Week 2: Moving Forward: Double Crochet and Half-Double Crochet Explained

Pattern: Double Crochet Hat

Level up your skills with double crochet and half-double crochet stitches for more versatility in your projects.

Ready to take your crochet game to the next level? In this tutorial, we’re diving into the exciting world of double crochet and half-double crochet stitches. These stitches might sound a bit advanced, but fear not – we’re here to guide you through each step. By mastering double crochet and half-double crochet, you’ll open up a world of possibilities for adding texture, height, and versatility to your projects. So, let’s raise the stakes and elevate your crochet skills!

Why Double Crochet and Half-Double Crochet Matter:

As you advance in your crochet journey, it’s essential to expand your stitch repertoire. Double crochet and half-double crochet are fantastic additions to your toolkit. These stitches allow you to create taller and more intricate designs, making your projects stand out from the crowd. Whether you’re dreaming of lacy shawls, cozy blankets, or stylish garments, these stitches will be your go-to techniques.

Double Crochet – Reach New Heights:

The double crochet (DC) stitch is your ticket to adding height and airiness to your work. It’s like moving from a cozy cottage to a chic high-rise apartment. Here’s how to work the double crochet stitch:

Start with a foundation row. CH 2 extra.

1. Yarn over (YO) and insert your hook into the third stitch from your hook.
2. YO again and pull up a loop (three loops on the hook).
3. YO and pull through the first two loops on the hook (two loops remaining).
4. YO one last time and pull through the remaining two loops on the hook – that’s your double crochet!

Half-Double Crochet – A Versatile Stitch:

The half-double crochet (HDC) stitch strikes a balance between height and snugness. It’s like the perfect pair of jeans – versatile and comfortable. To work the half-double crochet stitch:

1. YO and insert your hook into the desired stitch.
2. YO again and pull up a loop (three loops on the hook).
3. YO and pull through all three loops on the hook – that’s your half-double crochet!

Double Crochet Hat- All Sizes

This week we will be making a basic beanie. The pattern can be made larger or smaller by increasing or decreasing rows in The Diameter section. Please refer to the Sizing Chart later in the pattern for the proper measurements.

Materials

This hat can be made using any size hook and yarn. The following materials are just what I used. Again, just make sure you pay attention to the correct measurements for your hat.

• size G or 4.25mm crochet hook
• 22 Gr of Medium Size 4 Yarn
• A Ruler or measuring tape
• Darning needle

Sizing Chart

Size	Hat diameter (across the circle)	Length
Toddler	5 to 5.5 inches	6.75 to 7 inches
Kids	5.75 to 6 inches	7.5 to 8 inches
Adults	6.25 to 7 inches	8.25 to 9 inches

Stitches

CH- Chain

DC- Double Crochet

HDC- Half Double Crochet

SS- Slip stitch

The Pattern

The diameter

Row 1: Start with a CH 3. DC 10 times in the third CH from your hook. SS into the top of the CH 2. (10 stitches)

Row 2: CH 2, DC two times in each stitch around. SS into the top of the CH 2. (20 stitches)

Row 3: CH 2, *DC two times in the first stitch. DC one time in the next stitch.* Repeat around until you get to the CH 2. SS into the top of the CH 2. (30 stitches)

Row 4: CH 2, *DC two times in the first stitch. DC one time in the next two stitches.* Repeat around until you get to the CH 2. SS into the top of the CH 2. (40 stitches)

The following rows:

This is your increase pattern. You will continue to DC two times in the first stitch and then increase by one more stitch for each row. A good way to keep track of where you are is you will have the same amount of stitches as the row you are on before you repeat it. (Row 4 has 2 DC in the increase and then 2 DC between. This is 4 stitches before needing to repeat the sequence.)

Repeat this part of the pattern until you reach the desired diameter for the size you are trying to achieve.

(Here’s the sizing chart in case you need to reference it)

The length

Once you have achieved the correct diameter, we will no longer increase.

Lengthening Row: CH 2. DC in each stitch around and join with a SS into the top of the CH 2 in the beginning. (the number of stitches will depend on the yarn and hook size you have used. )

Repeat the lengthening row until you get about a half inch from the appropriate length in the chart.

Finishing it off

CH 1, HDC around and join with a SS into the top of the CH 1. Cast off and weave your ends in.

Week Three will include the popcorn and bobble stitches along with a super cute pumpkin pattern. Happy Crafting!

Take a look at our other patterns that use these stitches