How to Front Loop Half Double Crochet Stitch
The Front Loop Half Double Crochet Stitch is a variation of the regular Half Double Crochet Stitch. If reading a crochet pattern, the Front Loop Half Double Crochet Stitch is often abbreviated (FLHDC). This crochet stitch is fairly easy to master, the hardest part is knowing where to insert the hook to pick up the front loop of the crochet stitch. Ready to learn how to crochet this stitch? Let’s grab a hook and some yarn and get crocheting!
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Materials Needed:
Yarn of choice (I used a medium weight size 4 yarn)
Crochet hook of choice (I used a size J 6.0mm crochet hook)
To Start the Front Loop Half Double Crochet Stitch:
The FLHDC needs to be worked into a row of crochet stitches, meaning it cannot be worked into a chain stitch. For my example here, I am working my first row of front loop half double crochet stitches into a row of Foundation Half Double Crochet Stitches.
How to Find the Front Loop:
When working into the front loop only, the front loop is ALWAYS the loop (or leg) that is closest to the crocheter. This is the loop or leg that is part of the top of the crochet stitches. See the picture below.
Step 1 – 1st FLHDC:
Begin a row of foundation half double crochet stitches by chaining 1 and turning.
Now, yarn over.
FLHDC – Step 2:
Next, insert the crochet hook into the top of the previous row’s stitch. The hook should come from below the top of the stitch and it should pop up into the middle of the top of the stitch. See the pictures below.
Step 3:
Now, yarn over again and pull down through the stitch (working around the front loop only).
Front Loop Half Double Crochet Stitch – Step 4:
Finally, yarn over and pull through all 3 loops of yarn on the crochet hook. This completes one FLHDC.
Second FLHDC – Step 1:
Now, to start the second front loop half double crochet stitch, yarn over and insert the hook, coming from below the top of the stitch and coming up into the middle of the top of the stitch.
Step 2 – Second FLHDC:
Next, yarn over again and pull through all 3 loops of yarn on the hook. This completes a second FLHDC.
Final Front Loop Only Half Double Crochet Stitch of Row 1:
Now, keep in mind that the same steps are repeated throughout the row of FLHDC, as well as at the end of the row. The key to the last stitch is knowing where to place the last stitch.
Final Stitch – Step 1:
Now, to start the final stitch of the row, yarn over and insert the hook in the same way as was done with the previous stitches.
Step 2:
Next, yarn over and pull through the stitch, picking up the front loop only.
Last FLHDC – Final Step:
Finally, Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops of yarn on the crochet hook.
Wrapping Up the Front Loop Only Half Double Crochet Stitch:
And that is how to front loop only half double crochet stitch. Keep repeating the same steps as needed!
Video Tutorial:
Written Instructions:
Begin by crocheting a row of regular half double crochet stitches. Chain 1 and turn.
Now, yarn over and insert the crochet hook into the previous row of stitches. Make sure to insert the hook coming from below the top of the last row of stitches, and up into the middle of the top of the stitch (this is how to pick up the front loop only).
Next, yarn over and pull through the stitch, working around the front loop only. There will be 3 loops of yarn on the hook at this point.
Finally, yarn over again and pull through all 3 loops of yarn on the crochet hook. That completes one FLHDC. Repeat as needed.
Many Blessings,
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