Half Double and Double Crochet: Striped Square

Instructions

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1. 1Foundation and half double crochetWith colour A, ch 26. For hdc, first yarn over (wrap the yarn around the hook), insert into the 3rd chain from the hook, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over once more and pull through all three loops.
2. 2Rows 1-2 (A, hdc)Row 1: 1 hdc in the 3rd ch from hook and 1 hdc in each remaining ch (24 hdc). The 2 skipped chains do not count. Row 2: Ch 2 (does not count), turn, 1 hdc in each st starting with the first (24 hdc). On the last hdc of this row, make the final yarn over with B: with 3 loops on the hook, drop A, yarn over with B and pull through all three. Don't cut A.
3. 3Double crochet and rows 3-4 (B)For dc, yarn over, insert into the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through 2 loops, yarn over again and pull through the last 2 loops. Row 3: With B, ch 3 (does not count), turn, 1 dc in each st (24 dc). Row 4: Ch 3, turn, 1 dc in each st (24 dc). Make the final yarn over of the last dc with A; don't cut B.
4. 4Carrying yarn up the sideBecause the stripes are two rows each, the colour not in use always waits at the same edge. Before starting a new row, pass the waiting yarn once under the working yarn; this hides it along the edge and prevents large loops. Don't pull the carried yarn too tight or leave it too loose; the edge should not pucker.
5. 5Stripe sequenceRows 5-6: hdc with A (24 hdc), change to B at the end of row 6. Rows 7-8: dc with B (24 dc), change to A at the end of row 8. Rows 9-10: hdc with A (24 hdc), change to B at the end. Rows 11-12: dc with B (24 dc), change to A at the end. Rows 13-14: hdc with A (24 hdc). Cut B after row 12, leaving 15 cm.
6. 6FinishingAt the end of row 14, cut A leaving 15 cm and fasten off. Weave all ends into stitches of their own colour with the yarn needle. Lay the piece flat, cover with a damp cloth and steam without pressing the iron down; pressing acrylic makes it shiny and limp. Once dry, compare the heights of the hdc and dc stripes.