The half double crochet (abbreviated hdc) is kind of an oddball stitch. The half double crochet falls in between a single crochet and a double crochet in height, but instead of working off two loops at a time, you draw the yarn through three loops on the ■■■■. It produces a fairly tight fabric similar to one made with a single crochet stitch:
Do 15 chain stitches (ch 15).
This step creates the foundation chain.
Chain 2 more stitches.
These stitches create the turning chain.
Yarn over the ■■■■ (yo) and insert your ■■■■ in the third chain from the ■■■■.
See the illustration.
Yarn over the ■■■■ and gently pull the wrapped ■■■■ through the center of the chain stitch, carrying the wrapped yarn through the stitch.
You should have 3 loops on your ■■■■.
Yarn over the ■■■■ and draw your yarn through all 3 loops on your ■■■■.
See the image for a demonstration.
Begin in the next chain of the foundation chain.
This step completes a full row of half double crochet stitches.
Work 1 half double crochet stitch in each successive chain across the foundation chain.
You have 16 half double crochet stitches at the end of Row 1 (counting the turning chain as 1 half double crochet stitch).
Turn your work.
You need to turn your work to start Row 2.
Chain 2 (ch 2) and yarn over the ■■■■ (yo).
The two stitches are for the turning chain.
Skipping the first stitch of the row directly below the turning chain, insert your ■■■■ in the next stitch.
Skipping the first stitch maintains a consistent number of stitches per row.
Repeat the preceding steps in each of the next 14 half double crochet (hdc) stitches.
Follow the steps from pulling the wrapped ■■■■ through the center of the chain stitch to drawing yarn through all 3 loops.
Work 1 half double crochet in the top chain of the previous row’s turning chain.
You should have 16 half double crochet stitches in Row 2 (counting the turning chain as 1 half double crochet).