fall into a rhythm with, making it perfect for mindful making.
What Is the Half Double Crochet?
The half double crochet sits between a single and a double crochet in both height and texture. It creates a balanced, slightly stretchy stitch that works well for everything from scarves to blankets.
Because it’s one of the most basic stitches in crochet, it’s easy to memorize and repeat. That makes it ideal when you want to keep your hands busy while calming your mind.
Hey, I’m Abby!
The hands and heart behind Yarnful Mind. I’m a stay-at-home mom, wife, and longtime lover of yarn. I turn to crochet not just for creativity, but for calm. What started as a way to quiet my depressingly anxious mind has grown into something much bigger: a gentle space where I can share patterns, mindful moments, and the slow magic of making.
Stitch slow, breathe deep, stay mindful.
Box Breathing
A half-double crochet is so calming. It flows. When I’m feeling anxious or overwhelmed, hdc on repeat is my happy place. It helps me settle into a rhythm without overthinking.
If you’re looking for a stitch to help you slow down and breathe a little deeper, this is a great place to start. Here’s a mindful trick to try once the stitch feels natural. Set a timer, start small. One minute, two minutes, whatever you can manage. Focus on your breath:
- Inhale while working one stitch
- Hold your breath on the next
- Exhale on the third
- Hold again on the fourth, then repeat
If you slow down and each stitch takes about four seconds, this becomes a 4-4-4-4 breath pattern, also called box breathing. Box breathing is a calming technique often used to reduce anxiety, ground your thoughts, and center your body. Practicing it while crocheting makes it easier to return to throughout your day. This simple breathing rhythm has saved me on so many hard days. I hope it brings you some peace too.
How to Make a Half Double Crochet
If you’re brand new to crochet, grab some medium-weight (category 4) yarn and a comfortable hook. A 5mm hook is a great place to start. Begin with a foundation chain of any length, plus two extra chains. You’ll skip these two and work into the third chain from the hook.
Yarn over (wrap the yarn from back to front over your hook)
Insert your hook into next stitch
Yarn over again and pull up a loop (you should now have 3 loops on the hook)
Yarn over once more and pull through all three loops on the hook
That’s one half double crochet. Keep going. Let your hands settle into the rhythm.
Tip for Neater Edges
Traditionally, you chain 2 at the start of each row to count as your first stitch. You then hdc across the row, finishing in the top of that chain-2.
For cleaner edges, I like to chain 1, then immediately work a hdc into the first real stitch. At the end of the row, I work my last stitch into the final hdc and skip the chain 1. This creates a neater edge without the loose gap that chaining up 2 can sometimes leave behind.
Looking for a Simple Project?
Try making a small square or rectangle using only half double crochet stitches. This can become a cozy face towel, a dishcloth, or just a practice piece.
I like using soft acrylic yarn that’s easy to wash and dry. Once your piece is done, you can add a border. A simple single crochet border works perfectly to finish it off.
These mini projects are great for building confidence and making something useful while you practice.
More Beginner Resources Coming Soon
I’m currently creating beginner-friendly video tutorials to go with posts like this one. They’ll include basic stitch guides, calming practices, and tips to help you feel more grounded as you learn.
Until then, you can explore more free patterns or connect with me on social media. I’d love to hear how crochet is helping you slow down, breathe deeper, and care for yourself.