How to Half Double Crochet 2 Together (hdc2tog): Step-by-Step Tutorial for Beginners
Looking to learn how to decrease stitches in your crochet projects? In this step-by-step tutorial, you’ll learn exactly how to half double crochet two together (hdc2tog)—a simple and effective decrease technique that’s perfect for shaping hats, garments, and amigurumi. Whether you’re a beginner learning the basics or an experienced crocheter brushing up on essential skills, mastering the hdc2tog will open up new possibilities in your crochet patterns. Follow along as we walk you through each step with clear instructions and helpful tips so you can confidently add this decrease stitch to your toolkit.
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Materials Needed:
Crochet hook of choice (I used a size J 6.0mm crochet hook for this tutorial)
Yarn of choice (I used a medium weight size 4 yarn for this tutorial)
This crochet tutorial is written using US Crochet Terms
Crochet Terms Used:
Crochet Stitch Multiples:
There are no multiples for this crochet stitch. This is a decrease stitch, and it will take 2 crochet stitches and reduce (combine) them into 1 crochet stitch.
Half Double Crochet 2 Together Notes:
Now before we start, please note that there are 2 different ways to complete the HDC2Tog. I will show both versions of the stitch. I will also show how to Half Double Crochet 2 Together at the beginning of a row, in the middle of a row, and at the end of the row. Again, I will show both variations of this crochet stitch in all 3 places.
HDC2Tog Variation 1 at the Beginning of a Row:
We will begin with variation 1 for the Half Double Crochet 2 Together at the start of a row.
Step 1:
Begin the row by chaining 1 and turning the work.
Half Double Crochet 2 Together Version 1 – Step 2:
Now yarn over and insert the crochet hook into the first stitch.
Step 3:
Next yarn over again and pull through the stitch. There will be 3 loops of yarn on the crochet hook at the end of this step.
HDC2Tog Variation 1 – Step 4:
Now with variation 1 DO NOT yarn over again. Simple insert the crochet hook into the next stitch.
Step 5:
Next yarn over and pull through the stitch. There will be 4 loops of yarn on the crochet hook at the end of this step.
Half Double Crochet 2 Together Variation 1 – Step 6:
Finally yarn over and pull through all of the loops on the crochet hook. This completes variation 1 of the HDC2Tog at the start of a row.
Half Double Crochet 2 Together Variation 2 at the Start of a Row:
Now for the second variation of the half double crochet 2 together it is almost entirely the same to complete. There is just one extra step for this variation.
HDC2Tog Variation 2 Step 1:
After chaining 1 and turning, begin by yarning over and inserting the hook into the first stitch.
Step 2 – Variation 2:
Now yarn over again and pull through the stitch. There will be 3 loops of yarn on the crochet hook at this point.
How to Half Double Crochet 2 Together Variation 2 – Step 3:
Next this is where this variation differs from the first. Yarn over and then insert the hook into the next stitch.
Step 4 – How to Half Double Crochet 2 Together Variation 2:
Now yarn over and pull through the stitch. There will be 5 loops of yarn on the hook at the end of this step.
How to HDC2Tog Variation 2 – Step 5:
Finally yarn over and pull through all 5 loops on the crochet hook. This completes the second version of how to half double crochet 2 together decrease.
How to Half Double Crochet 2 Together Decrease in the Middle of the Row:
The half double crochet 2 together decrease can also be completed in the middle of a row.
Variation 1 – All Steps:
Now to begin yarn over and insert the hook into the first stitch. YO again and pull through the stitch (there are 3 loops on the hook at this point). Insert the hook into the next stitch. Yarn over once again and pull through the stitch (there are 4 loops on the hook at this point). Finally, yarn over and pull through all 4 loops. This completes one HDC2Tog decrease.
How to Half Double Crochet 2 Together – Variation 2:
Remember that variation 2 is similar to variation 1, with the exception of additional yarn over.
Begin by yarning over and inserting the hook into the first stitch. YO and pull through the stitch (there are 3 loops on the hook at this point. Yarn over again and insert the hook into the next stitch. YO and pull through the stitch (there are 5 loops of yarn on the hook at this time). Yarn over again and pull through all 5 loops on the hook.
How to Half Double Crochet 2 Together at the End of a Row:
Finally the Half Double Crochet 2 Together Decrease can be completed at the end of a row too. The same method applies when completing the hdc2tog at the end of the row. Both variations will be shown below.
Variation 1 How to Half Double Crochet 2 Together:
Now begin by yarning over and inserting the hook into the first stitch. YO again and pull through the stitch (there are 3 loops of yarn on the crochet hook at this point). Insert the crochet hook into the next stitch. Yarn over and pull through the stitch (there are 4 loops of yarn on the crochet hook at this point). Finally yarn over and pull through all 4 loops of yarn on the hook. This completes at half double crochet 2 together at the end of a row.
HDC2Tog Variation 2:
Finally for the second variation begin by yarning over and inserting the hook into the first stitch. YO and pull through the stitch (now there are 3 loops of yarn on the crochet hook). Now yarn over again and insert the crochet hook into the next stitch. Yarn over and pull through the stitch (there are 5 loops of yarn on the crochet hook now). Finally yarn over and pull through all 5 loops of yarn on the crochet hook. This completes a half double crochet 2 together decrease.
How to Half Double Crochet 2 Together Video Tutorial:
HDC2Tog Written Instructions Only:
Note: For the written instructions, I am including both variations of this stitch.
How to Half Double Crochet 2 Together Variation 1:
Begin by yarning over and inserting the hook into the first stitch. Yarn Over again and pull through the stitch (there are 3 loops on the hook now). Insert the crochet hook into the next stitch. YO and pull through the stitch (now there are 4 loops on the hook). Finally yarn over and pull through all 4 loops on the crochet hook. This completes one hdc2tog.
HDC2Tog Variation 2:
Begin by yarning over and inserting the crochet hook into the first stitch. Yarn Over again and pull through the stitch (there are 3 loops on the hook now). YO again and insert the crochet hook into the next stitch. Yarn Over and pull through the stitch (there are 5 loops on the hook now). Finally yarn over and pull through all 5 loops on the crochet hook. This completes 1 Half Double Crochet 2 Together Decrease.
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Happy Crocheting,
Love this crochet stitch?
I hope this tutorial helped you feel more confident with the half double crochet 2 together (hdc2tog) stitch! It’s a great technique to have in your crochet toolkit, especially when working on projects that require shaping or decreasing. If you enjoyed this tutorial, be sure to check out some of my other helpful crochet stitch guides, including How to Half Double Crochet Stitch, How to Herringbone Half Double Crochet Stitch, How to Foundation Half Double Crochet, and How to Front Loop Half Double Crochet Stitch. Plus, the hdc2tog stitch is featured in both my Crochet Buffalo Plaid Flower Headband and Crochet Flower Headband patterns—so be sure to give those a try if you’re ready to put this stitch into practice. Happy crocheting! 🧶