In celebration of National Crochet Month, every Friday during March I am sharing a brand new crochet stitch tutorial with you! That is 5 new crochet stitches for your repertoire. This is week #2, if you missed last week’s stitch you can find it HERE.
This week’s crochet stitch is a variation on the half double crochet. I have done a little polling in my Facebook group (which you should probably join because its fun!) and the half double crochet seams to be alot of crocheters’ favorite stitch. Is it yours?
The Back and Front Loop Half Double Crochet is a simple variation on a typical half double crochet stitch. Instead of working the stitch through both loops of the stitch across the row, you will alternate between working in the back loop and front loop.
Working the stitch this way creates a really great texture… and if you’ve been here awhile, you know my love for all things textured. I already have some plans to use this stitch on a couple different projects.
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Back & Front Loop Half Double Crochet
In todays tutorial I am using:
-#4 Worsted weight yarn (it was an unlabled skein in my stash but I am almost 100% sure it is Red Heart Super Saver)
-6mm crochet hook
As always please feel free to use any hook and yarn combo you want
Abbreviations
-Ch(s): Chain(s)
-Hdc: Half Double Crochet
-BLO: Back Loop Only
-FLO: Front Loop Only
Notes
-Ch 1 does not count as a stitch
-Work the first and last stitch of each row through BOTH loops.
-If you aren’t familiar with working in the back or front loop of a stitch I have made a handy graphic for you so you know where to insert your hook. If you want further help check out this video tutorial.
Instructions
Row 1: Ch an odd number of stitches. I chained 27 in this sample. Hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn
Row 2: Ch 1, hdc in same st as chain 1. *Working in BLO, hdc in next. Working in FLO, hdc in next. Repeat from * across until 1 st remains. Hdc in last st. Turn.
Repeat Row 2 until your piece is the size you want.
If you liked this stitch, check out these!
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What kind of border would you use for a girl’s baby blanket using this pattern?
Please tell me what stitch is best to use to add a two inch border all the way around a baby blanket made with your stitch.
I am completely a beginner and I started a project which calls for hdc in back and front loop. My question is am I doing the hdc in the back loop and front loop of the same stitch or should I be alternating hdc back stitch 1 and hdc front stitch 2? Please help I’m so frustrated and don’t want to start over .
You alternate them. Crochet into the back loop of 1 stitch and then into the front loop of the next. 😊
Thank you for your quick reply . I’m still trying to get my tension and stitch consistent . Any tips would be greatly appreciated in how to fix this . 😊
Hi. Thanks for the free pattern! I’m new to crochet and would like to know what it means to HDC in “same stitch as ch1”. Thanks!
Hdc in the stitch at the base of the chain 1
Thank you!!
If I wanted to make a baby blanket using this stitch and wanted to add a 2-3 inch border all the way around as I’m making the blanket, how would I do that? In knitting I can knit 5 knit stitches, work my pattern stitch, then work 5 knit stitches to have a blanket with a garter stitch border. Just wanted to know if this kind of thing would be possible for a crocheted blanket? Thank you!
I just tried this stitch and absolutely love the results
In your notes it says to SC in 1st and last stitch of each row. It doesn’t mention this in the pattern. It says hdc in last stitch so is that the next to last stitch if you SC in last St.
It says to work the first and last stitch through both loops rather than just the back or front loop. You are only using hdc in this pattern, just changing which loop you crochet into. 🙂
I love your ethusisum and willingness to share your talent knowledge and encouragement. I’m 71 yrs old and am self taught and need the kinds of help u offer. May God bless you royally. .A new recruit. Bettie in Screven Ga
And to you Bettie! Thank you for your kind words.
If I wanted to make a baby blanket using this stitch and wanted to add a 2-3 inch border all the way around as I’m making the blanket, how would I do that? In knitting I can knit 5 knit stitches, work my pattern stitch, then work 5 knit stitches to have a blanket with a garter stitch border. Just wanted to know if this kind of thing would be possible for a crocheted blanket? Thank you!
Thanks – yes half double especially herringbone is my most fav stitch so this will be fun for a change.
Tk u for your quick reply. When I try a pattern I like to know how many sts at end of each row so I know I am on the right track. Will certainly try this for sure. I love the way it looks. Again, many tks to take the time out of your busy schedule.
Hi!
Love the pattern & want to try it but was wondering how many sts at the end of each row. Many tks.
Just chain any odd number of chains and the stutch pattern will work out. I chained 27 for my sample, which left me with 26 stitches at the end of the row.
I’ve been crocheting for decades ~ but there is always something to learn new. I love this stitch! Using a scarp of an Ombré yarn , now plan to make a baby blanket. Great , clear instructions . Thank you !!
What a great little change up that gives a soft, cushiony fabric with a lovely pattern. It is simple enough to keep your eye on the TV, but it looks great too!