Welcome to Part 3 of our stitch‑structure series (see also Part 1: Double Crochet and Part 2: Single Crochet). One question keeps popping up: Can Half Double Crochet (HDC) be worked using both Yarn Over (YO) and Yarn Under (YU) techniques?

Absolutely... and while the differences are more subtle than with dc or sc, they still matter.
HDC has its own personality. It doesn’t transform as dramatically as dc or sc when switching techniques, but with a few adjustments, you can achieve cleaner seams, straighter edges, and beautiful texture. Let’s take a closer look

How to make Half Double Crochet (HDC) - Two Ways

HDC is a quick stitch where you yarn over, insert your hook, pull up a loop, and then pull through all three loops at once. The YO vs. YU difference happens in the middle and affects how the stitch behaves

	Yarn Over (YO) HDC — Traditional Method 1. Yarn over, insert hook into stitch 2. Yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook) 3. Yarn over, pull through all loops This is the classic HDC most crocheters learn first.
	Yarn Under (YU) HDC — “Hook Over” Method 1. Yarn over, insert hook into stitch 2. Yarn under (scoop the hook over the yarn), pull up a loop (3 loops on hook) 3. Yarn over, pull through all loops A small change, but it influences the lean and texture of the stitch.

How HDC Stitches Affect the Joining Seam

In Part 1 and Part 2, we saw that:

• YO stitches tend to create a slanted seam in joined rounds
• YU stitches counteract that slant and produce straighter joins

So does YU magically fix the seam in HDC? Not entirely. HDC naturally leans toward your dominant hand, no matter which technique you use. Here’s how the two compare:

• YO HDC → strong slant
• YU HDC → gentler slant, but still not perfectly straight

Why?

• The natural lean of HDC + the offset placement of stitches = a seam that drifts.
• YU reduces the effect, but doesn’t cancel it out completely like it does in sc or dc
  

How to Prevent Slanted Seams in HDC

You have two reliable options:

1. Turn your work at the end of each round. This flips the lean back and forth, evening out the seam.
2. Work in continuous spiral rounds. No joins = no seam = no slant.
   

HDC’s Hidden Textures

One of the most interesting things about HDC is its double‑sided V structure at the top of the stitch.

• In right‑handed crochet, the front V leans clockwise and the back V leans counterclockwise
• In left‑handed crochet, the directions reverse

Both V’s share a central bar, and you normally insert your hook under the front V’s. But HDC offers fun texture variations depending on where you insert your hook. Just note that these variations may slightly affect gauge.

Hidden Texture 1 - HDC Under 3 Loops

Insert the hook under all three top loops (the space between stitches). This creates:

• A beautiful, raised texture
• A seam that appears straighter when using YU HDC
  

Hidden Texture 2 - HDC in Third Loop

Insert the hook under the back‑facing third loop, leaving the front V untouched. This produces:

• A gorgeous knit‑like texture
• Consistent results with both YO and YU methods
  

When to Choose YO vs. YU

Before deciding, check your gauge as YO and YU HDC can differ slightly in height. If gauge isn’t critical, choose based on comfort and the look you want.

Use Traditional (YO) HDC when:

• You want a familiar, classic stitch
• Your wrists need a gentler motion
• You’re working in rows
• You don’t mind a slanted seam in joined rounds

Use Untraditional (YU) HDC when:

• You want straighter stitches
• You’re pairing HDC with straight stitches like YO dc or YO sc
• You want a cleaner, more even finish
• You prefer a slightly denser, more structured look