The foundation half double crochet stitch is a great way to start crochet projects when crocheting half double crochet stitches.
This stitch creates a chain stitch and a half double crochet in the same stitch, which is why it is often referred to as the chainless foundation half double crochet or the half double crochet foundation chain.
The steps for this stitch are quite simple, and once you understand the basics, it is easy to crochet. So let’s dive into this foundation half double crochet tutorial to learn a new technique.
Find both photo, video & written instructions below.
What is the Foundation Half Double Crochet
The foundation half double crochet is one of the foundation crochet stitches.
Crocheters often come across it when starting crochet projects, where the chains and half double crochet stitches are worked at the same time as the first row of stitches.
This is a great way to get a more stretchy foundation row, compared to crocheting the foundation chains first, then working the half double crochet row separately.
The stretchy edge you get is great in many instances, such as when crocheting the neckline on raglan garments and yoke sweaters, tops and cardigans. But it is also great for anything where you want a stretchy fabric.
Another bonus is the fact that it can make the edge more even and easier to block a new crochet project like blankets and other new patterns you follow.
The steps of the Foundation Half Double Crochet Stitch:
- Chain 3.
- Yarn over. Insert hook into 3rd chain from hook, pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through first loop (making the chain). Yarn over and pull through the 3 loops on the crochet hook.
- Yarn over. Insert hook into previous chain you made*, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through first loop (making the chain). Yarn over and pull through the 3 loops on the crochet hook.
- Repeat step 3 until you’ve made enough stitches**.
*It should look like you go through a resemblance of a normal stitch, with 2 strands of yarn.
*3rd chain in step 1 makes 1 stitch, step 2 makes 1 stitch & every time step 3 is repeated you make 1 stitch.
Materials Needed
To crochet the foundation half double crochet you can use any crochet hook size and yarn. If you’re following a crochet pattern, use the crochet hook and yarn suggested.
Pin to Pinterest and Save for Later!
Foundation Half Double Crochet Abbreviations
The foundation half double crochet is abbreviated FHDC in crochet patterns.
Learn more about crochet abbreviations & find a complete list on our Crochet Abbreviations & Terms post.
Foundation Half Double Crochet Crochet Chart Symbol
The foundation half double crochet chart symbol is related to the half double crochet (hdc) and chain (ch) stitch chart symbols.
It is a “T”, but also has a oval circle representing the chain stitch.
It will be turned in the direction it will lay in your finished crochet work.
Photo showing the FHC crochet stitch chart symbol.
Foundation Half Double Crochet Step By Step Photo Tutorial
Setup stitches
This tutorial for the chainless foundation stitch is shown right handed.
1. Make a Slip Knot
The first step of the FHDC stitch is to make a slip knot.
2. Chain 3
Start with 3 starting chain stitches.
Third chain will count as a stitch, and you should work into that beginning chain when crocheting the next row after you finish the row of foundation stitches.
Crocheting the first foundation half double crochet
3. Yarn Over
Yarn over from back to front, the same way you would on a regular half double crochet.
4. Insert hook and pull up a loop
Insert crochet hook in first chain and pull up a loop.
5. Yarn over and pull through first loop
Yarn over (yo) and pull through the first loop on the crochet hook, to crochet the first base chain. This is the chain part of the stitch.
6. Yarn over and pull through 3 loops
Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on the crochet hook. This is the half double crochet part of the stitch. You have now finished the first stitch.
Crocheting the following foundation half double crochet stitches
7. Yarn over
Yarn over from back to front, the same way you would on a regular half double crochet.
8. Identify chain
The next step is to identify where you should insert your crochet hook. In the middle of the picture you can see two loops looking like a “normal” stitch. This is the “chain” you should insert the crochet hook into on next step.
9. Insert hook in “chain”
After identifying the chain, insert the crochet hook.
10. Pull up a loop
Pull up a loop.
11. Yarn over and pull through first loop
Yarn over and pull through the first loop on the crochet hook. This is the chain part of the stitch.
12. Yarn over and pull through 3 loops
Yarn over and pull through the last 3 loops on the crochet hook, you have now finished the second FHDC.
Repeat step 7-12 to crochet more foundation half double crochet stitches.
Foundation Half Double Crochet Video Tutorial
View the video here or click to view it on my YouTube channel.
Crochet Foundation Half Double FAQ
Is the Foundation Half Double Crochet Difficult?
Some find the foundation half double crochet difficult and they may need to try it, do a few frogs (rip it out), and try again a few times before they get it. But everyone love the foundation half double crochet once they get the hang of it.
What is the foundation half double crochet called in UK crochet terms?
The foundation half double crochet in US terminology is the same as the foundation half treble crochet in UK terms.
Is there an alternative to crocheting foundation half double crochet stitches?
The alternative to crocheting the foundation half double crochet is to crochet regular chains first, then crochet the first row of half double crochet stitches into the foundation chain. Then you can follow the rest of the pattern as usual.
How do you replace chains with foundation half double crochet?
To replace regular chains with the foundation half double crochet on a project where the first row is half double crochet stitches, you start the crochet project with two less foundation half double crochet than the number of chains the pattern calls for as the first row. Then you continue the crochet pattern as usual on the second row.
Foundation Crochet Stitches – Step-By-Step Tutorials
- Foundation Single Crochet Stitch (FSC)
- Foundation Half Double Crochet Stitch (FHDC) – this tutorial
- Foundation Double Crochet Stitch (FDC)
- Foundation Treble Crochet Stitch (FTR)
I hope you enjoyed learning how to crochet the first row of half double crochet together with the chains with the foundation half double crochet.
