How to Foundation Half Double Crochet?[3 Easy Method]

Foundation Half Double Crochet (FHDC) is a versatile method that changes how crocheters start their projects. It combines the usual starting chain and the first row of half double crochet stitches into one step. The FHDC has many advantages. It makes a foundation that’s more flexible and stretchy. 

FHDC creates neater edges, controls tension better, and gives your crochet work a more polished look. You can improve your crochet skills and make your crafting experience more enjoyable with such a technique. So to learn it like a pro, stitch with us till the end. 

What Is Foundation Half Double Crochet?

The term foundation half double crochet (Fhdc) means a chainless foundation you build at the initial stage of crocheting any texture. It starts directly from row 1, skipping the initial chain of your crocheting project. And what good does it do? It makes the fabric more stretchy and flexible. 

While working on blankets, hats, or scarves, the Foundation Half Double Crochet Stitch makes your output flowy. This technique is also known as chainless starting half double crochet or a chainless crochet foundation. In this stitching method, the first row and the chain are created simultaneously.

Why Is It Called A Chainless Foundation Hdc?

It’s called a chainless foundation Hdc because you don’t need to create the initial chain while crocheting in this method. Instead, you have to crochet a chain and a row at the same time. Here, the first row and the initial chain combine into a single step. The good thing about this is that it eliminates the hassle of creating a separate foundation chain and then stitching it again. 

Nonetheless, it’s a sort of advanced technique. If you follow this method, your crocheted fabric will have the cleanest edge that looks like a stitch. Top-down garments or sleeveless tops would be appropriate outfits to practice this FHDC technique.

What Materials Are Required to Foundation Half Double Crochet?

The major supplies you need for FHDC are yarn and a hook. If necessary, collect a scissor, needle, and other basic materials. 

Yarn:

Cotton, wool, or acrylic; choose any yarn based on the pattern. The weight of the yarn should also match the hook size. And for the colors, select a lighter one, as it’ll let you see the stitch correctly. 

Crochet Hook:

A size of 2.25 to 10 mm is ideal for a crochet hook. You can pick anything in between for the betterment of your project. There are so many options regarding the materials of crochet hooks, such as aluminum, steel, bamboo, or plastic. Don’t get overwhelmed with them; just pick the one that suits your hands. 

Scissor:

A small, sharp scissors is best for cutting yarn cleanly. You can also use craft or embroidery scissors. Just check if they’re safe to handle and keep them away from children.  

Yarn Needle:

A yarn needle, whether it’s made of plastic or metal, works the same for your project. But the size matters of it. According to the thickness of your yarn, you can pick the size of the yarn needle using your judgment. 

Which Specific Yarn Is The Best For Fhdc?

There is no specific yarn to choose for the FHDC. It actually depends on the project you choose. You can also value your personal preference on this. All we can do is show you the options you have and discuss the facts you should consider. 

Yarn Weight

• Worsted Weight (Medium #4): A worsted-weight yarn is suitable for many projects, and experts like it. It’s easy to work with and provides good stitch definitions for beginners and advanced crocheters. 
• DK Weight (Light #3): It’s slightly lighter yarn than the previous one. DK Yarn is a great choice, with a more grape color, and appropriate for FHDC, in fact, for many stitches. 
• Bulky Weight (Bulky #5): A bulky yarn is a good option for a thicker and chunky look of your texture. If you are making scarves or blankets, you can use this yarn. For outfits like cardigans or sweaters, bulky yarn works well. Just rely on the pattern and see the instructions that tell you what is required. 

Fiber Content

• Acrylic: If you are a beginner, choosing an acrylic yarn would be wise since it’s easy to handle. This material is also affordable, available in multiple colors, and available everywhere. 
• Cotton: Cotton is the most popular material for yarns. It’s ideal because of its durability and breathability. Though it can be less stretchy, cotton is appropriate for summer outfits. 
• Wool: Wool yarns are used for winter outfits. They are warm and elastic. If your project requires wool yarn, ensure it’s machine washable. 
• Blends: Many yarns are made of a blend of fibers. Acrylic-wool blends are the most common on the market. Blend yarns are easy to care for and typically provide warmth in the texture. 

Considerations

• Project Type: A baby blanket might benefit from a soft yarn, while a summer top might be best made with lightweight cotton yarn. This is why your project type matters the most when choosing the yarn. So, always consider this fact first. 
• Texture and Drape: Different yarns provide different textures and drapes. Consider how you want your project to feel and move. You’ll need a sharp eye and observation to pick the best fit for your needs. 
• Color and Dye Lot: To avoid color contrast, buy enough yarn of the same color. It’ll prevent you from making an inconsistent project regarding the color. 

How To  Foundation Half Double Crochet? [Step-By-Step Guide]

Foundation half-double crochet definitely takes some practice we must say. But the reward you get is worth every second of your hard work. Let’s see the written instructions of the process with photos and videos for the left and right-handed versions:

Making the First FHDC

• Step 1: CH 2, Insert the hook and yarn over in the second ch from the hook then pull up the loop. This loop will work as your claim portion of the foundation. 

• Step 2: Pull a loop again through the first loop on the hook after yarning over. Now that loop will be the first part of the half double crochet. 

• Step 3: Now yarn over and on the hook, pull through all 3 loops at once. You can say that it’s your initial FHDC. Though it won’t look like much you keep going. 

Making the Rest of the FHDC

• Step 1: On the underside of the previous FHDC, there are two loops of the V. You insert the hook under these loops and yarn over. This first loop will be the chain portion of the process. 

• Step 2: Do the same thing here as the previous step two. 

• Step 3: Now yarn over then pull through all the 3 hooks. This way, the next FHDC will be completed. 

