How to Decrease Half Double Crochet

About this technique

This tutorial will show you how to decrease half double crochet (also known as half treble crochet in UK terms). It’s a simple and essential technique that helps you shape your amigurumi pieces neatly and evenly.

Whether you’re making dolls, toys, or any crochet project that needs smooth decreases, this step-by-step guide will help you master it quickly. 💚

How to make a half double crochet decrease

To make a half double crochet decrease, start the stitch as usual, but don’t finish it right away… we’ll work across two stitches to join them into one.

Step 1: Yarn over, insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over again and pull up a loop… you’ll have 3 loops on the hook. (photo 1)
Step 2: Keeping those 3 loops on the hook, yarn over once more, insert the hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull up another loop… now you’ll have 5 loops on the hook. (photo 2)
Step 3: Yarn over again and pull through all 5 loops to close the stitch. (photo 3)

And that’s it! You’ve made a neat decrease that blends perfectly with the rest of your half double crochets. This technique is especially useful when shaping amigurumi heads, bodies, or any rounded parts that need smooth transitions. 💚