Half Double Crochet Two Together (Hdc2tog): Instructions
The half double crochet two together (also known as Hdc2tog) is a half double crochet decrease method that helps you decrease the amount of stitches from your pattern. This is a relatively simple and basic crochet stitch, so if you’re a beginner, you’ll definitely want to take the time to learn how to half double crochet decrease. With our method, you can demystify this relatively simple stitch so you get the perfect result!
How to Perform a Hdc2tog
[Yarn over, insert hook in next stitch, yarn over and pull up loop (figure 1)] 2 times, yarn over and draw through all loops on hook (figure 2)—1 stitch decreased (figure 3).
You can use this stitch in a wide range of applications, especially those where you need to shape your crochet items neatly. Use Hdc2tog in handbags, hats, scarves, socks, and more. Many people are deterred by the half double crochet stitch decrease because it can cause some puffing and bubbling, but our method ensures that you perfect this technique so each stitch is nice and neat!
This technique, among others, is used to create decreases in crochet to eliminate one or more stitches. An external decrease is worked at the beginning or end of a row, at the side edge. Internal decreases, like half double crochet two together, are worked within the row. Generally you’ll find decrease instructions in an individual pattern to suit the particular stitch being worked, but here are the basics on how to half double crochet two together.
You can also find instructions from Interweave Crochet a variety of other techniques including:
- Half double crochet three together (Hdc3tog)
- Single crochet two together (Sc2tog)
- Foundation double crochet (Fdc)
I hope you add these tools to your crochet arsenal. What are your favorite projects that use the Hdc2tog? Let us know in the comments.
Happy Stitching!
Toni
Originally published January 11, 2010. Updated March 22, 2022.
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