How to Crochet: Linked Half Double Crochet (Lhdc)

By Candace – 16 Comments

Linking half double crochet stitches (and other stitches) eliminates the space between the stitches and creates a denser fabric. The stitch is simple to make and is great for when you need a tighter horizontal gauge.

If you’re left handed, you can hover over the pictures with your cursor to see the left hand view.

Start by finding the vertical thread at the left side (right, if you’re left-handed) of the stitch.



Insert your hook into the thread.

Yarn over, and pull up a loop.

Insert your hook into the next stitch.

Yarn over and pull up a loop.

Draw through all three loops on the hook.

And there you have it! If you need help, feel free to leave a comment below.

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16 Comments

  1. gatyamgal says:

    I love the look of this stitch! At first I didn’t understand how to do it, but when I tried it, it was very easy to do. Can’t wait to make something with this. Thanks for sharing this!

  2. wanda says:

    Thank you. Nice!

  3. Walli Kay says:

    Tha looks to me like “reducing”. Am right?

    • Angie says:

      It looks like decreasing to me, too. When you YO for each stitch, then pull through all three, doesn’t that result in one stitch? Like a bobble stitch would?

  4. Liza says:

    I love that your nail polish matches the yarn ;).

  5. Lillian says:

    I have much trouble with the HDC when I get to the end row I of couse turn and begin row two but at the end of the 2nd row I can’t find the last stitch Aargh!!!!!!

  6. Candace says:

    Walli, if by “reducing” you mean “decreasing,” it’s actually completely different. You still end up with the same number of stitches.

    Lillian, I’m not exactly sure what the nature of your problem is. Is it a problem with regular hdc as well as Lhdc?

    • Nozibele says:

      Lillian, you know that when start a row of hdc, you chain 2 then make the hdc in the 2nd stich of the row. Therefore, when you get to the end of the row, you make the last hdc into the top of the turming chain. chain 2, turn then again, hdc in the 2nd stitch of the row. I hope I;m explaining this so you understand, and I hope this is the answer to your question. Let me know if it helps. Happy hookin!!
      Nozibele

  7. Nozibele says:

    Very interesting! Can’t wait to try something with this stitch (I love hdc). Can anyone refer me to a garment that uses this stitch?

  8. Lillian says:

    I have asked several people the question of the last HDC of the FIRST row. I am going along on row 2 withHDC and come to the end of row 2 and can’t FIND the last HDC!!!! I usually end up one stich short of course !!!The last hdc OF THE 2ND ROW HAS “DISSAPEARED”. i ALWAYS GIVE UP AT THIS POINT. aM i NOT MAKING MYSELF CLEAR OR WHAT? i AM JUST FRUSTRATED BECAUSE THE hdc is a really lovely stich. Could you do a tutoriol on this, especially the end of the row

    Lillian……………thank you for listening

    • Rachel says:

      Hi Lillian, try to put a stitch marker or scarp of contrasting yarn into the first hdc stitch on the first row right after you make it. That way when you get to the second row and you are at the end of the row you’ll be able to see where the last stitch should go (where the stitch marker is). The reason you can’t see the stitch may vary from person to person, so I can’t tell you why you’re not able to see it, but maybe if you put a stitch marker it in it’ll help you find it.

  9. Lusy says:

    HY,,can you show me how to make the first row

  10. This is amazingly helpful. I have a book I’m using to crochet socks. They just included instructions for the first stitch, so I didn’t know where to go next. I love your pictures (especially for finding the left bar!) and clear, simple direction.

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