Staggered Half-Double Crochet Pairs: A Unique Textured Stitch Pattern

Staggered Half-Double Crochet Pairs: A Unique Textured Stitch Pattern by Janice Jones

The Staggered half-double crochet pairs create a beautiful, textured fabric with a unique geometric pattern. This stitch is perfect for adding visual interest to your crochet projects, such as blankets, scarves, and garments.

The resulting fabric is slightly dense yet maintains a lovely drape, making it useful for various applications.  The ease and versatility of this stitch could make it my next favorite crochet stitch.

The only skills you will need are the half-double crochet and chain stitch. The most significant difference between this and ordinary half-double crochet stitch is where you place your hook.

Supplies Needed for this Tutorial

To create staggered half-double crochet pairs, you will need the following supplies:

• Yarn of your choice (for this swatch tutorial, I am using a CYC#4 worsted weight acrylic yarn)
• Crochet hook appropriate for your yarn weight (I chose a H/5.0 mm hook)
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle

Abbreviations

• Ch: chain
• Ch sp: Chain Space
• Hdc: half-double crochet
• Hdc2tog: Half double crochet two together (This is normally a crochet decrease stitch, but you will not be decreasing any stitches in this stitch pattern.)
• St(s): stitch(es)
• YO: yarn over

Skills Needed for this Stitch

You should be familiar with basic crochet stitches such as chain and half-double crochet to work this stitch pattern. Beginners with a solid foundation in these stitches can easily tackle this pattern.

• Half-Double Crochet Stitch
• Slip knot and chain stitch
• Weave in ends
• Reading Crochet Instructions
• Hdc2tog:  See Below

Skill Level

Easy

Notes

• All instructions are written in US Terms. The half-double crochet stitch is called the half treble crochet stitch in UK terms
• If you prefer a lighter, open fabric with even more drape, use a larger crochet hook than would normally be recommended for the yarn you choose.
• The half-double crochet two together is the main stitch used in this pattern (HDC2tog)

How To Make the Hdc2tog

1. Yarn over, insert hook into the next stitch. 
2. Yarn over and pull up a loop. 
3. Yarn over and insert the hook into the next stitch. 
4. Yarn over and pull up a loop.  There will be 5 loops on the hook. 
5. Yarn over and pull through all five loops. 
6. Chain one to complete the stitch.

Instructions

Ch a multiple of 2 plus 1.

Row 1: Hdc in 3rd ch from hook. *Hdc2tog in next 2 ch sts and across to end of row.*  Hdc in the same ch sp as last st.  Ch 2 and turn.

Row 2:  Hdc2tog in 1st and 2nd ch sp.  *Hdc2tog across to last st.*  Hdc in same ch sp as previous st.  Ch 2 and turn.

Instructions Written Out in Long Form

Chain a multiple of 2 plus 1.

Row 1: Hdc in 3rd ch from hook, *Yarn over, insert hook into the next chain and pull up a loop. Yarn over and insert your hook into the next chain, yarn over and pull up a loop. There will be five loops on the hook. Yarn over and pull through all five loops—chain one to complete the stitch. Start the next stitch in the same chain. Repeat across the row, making the last half-double crochet two together in the last two chains. Make one half-double crochet in the same chain as the previous stitch. Chain two and turn.

Row 2:  Work into the first chain space.  Make the Hdc2tog in the first two chain spaces.  Continue across the row, working the hdc2tog in chain spaces.  Work to the end of the row and then make the last two stitches in the last two chain spaces.  Make one more half-double crochet stitch in the same chain space.  Chain two and turn.

Repeat Row 2 for the desired length of your project.

Note to beginners: When working the half-double crochet stitches in Row 2, place them in the space between the pairs of half-double crochet stitches from the previous row, not into the stitches themselves.

This placement is what creates the staggered effect.  You may need to stretch the fabric a little to see the chain space more clearly.

What Can We Make with the Staggered Half-Double Crochet Stitch

The staggered half-double crochet pairs stitch is an excellent choice for various projects, such as:

• Blankets and throws: The texture and density of this stitch make it perfect for cozy blankets and throws.
• Scarves and cowls: Add visual interest to your accessories with this unique stitch pattern.
• Placemats and coasters: Create a set of textured placemats and coasters to enhance your dining experience.
• Pillow covers: Use this stitch to create decorative pillow covers that add a touch of texture to your home decor.

Last Words

In conclusion, the staggered half-double crochet pairs stitch is a beautiful way to add texture and interest to your projects. With its easy-to-follow pattern and versatile applications, this stitch will surely become a favorite in your crochet repertoire.

Pin Now, Crochet Later:  The Staggered Half-Double Crochet Pairs Stitch 

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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