Crochet stitches: hdc, dc, tr

Once you have single crochet, the taller stitches are just more yarn-overs before you insert the hook. Each additional yarn-over adds height. Taller stitches mean faster progress and more drape.

Half double crochet (hdc)

The hdc is between sc and dc in height. It has a distinctive third loop on the back that some patterns specifically work into.

  1. Yarn over.
  2. Insert hook into next stitch.
  3. Yarn over, draw up a loop — 3 loops on hook.
  4. Yarn over, draw through all 3 loops.

Turning chain: ch 2 (usually doesn't count as a stitch). Good for hats, mittens, and anything that needs softness with some structure.

Double crochet (dc)

The dc is the workhorse stitch — most written crochet patterns use it. It's twice the height of sc, works up quickly, and produces a slightly open, drapey fabric.

  1. Yarn over.
  2. Insert hook into next stitch.
  3. Yarn over, draw up a loop — 3 loops on hook.
  4. Yarn over, draw through first 2 loops — 2 loops remain.
  5. Yarn over, draw through last 2 loops — 1 loop remains. That's one dc.

Turning chain: ch 3 (often counts as the first dc — the pattern will specify). Great for blankets, garments, granny squares, and most decorative stitch patterns.

Treble crochet (tr)

The tr (also called "triple crochet" in older patterns) is tall and open. It's used in lace patterns, tall stitch combinations, and anywhere you want extra height or a very open fabric.

  1. Yarn over twice.
  2. Insert hook into next stitch.
  3. Yarn over, draw up a loop — 4 loops on hook.
  4. Yarn over, draw through first 2 loops — 3 loops remain.
  5. Yarn over, draw through next 2 loops — 2 loops remain.
  6. Yarn over, draw through last 2 loops — 1 loop remains.

Turning chain: ch 4. Each additional yarn-over before insertion adds one more "draw through 2" step — that's how dtr (double treble, 3 yarn-overs) and beyond work.

Stitch height summary

sl st
No height — joins and moves only
sc
1 unit tall — dense, structured
hdc
1.5 units tall — soft, quick
dc
2 units tall — most patterns
tr
3 units tall — lace, open work
dtr
4 units tall — very open, lace

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