Beautiful Crochet Stitch

This crochet pattern in your image is a Half Double Crochet (HDC) stitch worked in rows with a self-striping yarn (that changes colors automatically). It gives that beautiful, soft rainbow gradient effect. 🌈

Here’s how you can make it:

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🧶 What You’ll Need

• Yarn: Medium weight (Category 4) yarn — use self-striping yarn like in your photo so the colors change automatically (yellow, cream, pink, purple, mint, etc.)
• Hook: 5.0 mm crochet hook (shown in the image)
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle (for weaving ends)

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✋ Step-by-Step Instructions

🔹 Step 1: Make a Slip Knot and Foundation Chain

1. Make a slip knot and place it on your hook.
2. Chain (ch) any number of stitches you want for the width of your project.
   • Example: ch 32 for a sample swatch.
3. Add 2 more chains (this counts as the first HDC turning chain).
   • So you’ll have 34 chains in total.

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🔹 Step 2: Row 1 – Half Double Crochet (HDC)

1. Yarn over (wrap yarn around hook once).
2. Insert hook into the 3rd chain from hook.
3. Yarn over again and pull up a loop — you now have 3 loops on your hook.
4. Yarn over once more and pull through all 3 loops at once.
   → This completes 1 Half Double Crochet (HDC) stitch.
5. Continue making 1 HDC in each chain across the row.
6. When you reach the end of the row:
   • Chain 2 (ch 2)
   • Turn your work.

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🔹 Step 3: Row 2 – Continue the Pattern

1. Yarn over.
2. Insert your hook into the top of the first stitch (not the chain 2).
3. Yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook).
4. Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops.
5. Continue making HDC in every stitch across.
6. At the end of each row, chain 2 and turn.

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🔹 Step 4: Continue Repeating Rows

Keep repeating Row 2 for the entire project.
As you crochet more rows, the yarn will automatically change colors, creating those pastel rainbow stripes. 🌈

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✨ Optional Variation: HDC in Back Loops Only

If you want more texture (ridges):

• Instead of inserting your hook under both loops of the stitch, insert it only in the back loop of each stitch.
  This gives a soft, ribbed pattern — also very pretty for blankets or scarves.

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🔹 Step 5: Finishing

1. When your piece reaches the desired length, cut the yarn leaving about 6 inches of tail.
2. Pull the yarn through the last loop and tighten gently.
3. Use your tapestry needle to weave in the yarn ends along the back of your work.

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✅ Example Project Ideas

• Baby blanket
• Scarf or shawl
• Cushion cover
• Sweater panel

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