How to Work a Foundation Half Double Crochet {Photo Tutorial}

A few months back I shared a tutorial on how to work a Foundation Double Crochet , so today I want to share with you how to work a Foundation Half Double Crochet.

Like the Foundation Double Crochet, the Foundation Half Double Crochet (abbreviated as Fhdc) is a way of starting a project without making a beginning chain. In effect, you are working your beginning chain AND your first row of stitches in the same step … awesome, right!

There are some great benefits of using a chainless foundation, not to mention the satisfaction of jumping into your project right in your first row! One benefit of foundation stitches is that they tend to have more give and elasticity (especially helpful for cuffs, necklines, and heels) and can be extremely helpful for those who tend to work their beginning chains too tightly.

How to Work a Foundation Double Crochet {Photo Tutorial}

Start as usual with a slip knot on your hook and ch 3.

Yarn over and insert hook into 3rd chain from hook (this chain counts as the first chain in your foundation and the skipped 2 chains count as the first half double crochet) and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through first loop (this counts as your second foundation chain; 3 loops again on hook), complete as you would a normal half double crochet (i.e., yarn over pull through the remaining 3 loops on hook). You have now completed your next foundation half double crochet.

*Yarn over and insert hook into the chain at the base of the foundation half double crochet just made, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through first loop (this counts as your next foundation chain; 3 loops again on hook), again complete as you would a normal half double crochet (i.e., yarn over pull through the remaining 3 loops on hook). Another foundation double crochet completed.

Continue following tutorial from * until you have your desired number of double crochets and continue to Row 2 of your pattern.

I’ve gotten so many compliments and questions about the hook I used here for this tutorial that I thought I would add the information right here for those of you that are interested. The hook is a handmade wood Furls hook and it is divine! You can find out more about it or buy your own through my affiliate link here or by clicking on the image below.