As a crocheter, you have likely come across needing to know how to decrease stitches in crochet and more specifically how to half double crochet decrease, but may be uncertain as to what it is and how to execute it.
In this blog post, I will go over four different ways of doing half double crochet decreases (hdc dec), including hdc2tog, hdc3tog, hdc4tog and the invisible decrease technique.
Additionally, I’ll cover the materials needed as well as sharing useful crochet tutorials that can help you master these special stitches.
As an added bonus we’ll also answer frequently asked questions about half double crochet decreases!
What are half double crochet decreases?
Half double crochet decreases is a number of stitches or techniques where you reduce the number of stitches on the row or round.
There are many ways to decrease half double crochet, including half double crochet 2 together (hdc2tog), half double crochet 3 together (hdc3tog), half double crochet 4 together (hdc4tog) and invisible half double crochet decrease.
Each of the methods to decrease stitches with half double crochet can be used in all kinds of crochet projects, where you need to reduce the number of stitches to shape the crochet piece you are working on.
Materials Needed
To decrease half double crochet stitches you can use any crochet hook size and weight yarn. If you’re following a crochet pattern, use the crochet hook and yarn suggested to get the correct gauge.
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The Most Common Half Double Crochet Decreases
Beginners in crochet often come across having to decrease stitches early when learning crochet.
Because of that it’s great to learn the most common ways to decrease half double crochet stitches, including hdc2tog, hdc3tog, hdc4tog and the invisible half double crochet decrease.
Below you can find links to detailed crochet stitch tutorials with step-by-step photo tutorials and tutorial video for the different half double crochet decreases (us terms).
You can also find the video tutorials on my YouTube Channel.
1. Half Double Crochet 2 Together / hdc2tog
Learn how to decrease 1 stitch by crocheting the half double crochet 2 together. Learn all you need to know with this detailed step by step photo and video tutorial.
2. Half Double Crochet 3 Together / hdc3tog
Learn how to decrease 2 stitches by crocheting the half double crochet 3 together. Learn all you need to know with this detailed step by step photo and video tutorial.
3. Half Double Crochet 4 Together / hdc4tog
Learn how to decrease 3 stitches by crocheting the half double crochet 4 together. Learn all you need to know with this detailed step by step photo and video tutorial.
4. Invisible Half Double Crochet Decrease
Learn how to decrease 1 stitch by crocheting the invisible half double crochet decrease. Learn all you need to know with this detailed step by step photo and video tutorial.
Stitch Abbreviations for the Half Double Crochet Decreases
When it comes to crochet abbreviations for decreasing half double crochet stitches, there are a few ways to write them.
- The abbreviation for decrease is dec. In some cases you will find just that abbreviation while crocheting hdc stitches and it means to decrease 1 stitch, if nothing else is specified. In that case the most common is the half double crochet 2 together, but you can also choose to do the invisible half double crochet decrease if you prefer that.
- More specified you can see hdc dec. Decrease 1 stitch using the half double crochet 2 together or use the invisible half double crochet decrease if you prefer.
- hdc2tog, hdc3tog, hdc4tog: These are abbreviations for half double crochet 2 together, half double crochet 3 together and half double crochet 4 together.
- invdec, inv dec or inv-dec: These can be used while crocheting half double crochet decreases and means to do an invisible half double crochet decrease.
- inv hdc dec: This is an abbreviation for the invisible half double crochet decrease.
FAQ About Half Double Crochet Decreases
Can you use the different half double crochet decreases for different types of crochet stitches?
Yes, you can use the different hdc decrease stitches for the different types of crochet stitches, not only the regular half double crochet. Including front loop half double crochet, back loop half double crochet (hdc blo), front post half double crochet, back post half double crochet and more. Insert the stitch into the same place as you would for the stitch you are crocheting, to make the decrease less visible. Otherwise follow the instructions as for the half double stitch decreases.
Decreases for Other Basic Crochet Stitches
Find decreases for the other basic crochet stitches in the main crochet decrease tutorial. Including single crochet decrease for single stitches, double crochet decrease and decreasing with treble crochet stitches.
Enjoy Crocheting All Kinds of Projects With Half Double Crochet Decreases
As you can see there are many half double crochet decreases. The most common technique is working half double crochet stitches together, and decreasing the number of stitches as specified.
The most common is hdc2tog, hdc3tog and hdc4tog. However, you can even do a hdc5tog, decreasing 4 stitches. The more stitches worked together, the more wavy the crochet fabric will turn out.
If you want a more discrete decrease, opt for the invisible half double crochet decrease instead.
Try the different crochet decrease techniques to find your favorite and use them as needed when you are making your crochet projects.
