Half Double Crochet Slip Stitch and Ribbing Tutorial

Are you ready for yet another half-double crochet variation? This one is easy and creates a thick, textured fabric that almost resembles ribbing. And, if you want it to look like ribbing, I have a separate tutorial later in this article.

As you probably know, the slip stitch is very short, even shorter than the single crochet stitch, making it difficult to work alone.

However, the half-double crochet slip stitch is not like that at all. The height of the half-double crochet stitch makes it faster to work and taller. It can be challenging if you tend to crochet with tight tension.

Ways to Use the Half Double Crochet Slip Stitch

This stitch pattern is a great choice for items that require a fabrict that is thick and warm.  Consider the following:

• Hats
• Cardigans
• Shawls
• Slippers
• Blankets 
• Headbands
• Earwarmers
• Hot pads

You can use any yarn and hook size to create this gorgeous fabric. 

Skill Level

Easy

Skills Needed

• Slip Knot and Chain Stitch
• Half Double Crochet Stitch
• Slip Stitch
• Reading Crochet Patterns
• Weaving in ends

Abbreviations

Ch - chain

Sl St - slip stitch

YO - yarn over

Materials Needed

• Yarn of your choice with the corresponding hook size
• Scissors
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends

If you are unsure how to choose the best hook for the yarn you are using, please jump to my article on crochet hooks. 

Notes about the Half Double Crochet Slip Stitch Pattern

• All instructions are in U.S. Terms
• This stitch works on any multiple stitches.
• Try to keep your tension loose.
• You may find that a hook that is slightly more pointy works best, but if you find that the yarn you are using splits easier with a pointy hook, go back to your favorite hook.
• This stitch looks great on both sides.

More half double crochet variations

Instructions for Making the Half Double Crochet Slip Stitch Swatch

I always recommend making a practice swatch before beginning any new project.  

To Make a practice swatch, Make any number of chains for your foundation chain, it doesn't matter.

For this swatch, I used a #4 worsted-weight yarn and a #G 7.4 (4.5 mm) hook.

I made 15 chain stitches, but please feel free to use what ever hook and yarn you have available.  Any multiple of chains works with this stitch pattern.

Row 1:  Insert your hook into the second chain from the hook.  *Yarn over and insert your hook into the chain.  Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on the hook.*  Repeat from * across the row, working the last stitch in the last chain.  Turn and Chain one.

Row 2 and all subsequent rows:  Yarn over and insert your hook into the first stitch.  Yarn over and pull through all three loops.  Continue across the row.  Turn and Chain one.

That’s all there is to this stitch pattern!

Half Double Crochet Slip Stitch Ribbing

With just a slight alteration, you can create a fabric that resembles the knitted rib stitch.  It is all about where you insert your hook and is unique to half double crochet stitches.

You probably already know that you can insert your hook in many different places:

• Below both loops of the stitch below.
• Into the back or front loop only.
• In the front or back post of the stitch below.

But there is another place to insert your hook into half double crochet stitches:  The third loop.  Yes, the yarn over that is done in the half double crochet stitch creates a third loop

Instructions

To create this variation of the half double crochet slip stitch, you can chain any number of stitches. 

Yarn over and insert the hook into the third loop of the first stitch. Pull up a loop.  (3 loops on the hook)

Without yarning over again, pull straight through until there is only one loop remaining on the hook.

Continue across the row to the end.  Chain one and Turn.

Continue making half double crochet slip stitch ribs until you reach your desired length.

Pin Now, Crochet Later

Conclusion

There are many ways to use the basic half double crochet stitch.  This article looks at the half double crochet slip stitch which creates a tight, lovely textured fabric perfect for projects that needa thick warm fabric such as blankets, hats, and headbands. 

A slight variation of this stitches requires the insertion of the hook into the third loop which is visible on the wrong side of the fabric.  By working in this way, a gorgeous rib fabric is created that resembles knitting.  

I hope you have enjoyed this article as much as I have enjoyed writing it.  Ready to get started?  Grab your yarn and hook and lets crochet.

Janice

Disclosure:   This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase from one of these links I will get a small  commission.

Hi, there, I'm Janice, the voice behind this website and avid knitter and crochet enthusiast. I want to share my passion with you and help you learn how to knit or crochet, smarter.

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