How to Foundation Half Double Crochet

The foundation half double crochet is a simple way to create both the base chain and first row of half double crochets at the same time. It can be a great way to save time and can keep you from twisting up your base chain, especially if you would normally use a long foundation chain otherwise. If you are an advanced beginner and adept at using the half double crochet stitch, you should be able to pick this stitch variation up pretty quickly with a few tips and a little practice.

Do you love crocheting the first chains of a project? You start out by crocheting with excitement and a vision of what your finished product will look like, and then you get annoyed with the chain. Whether it twists around, gets caught on something, your chains are uneven in size, or you keep losing count because they are so small, we have all been there. Sometimes the chain is a wonderful thing, but other times, it is just a pain. However, it doesn’t have to be.

Crocheting long chains is not always necessary to create the foundation of a large project! In fact, it may not even be the easiest way. There are several different foundation stitches that create the first row and the base chain at the same time. That way you don’t have to deal with the chain twisting, being uneven, or any other headache that the base chain has caused.

The foundation half double crochet is one of these foundation stitches. Essentially, you are crocheting the base chain and a half double crochet in each stitch. You will end up with a row of completed half double crochets, which will be easier to handle for most, and I feel like they are easier to count when you have a larger crochet project to work on. However, you will need to practice a bit to create an even row before you start using it for a pattern or design.

If you are new to foundation stitches, do not be afraid to try out this alternative to chaining! You can pick up this stitch with just a few steps, and it is actually really easy to get into the groove of doing. With a little practice, you could be crocheting the foundation half double crochet with ease. However, don’t forget to save this tutorial for later so you can find it again if needed.

What is a foundation half double crochet stitch?

The foundation half double crochet stitch is an alternative to the base chain of a project. When crocheting this stitch, you will be creating the base chain and the first row of half double crochets at the same time. This can be very helpful to crocheters who struggle with the base chain. Some patterns will require you to use this stitch as well to be sure that you create their design correctly.

What can I use instead of foundation half double crochet?

For many projects, you can crochet the same number of chains as foundation half double crochets required, and then add one more. Then in the second chain from the hook, you can half double crochet, and then half double crochet in each chain across. This should be an alternative to using the foundation half double crochet, but you need to realize that not all patterns will turn out the way the designer intended if you use this method. Check the pattern notes or with the designer to know for sure.

What do you need to know:

There are a couple of crochet stitches you should know well before you start learning how to foundation half double crochet. The most important ones to know are:

-Chain

-Half Double Crochet

If you are a complete newbie to crochet, then I suggest you work on these stitches first before you get started, and also check out my slip stitch and double crochet stitch tutorials to help grow your skills. However, if you have been crocheting for a little while, then you should be ready to learn the foundation half double crochet!

Supplies:

For this stitch, you really only need to two most basic crochet supplies:

-Yarn,

-A Crochet Hook.

You can complete this stitch with any yarn and hook combination, but I used a H/8 5mm hook and worsted weight (4 medium) yarn for the pictures and my video if you are wanting a place to start. I suggest using a yarn weight and hook size that you are comfortable with together, especially when first learning this stitch.

Notes & Tips for Foundation Half Double Crochet:

-Try to hold the yarn with a medium tension, especially if you tend to crochet tightly. This will help the row not to curl.

-Pull the loops up to an even height to ensure that you are not crocheting too tightly.

-Foundation half double crochet is the same as crocheting a foundation chain and then half double crocheting to create the first row. It simply creates the chain and first row at the same time.

-Foundation half double crochet is usually abbreviated fhdc, but always check the pattern notes to see what the designer has written for confirmation.

-US Terms are used for this tutorial.

How to Foundation Half Double Crochet:

The first stitch will be slightly different, but the second and continuing stitches will be the same. The steps for creating the first stitch are as follows:

-Create a slip knot, and chain 2.

-Yarn over, and insert your hook into the first chain you created.

-Yarn over again, and pull a loop through the stitch. Pull loops up to make sure they are even. (3 loops on hook)

-Yarn over, and pull through one loop on hook. (3 loops on hook)

-Yarn over, and pull through all three loops on the hook. (1 loop on hook)

To create the next stitches, you will complete these steps:

-Yarn over, and insert your hook into the base chain from the previous stitch.

-Yarn over, and pull loop through the base chain. Pull loops up to make sure they are even. (3 loops on hook)

-Yarn over, and pull through one loop on hook. (3 loops on hook)

-Yarn over, and pull through all three loops on the hook. (1 loop on hook)

That’s it! You will need to repeat the above steps for as many foundation half double crochet stitches as you need for your project. If it feels a little tricky at first, then just remember to keep practicing until you feel comfortable with it and the row lays flat and even.

I hope this tutorial helps you grow your crochet skills and gives you confidence to create!