Forked Half Double Crochet Stitch: EasyTutorial & Free Pattern

Forked Half Double Crochet Stitch by Janice |Published 1-16-2024

The Forked Half Double Crochet is a versatile crochet stitch that is attractive, sturdy, and easy to master. This crochet stitch might sound a bit complicated, but it’s surprisingly quite straightforward and provides a unique texture to the work.

The stitch is called "forked" because it involves crocheting into two stitches simultaneously, creating a forked effect in the fabric. This adds a distinctive dimension to the product that other crochet stitches don't consistently replicate.

A forked half double crochet washcloth worked in 100% cotton

To achieve the forked half double crochet, you'll yarn over, insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over again, and pull through, then move over to the next stitch to continue the routine. This stitch works up a dense, cozy fabric, making it fantastic for creating items like Afghans, scarves, and hats.

The forked half double crochet stitch is a great way to add texture to your crochet projects and add thickness, providing extra warmth for those cold winter months.

This pattern creates a thick, textured, yet drapey fabric that would be great for a blanket, placemats, dishcloths, cup cozy, or other projects requiring a slightly thicker material than you might expect in the traditional half double crochet stitch.

Forked Half Double Crochet, abbreviated Fhdc, is an easy one-row repeat that you work over two stitches.  The blue swatch also includes a row of single crochet between the rows of forked half double crochet stitches. 

Forked half double crochet on the hook, worked in a royal blue 100% acrylic yarn.

Forked Half Double Crochet Stitch Tutorial

Project level

Skill level easy per the Craft Yarn Council

Easy

Abbreviations

Fhdc – forked half double crochet

Ch – chain

St(s) - Stitch, stitches

Notes about the Forked Half Double Crochet Stitch

  • This tutorial uses US terminology.
  • It can be worked on any number of stitches. 
  • This pattern is worked in rows. 

Step-by-step Instructions

Step One:  Create any number of chains.

Step by step tutorial of the forked half double crochet stitch, starting with any number of chains.Start with any number of chain stitches.

Make a chain of any number of chains plus two for the turning chain.

Step Two

Step by step tutorial of the forked half double crochet showing where to insert the hook.Insert the Hook into the first stitch.

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

The forked half double crochet showing 3 loops on the hook.Forked Half Crochet Stitch Showing 3 loops on the hook.

Step Three

Step by step tutorial of the fork half double crochet showing where to insert the hook for the other part of the stitch.With the three loops still on the hook, insert the hook into the next stitch (shown with the yarn needle).

With the three loops on the hook, yarn over and insert the hook into the next stitch.  Yarn over and pull up a loop.  (5 loops on hook)

Part of a step by step tutorial showing how to make the forked half double crochet with 5 loops on the hook.Forked Half Crochet Stitch Showing 5 loops on the hook.

Step Four

Part of a stitch tutorial showing the forked half double crochet stitch completeOne Complete forked half double crochet is worked by inserting the hook into the first stitch and then the next stitch.

Yarn over and pull through 3 loops, yarn over and pull through 3 loops.  (1 loop on hook).

Step Five

Step by step tutorial for making the forked half double crochet stitch. Arrow showing where to insert hook for the second stitch.

To begin the second stitch, insert the hook into the same space as the previous stitch.  Work the second forked half double crochet stitch as described above, beginning with step 2

  1. Make a chain of any number of stitches.
  2. Yarn over and insert the hook into the 3rd chain from the hook. 
  3. Yarn over and pull up in a loop. (3 loops on the hook.  Yarn over and insert hook into the next chain (4th chain from hook.)  Yarn over (5 loops on hook).
  4. Yarn over and pull through 3 loops.  Yarn over and pull through the last 3 loops.  You just finished your first forked half double crochet.
  5. To create the next stitch, Yarn over and insert the hook in the same stitch just made.  Yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops).
  6. Yarn over and insert the hook into the next stitch.  Yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through 3 loops.  Yarn over again and pull through the last three loops on the hook. 
  7. Continue in this way until you reach the end of the row.

*To continue with fork half double crochet: Turn, Ch 2.  Start your first forked half double crochet in the first stitch from the hook and continue across row.

To add a row of single crochet stitches, turn and ch 1.  Work one single crochet in each stitch across the row, and then proceed to work the next row of forked half double crochet from the *

Forked Half Double Crochet Washcloth

Forked half double crochet washcloth

If you prefer to learn this stitch and create a helpful product simultaneously, consider making this beautiful washcloth.

Supplies

  • Lionbrand 24/7 Cotton, 3.5 oz/100 g (186 yd/170 m) Number 4 worsted weight yarn in color Sky
  • 4.5 mm Crochet Hook  Clover
  • Scissors
  • Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Gauge

14 sts + 12 rows = 4 inch in pattern including a row of single crochet stitches worked between each row of forked half double crochet.  Gauge is not important for this pattern.

Finished Size

8.5 x 8.5 inches (approximately 21 cm square)

Instructions

Ch 30

Row 1:  Single crochet in second chain from stitch.  Single crochet in each additional chain across row. Chain 2, turn.

Row 2:  Work your first forked half double crochet:  Yarn over and insert hook into second single crochet from hook.  Pull up a loop (3 loops on hook).  Yarn over and insert hook into next single crochet stitch.  Pull up a loop.  (5 loops on hook.).  Yarn over and pull through three loops, Yarn over and pull through three loops.  

NEXT STITCH:  Yarn over and insert hook into the same single crochet as the stitch you just made and pull up a loop. (3 loops).  Yarn over and pull up a loop, insert hook into the next single crochet stitch and pull up a loop (5 loops) Yarn over and pull through 3 loops, yarn over and pull through 3 loops.  Continue in this way across the row.

Row 3:  Single crochet in each forked half double crochet across row.

Repeat rows 2 and 3 until you reach your desired length.  

Add a Border

If you'd like to add a border to give your washcloth a finished look, do not cut the yarn when you finish your last row (above).  

On both ends, you will work one single crochet in each stitch.

In each corner, work two single crochet stitches, one chain, and then two more single crochet stitches all in the same stitch.

On both sides, work one single stitch into the edge of each half double crochet and one single crochet stitch into the edge of each single crochet.  Fasten off and weave in ends.

Conclusions

This stitch might have initially seemed challenging if you are new to crocheting.  But as you have seen, mastery only comes with repetition, like any skill.

Don't be afraid to try this stitch in different patterns, creating beautiful, thick crochet pieces. As you move forward, you can incorporate the forked half double crochet into larger projects, combining it with other stitches to achieve fun and exciting designs. Happy crocheting!

Forked Half Double Crochet Stitch
Pin for Future Reference

Forked half double crochet pin imageForked Half Double Crochet Step-by-Step Tutorial and Free Pattern

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About Janice

Hi, I’m Janice, the voice behind Smart-Knit-Crocheting. I love to knit and crochet and even more, I love teaching others what I know.

Though I learned to knit and crochet as a child, I didn’t get serious about these amazing hobbies until I retired. I’m a certified knit and crochet instructor through the Craft Yarn Council and am working on becoming a Master Hand Knitter through The Knitting Guild Association.

I’m currently living with my husband of over 50 years and our 7 Shih Tzu dogs.

I love hearing from you, so please drop me a line and let me know what you’re working on, whether you love knitting or crocheting more, and if you have any questions. Please visit my about me page for more information.


Happy Crocheting