Welcome to our tutorial on the Half Double Crochet Increase stitch, often abbreviated as "hdc inc" in patterns. This technique is a fantastic way to add width to your crochet projects while maintaining the texture and height of the half double crochet stitch.
The Half Double Crochet Increase is essentially working two half double crochet stitches into the same stitch of the previous row. It's a simple yet effective method to expand your work, creating shaped pieces or gradually widening your project.
Mastering this increase is crucial for many crochet projects, especially when working on garments, accessories, or any item that requires shaping. It allows you to add fullness to specific areas of your work, such as the crown of a hat, the body of a stuffed animal, or the flare of a skirt.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the Half Double Crochet Increase step by step, with both a video tutorial and detailed images to help you perfect this essential technique. Whether you're a beginner looking to expand your skills or an experienced crocheter refining your technique, mastering the HDC increase will open up new possibilities in your crochet journey.
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Half Double Crochet Increase Stitch Symbol
Half Double Crochet Increase Stitch Video Tutorial
Materials Needed
- Yarn: The recommended is 5 mm yarn. The reason why we chose this thick yarn is to make teaching easier. For beginners practicing, thicker yarn is also recommended.
- Hook: To match 5 mm yarn, a 6 mm hook is the best pairing.
Preparation
Step 1. Make a slip knot on your hook.
Step 2. Chain the desired number of stitches.
How to hdc inc Stitch – Step by Step for Beginners
Step 1. Yarn over, insert the hook into the third chain from the hook.
Step 2. Yarn over and pull up a loop. You now have 3 loops on your hook.
Step 3. Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops to complete your first half double crochet.
Step 4. Now, in the same stitch, make another half double crochet. This completes one half double crochet increase.
More Beginner Crochet Stitch Tutorials
Dive deeper into crochet with these fundamental stitches. Each tutorial will help you expand your skills and create more diverse projects.
- Magic Ring
- Bobble Stitch (bo)
- Moss Stitch
- Double Crochet 2 Together (dc2tog)
- Half Double Crochet 3 Together (HDC3tog)