• As the initial work is done, continue stitching the rest of the foundation. Sooner or later, you’ll have a whole row to cherish. 

Haven’t you understood yet? Let’s see the video:

How To Foundation Half Double Crochet – Right Handed

If you’ve been concerned about being a left or right-handed person, we’ll take care of that issue as well. The process is almost the same for both left and right-handed crocheters with just a few dissimilarities. Check for yourself to be assured:

Step 1: First thing first, chain 2 and yarn over.

Step 2: Then, in the second chain, insert your hook to pull up a loop. This loop will be the “chain” stitch under the first HDC. 

Step 3: Yarn over again and pull through the first loop only on the hook. 

Step 4: Now that you have created the first chain, it’s time to complete the first HDC. 

Step 5: Yarn over again and pull through the loops on the hook. 

Step 6: This is what your first complete FHDC will look like. The chain will be at the bottom with a finished HDC. 

Step 7: Continue the process by inserting the hook into the stitch you made and yarn over. 

Step 8: Now, pull up the loop. Ensure the loop is longer than the other loops. Don’t get your hook angling down toward the chain stitches. If it happens, you won’t get a straight foundation. 

Step 9: Now on the hook, pull through the first loop. Then pull through the other three loops. By doing this, you’ll complete the 2 chains and proper HDC. 

Step 10: Keep on building up the chains until it reaches your desired size. 

Step 11: Row 2 is worked like a regular row of half-double crochets (or the stitch needed for row 2). For a neater look, don’t count the chain 2 at the beginning as a stitch. Instead, work the last stitch into the first half double crochet and ignore the chain 2 in the stitch count.

Step 12: From the images below, you can see the differences between FHDC and a Regular chain. 

Haven’t you understood yet? Let’s see the easy tutorial:

How To Crochet FHDC – Left-Handed

Step 1: Yarn over and chain 2

Step 2: Put the hook into the 2nd chain and pull up a loop. It’s the “chain” stitch for the first half double crochet. 

Step 3: Now pull through the first loop and yarn over. 

Step 4: Hence, you’ve created the first chain. Now go for the first HDC. 

Step 5: Yarn over again to pull through the remaining three loops. 

Step 6: Now that your first FHDC is complete, you can see the chain at the bottom of the stitch. 

Step 7: Next, Yarn over and put the hook into the chain. 

Step 8: Pull up a loop of the size of the other two loops. Try not to angle down the hook toward the chain stitches. 

Step 9: Now, on the hook, pull through the first loop.

Step 10: Then pull through all three loops to have the two complete chains and half double crochets. 

Step 11: Keep on stitching on the chain until you reach the expected size. 

Step 12: Once made, you can see the differences in the following image. 

Here is the easy video tutorial: How to Crochet: Foundation Half Double Crochet (Left-Handed)

How Do I Join A Foundation Half Double Crochet In The Round?

The best thing about FHDC is you can crochet it in the round. Whether you want joined rounds or continuous rounds, the trick will work smoothly. So, how would you do that?

Step 1: Hold the beginning and the end of your foundation rows together after making the foundation with the right number of stitches following the tutorial. 

Step 2: Now slip stitch into the first HDC stitch for joined rounds and then chain up for the next row. After that as you’ll go for continuous rounds, start the next stitch on the first HDC. 

Step 3: Once completed, take a yarn needle and weave the tail through the last chain and then back into the first. Securely weave in the ends to complete the process. 

How Can I Use Foundation Half Double Crochet In Any Pattern?

If you want to replace the traditional chain with Foundation Half Double Crochets in a pattern, it’s easy! First, check the number of regular half-double crochets in the first row. Then, work the same number of Foundation Half Double Crochets. It’ll set up your base row.

After completing the Foundation Half Double Crochets, continue with row 2 as instructed in your pattern. That’s all you need to do! It simplifies starting your crochet projects and guarantees a consistent foundation. 

When Shouldn’t I Use The FHDC?

You shouldn’t use foundation stitches on patterns with advanced or open stitches. These include patterns that require adding several stitches into one chain or skipping several chains. Foundation stitches work best with simpler patterns. They may not hold up well with complex stitch patterns.

So, now another question may arise, when to use foundation stitches for a chainless crochet row? The answer is whenever you want! If a pattern asks for chains and then crocheting into those chains, you can replace them with foundation half double or double crochet. For freeform crocheters, foundation stitches can be your starting base whenever you prefer. The choice is yours.

Tips To Perfect Your Foundation Half Double Crochet

While stitching the foundation half double crochet, you may find some difficulty in between the project. Or the result may not come to your liking for some silly issues. That’s why we tried to tell you about some important things to remember while crocheting FHDC. 

Tip #1: To keep your foundation row from curling, avoid making tight stitches. After pulling up the first loop, hold the hook straight, not angled. It’ll keep the bottom of the row from being tighter than the top and prevent curling. 

Tip #2: To keep each stitch looking the same,  gently push the first loop to the left when pulling through. It usually wants to go that way. Use the thumb to nudge it left every time, the foundation row turns out neat and nice.

Tip #3: When you pull up your loop in Step 3, try to pull up enough yarn. The loop should be the same height as the other loops on your hook when held vertically.

Tip #4: Always hold your yarn tighter in your working hand. If you can do this, you’ll use less yarn when making stitches.

Tip #5: Relax your grip on the yarn in your working hand so you can pull through more yarn easily. It will prevent your stitches from being too tight.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, Foundation half double crochet will enhance the quality of your crochet projects. Now that you have seen the tutorials and learned everything about the method, we’re confident that you can execute this technique with some hard work. For any trouble crocheting with this technique, we’re always here for you waiting for just a comment below. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)