The “Half Double Crochet,” gets its name because it
eliminates one step of double crochet.
The Half Double Crochet is taller than the single crochet but shorter
than the double crochet. To practice,
make a new chain stitch.
Work the first row of half double crochet by bringing the
yarn once over the hook front eh back to the front, then insert the hook in the
top loop of the third chain stitch from the hook. Hook and draw the yarn through the
stitch. You will now have three loops on
the hook.
Next, hook and draw the yarn through all three loops on the
hook. You have now made a half double
crochet. When counting the number of
stitches in the first row, count first two chains skipped at the beginning of
the row as the first half double crochet.
For each additional row of half double crochet stitches,
chain stitch two stitches for the turning chain, which will count as the first
half double crochet of the next row.
Turn your work counterclockwise and skip the first stitch and then work
a half double crochet in the second stitch and in each remaining stitch.
Slip
Stitch (sl st)
The slip stitch is usually used to join work together or to
move yarn across a group of stitches without adding any height to the
piece. It is also the shortest of all
crochet stitches.
To practice, make a new chain stitch and work a row of
double crochet stitches. At the end of
the row, don’t make a turning chain; turn and insert the hook in the first
stitch hook and draw yarn through both stitches and loop on hook in one motion
leaving one new loop on the hook.