The half double crochet between stitches is one of my favorite techniques — and once you try it, I think it will become one of yours too.
Inserting your hook between stitches rather than into the top of them creates a denser, more polished fabric with beautiful stitch definition. It helps fill in gaps that can appear depending on the stitches used, gives your finished project a cleaner look, and works especially beautifully with bulky yarn.
This technique is used in my Flutterby Baby Blanket — a beginner friendly pattern that’s perfect for baby showers and new arrivals.
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Pattern Notes
- This stitch is worked in US crochet terminology
- This pattern substitutes a traditional ch 1 turning chain for a Stacked Single Crochet (stsc) at the beginning of each row.
- I recommend using a stitch marker at the beginning and end of each row to help keep your stitch count
- I prefer to work in the back bumps of the foundation chain. I find that it gives a cleaner look and helps the project lays flatter.
- This post contains affiliate links — see the disclaimer at the top of this page
- If your stitches feel tight or difficult to work into, go up a hook size
What You’ll Need
Hook and Notions
A video tutorial for this stitch is coming soon! In the meantime the step-by-step photos below will guide you through the process.
Yarn
- Any weight — worsted weight (#4) shown in tutorial for clarity
Remember to always check your gauge and drape when substituting yarns. Your finished measurements may vary,
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- Ch /chs = chain /chains
- RS/WS – right side/wrong side
- St(s) – stitch(es)
- Hdc = half double crochet
- Stsc – Stacked Single Crochet
Skill Level
Advanced Beginner
Gauge
Not important for this tutorial
Stitch Multiple
Any even number of stitches
Foundation Chain
Add 1 to your desired stitch count
For example:
- Want 20 stitches? Chain 21
- Want 30 stitches? Chain 31
- Want 40 stitches? Chain 41
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the half double crochet between stitches beginner friendly?
This technique is rated Advanced Beginner. If you are comfortable with the basic half double crochet stitch and working in rows, you will pick this up quickly. It feels a little different at first but after a few rows your hands will find their rhythm.
What projects work best with this stitch?
This stitch works beautifully for projects where you want a denser, more polished fabric including:
- Baby blankets
- Scarves and wraps
- Dishcloths and washcloths
- Headbands and earwarmers
- Tote bags
Why is my stitch count inconsistent?
The most common reason is missing the space at the very end of the row. Count your stitches at the end of every row — they should be the same every time. Placing a stitch marker in the first and last stitch of each row will help you stay on track.
What yarn works best for this stitch?
Any yarn weight works! The stitch definition shows beautifully in smooth yarns. Fuzzy or highly textured yarns may hide the stitch detail so smooth or semi-smooth yarns are recommended for best results.
Can I use this stitch in larger projects?
Absolutely! Once you learn the rhythm the HDC between stitches works wonderfully in blankets, scarves, bags, and so much more. Start with the tutorial swatch then try the Flutterby Baby Blanket to see it in action!
Half Double Crochet Between Stitches Instructions
Before you begin, make a slip knot and place it on your hook.
Foundation: Chain 21
Row 1 (RS): (Working in the back bumps of the chain) hdc in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain across. Turn. (20 sts)
I recommend putting a stitch marker in the top of the first hdc so you know where that first stitch is.
Here is what your work should look like at the end of the row.
Working in the space between the st and 2nd stitch
Row 2 (WS): Stsc in the first st, *hdc in the space between the next 2 hdc, repeat from * in each space between stitches of previous row, ending with a hdc in the last st. Turn. (20 sts)
Repeat Row 2 for the length of your project.
You did it! You learned how to crochet Half Double Crochet Between Stitches!
Once you have worked a few rows of the half double crochet between stitches you will find it becomes second nature. Your hands know what to do and the stitch just flows. That is the beauty of crochet muscle memory!
To finish your swatch cleanly, repeat Row 2 a total of 11 or 12 times – this gives you approximately4 inches of fabric. To give a finished look to your project so the top and bottom matches, work one final row of hdc across. Then add your favorite border – a simple single crochet along all four sides gives a clean, polished finish.
What You’ll Love About the Half Double Crochet Between Stitches
- Creates a beautifully dense, polished fabric with no visible gaps
- Works up faster than it looks — once you get the rhythm it becomes second nature
- Versatile — works beautifully in any yarn weight from fingering to super bulky
- Gives your finished projects a more professional, refined look
- Perfect for baby blankets, scarves, and any project where stitch definition matters
Video Tutorial
A video tutorial for this stitch is coming soon! In the meantime the step-by-step photos below will guide you through the process.
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Common Beginner Mistakes
Some common challenges with the half double crochet between stitches include:
- Missing the last space at the end of the row — this is the most common mistake and causes your stitch count to drop. Always work into that final space!
- Inserting the hook into the top of the stitch instead of between stitches — take it slow at first and make sure your hook goes into the space between the stitches, not into the V at the top
- Working too tightly — if the stitch feels difficult to work into go up a hook size
- Losing count — count your stitches at the end of every row without exception
These are all part of the learning process. If something does not look right pull back a few stitches and try again — that is what crochet is all about!
Practice Before Moving On
Before moving on to a full project, practice:
- Working several rows of the HDC between stitches until the motion feels natural
- Counting your stitches at the end of every row
- Watching how your fabric builds with each row
- Turning your work consistently at the end of each row
This practice will make your first full project using this stitch so much easier. Give yourself grace and enjoy the process!
Crochet Patterns Using the Half Double Crochet Between Stitches
Ready to put this technique to work? Here are some of my patterns that use the half double crochet between stitches:
- Flutterby Baby Blanket — beginner friendly, perfect for baby showers
Engage With Us!
We would love to see how the half double crochet between stitches is working up for you! Let us know in the comments:
Share your progress with us:
- Instagram & Facebook: Tag @AmericanCrochet and use #ACMakers
- Pinterest: Save this tutorial so you can always find it again!
Looking Ahead
Now that you have learned the half double crochet between stitches you are ready to put it to work! Try the Flutterby Baby Blanket — a beginner friendly pattern that uses this exact technique and works up beautifully in super bulky yarn.
Stay tuned for more tutorials and new patterns added to the Crochet Techniques & Stitch Library — there is always something new to learn!
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Keep Learning
Ready to explore more techniques? Head back to the library for more stitch tutorials: → Crochet Techniques & Stitch Library
Or start from the beginning with Crochet Fundamentals: → Crochet Fundamentals
Happy Crocheting!
XO, Mistie