How to Crochet: Single Crochet, Half Double Crochet, and Double Crochet (US Terms)
A beginner-friendly walkthrough of three core stitches—single crochet (sc), half double crochet (hdc), and double crochet (dc)—with clear steps, turning-chain guidance, and pro tips.
What You’ll Need
- Yarn (a medium worsted-weight yarn is great for beginners)
- Crochet hook (use the size recommended on your yarn label)
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle (for weaving in ends)
US vs. UK Crochet Terms
This tutorial uses US terms. If you come across UK patterns, the stitch names differ slightly:
| US Term | UK Term |
|---|---|
Single Crochet (sc) | Double Crochet (dc) |
Half Double Crochet (hdc) | Half Treble (htr) |
Double Crochet (dc) | Treble (tr) |
Single Crochet (sc)
The single crochet is the shortest, most compact of the three stitches. It creates sturdy, dense fabric—great for washcloths, amigurumi, and structured items.
Steps (US terms)
- Make a foundation chain.
- Insert your hook into the second chain from the hook.
- Yarn over (yo) and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook).
- Yarn over again and pull through both loops.
Turning chain: At the end of each row, chain 1 and turn your work.
Half Double Crochet (hdc)
The half double crochet is a touch taller than single crochet and produces a soft, flexible fabric—perfect for blankets and scarves.
Steps (US terms)
- Chain your foundation row.
- Yarn over, then insert your hook into the third chain from the hook.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook).
- Yarn over again and pull through all three loops.
Turning chain: At the end of each row, chain 2 and turn.
Double Crochet (dc)
The double crochet is taller and creates a looser, more open fabric—great for garments, shawls, and drapey patterns.
Steps (US terms)
- Make a foundation chain.
- Yarn over and insert the hook into the fourth chain from the hook.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook).
- Yarn over, pull through 2 loops (2 loops remain).
- Yarn over again and pull through the last 2 loops.
Turning chain: At the end of each row, chain 3 and turn.
Stitch Height Comparison
Here’s how the stitches compare side by side:
- Single Crochet (sc): shortest, tightest fabric
- Half Double Crochet (hdc): medium height, flexible
- Double Crochet (dc): tallest, open texture
Quick Reference
| Stitch | Abbrev. | Steps (US Terms) | Turning Chain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Crochet | sc |
Insert → yo → pull up loop → yo, pull through 2 | ch-1 |
| Half Double Crochet | hdc |
Yo → insert → yo → pull up → yo, pull through 3 | ch-2 |
| Double Crochet | dc |
Yo → insert → yo → pull up → yo, pull 2 → yo, pull 2 | ch-3 |
Tips for Beginners
- Practice even tension—consistency matters more than tightness.
- Count stitches to keep edges straight (a stitch marker on the first and last stitches helps!).
- Make small swatches for each stitch to feel the differences in height and drape.
- Check your yarn label for hook size guidance, and don’t be afraid to size up/down for gauge.