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Half Double Crochet Fade Stitch: Stitch Tutorial

I have a brand new stitch tutorial for you today! This is probably a little but unlike anything you’ve seen before, because as far as I know, I made it up! So today I’m going to be walking you through what I call the Half double crochet Fade Stitch. I’ve got some photos to help you out and a video as well. I think you’re gonna have a lot of fun with this stitch!

About the Stitch

So I created the Half double crochet Fade Stitch when I was designing my Summer Nights Ruana. The concept was that I wanted to blend two yarn colors, but I didn’t want to increase the bulkiness of my stitches by holding the yarn double. It was a bit of a conundrum, but after a few attempts with different techniques, I finally found one that worked!

So to do this stitch, you’re going to be working with half double crochet. You will also need two yarn colors that you intend to “fade” into each other. And if you’re unfamiliar with color work in crochet, just be patient with this one. It takes a little practice to figure out how to work with two colors at once. I highly recommend scrolling down to the video if you’re feeling a little discombobulated with it.

About the Technique

So as you know, the half double crochet stitch is worked as follows:

  • Yarn over and insert hook into stitch
  • Pull up a loop
  • Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on hook

With the Half Double Crochet Fade stitch, we are going to be adding just one tiny detail that will add a splash of color to that original half double crochet.

  • Yarn over with BOTH COLORS and insert hook into stitch
  • Hold accent color along the back of work (think carrying yarn in color work)
  • Pull up a loop with ONLY MAIN COLOR working over the accent color
  • Yarn over with main color and pull through 4 loops on hook

When you’re working your chain stitches at the end of the row (or when using HDC Mesh, see Pattern Swatch), you will be working around the accent color. So you will put your hook under both strands and then pick up the main color only to chain. This will wrap the accent color through the center of your chain stitch.

And that’s it! By completing that first yarn over with both colors, we can get that gradual color fade we’re looking for. BUT with just one extra strand working into the half double crochet, it’s not going to stand out as bulky compared to your other stitches.

Looking for some other fun, unqiue stitches to try out? Check out the Mountain Stitch Tutorial or the Drop Stitch Tutorial!

When to Use it

As I mentioned before, I used the Half double crochet Fade Stitch in my Summer Nights Ruana. I wanted the setting sun to “reflect” off the water in that piece, so I needed splashes of yellow in my blue. This technique gave be the subtle color accent I needed. You can find the free pattern on the E’Claire Makery blog here! You can also purchase the PDF in my Etsy or Ravelry shop.

Another great time to use this is if you’re trying to blend or fade colors. This is commonly done in sweaters and shawls. I will definitely have to play around with a faded shawl at some point. For an extra gradual fade, you can switch your main color and accent color before heading back to a solid section.

Video Tutorial

Pattern for Swatch

Row 1: With Color A, chain 18. Hdc in 2nd loop from hook and each chain across. (17)

Row 2-3: Ch 1 and turn. Hdc in each stitch across. (17)

Optional Row 3 (HDC Mesh): Ch 1 and turn. *Hdc 1, ch 1, sk 1 st* Repeat from * to * across. Hdc in last stitch. (9 hdc, 8 ch sp)

Row 4-6: Ch 1 and turn. With Color A and Color B, hdc fade in each stitch across. (Note: if working on top of HDC Mesh, work 1 hdc into the top of each hdc and ch sp from previous row) (17)

Optional Row 6: Repeat Row 3 using hdc fade. When working a chain stitch, chain with both colors.

Row 7-9: Ch 1 and turn. With Color B, hdc in each stitch across. (Note: if working on top of HDC Mesh, work 1 hdc into the top of each hdc and ch sp from previous row) (17)

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed this stitch tutorial! I’d love to see how you use this stitch, so be sure to tag me in your projects on Instagram @craftingforweeks. Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Kelsie

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