Foundation Half Double Crochet Stitch (fhdc) – Photo & Video Tutorial

The Foundation Half Double Crochet (fhdc) stitch is a great way to start a new project that begins with a half double crochet row. The fhdc stitch replaces your usual starting chain PLUS the first half double crochet row – you are essentially working the chain and the first row at the same time!

It takes a little bit of concentration to get the hang of the foundation half double crochet stitch, but once you have it, you’ll never go back. Promise 😉

What is the Foundation Half Double Crochet?

Foundation Half Double Crochet (US) or Foundation Half Treble Crochet (UK) offers an alternative way to start a new crochet project.

Usually, you might see the first row of a pattern written something like this:

• Ch 11, hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. [10]

Now, replace that with a foundation half double crochet:

• Fhdc 10. [10]

When can I use the foundation half double crochet stitch?

You can read more about the benefits of chainless foundation rows and why you might want to use them here: Intro to Chainless Foundation Crochet Stitches.

You can use the fhdc on any project that begins with a row of half double crochet.

Your fhdc row will always be one less than the starting chain specified (if using the traditional method).

So, in the example above, the “Ch 11” followed by a row of “hdc” gave you 10 sts (the first ch is your turning ch and does not count as stitch).

But if you were to replace this with a fhdc row, you would need to work 10 fhdc to achieve the same stitch count.

Foundation Half Double Crochet (fhdc) – Video Tutorial

Foundation Half Double Crochet (fhdc) Tutorial

Active Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Learn how to crochet the foundation half double crochet (fhdc) stitch.

Fhdc stitches replace your usual starting chain PLUS the first half double crochet row - you are essentially working the chain and the first row at the same time!

Print

Materials

• Any yarn + suitable crochet hook

Instructions

1. Chain 2. Yarn over and insert hook into second chain from hook. Yarn over and pull up a loop. [3 loops on hook]
2. Yarn over and and pull through the first loop on hook i.e. ch 1. This is the extra "chain" in your foundation row. [Still 3 loops on hook]
3. Yarn over and pull through the three loops on your hook. First fhdc (US) / fhtc (UK) made.
4. Yarn over and insert hook into extra "chain" made in Step 2. Yarn over and pull up a loop. [3 loops on hook]
5. Yarn over and pull through the first loop on hook i.e. ch 1. This is the next "chain" in your foundation row. Yarn over and pull through the 3 loops on your hook. Second fhdc (US) / fhtc (UK) made.
6. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 until desired row length is reached.

I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial!

I love seeing all of your projects; be sure to tag me on Instagram (you can find me here: @nedandmimi), and use #nedandmimi to show off your foundation half double crochet stitches 🙂

Happy crocheting!

Sarah