Tutorial – Working into the 3rd Loop of Half Double Crochet
All the basic stitches in crochet have a front loop and back loop, which form a V shape at the top of the stitch. Half double crochet (hdc) is unique because it has an extra, 3rd loop. Learn how to find this 3rd loop, whether working in rows or in rounds, and see what happens when you work into it.
Working into the 3rd Loop of Hdc – Photo Tutorial:
(Scroll down for video tutorial)
What makes the 3rd Loop:
The yarn over in a half double crochet forms a diagonal line at the front, and a horizontal line at the back of the stitch. That horizontal line at the back is the 3rd loop.
Finding the 3rd Loop:
When you work in rows, you turn your work so the back side of the previous row is facing you. This is also true if you are working in rounds but turning your work after joining each round. In these situations, the third loop will be facing you.
When working in rounds without turning, the front of the the previous round is facing you. In this case, the third loop is at the back. You can find it by tilting the work towards you slightly and looking behind the front and back loops.
Why work into the 3rd Loop?
When you work into the third loop, the top and bottom loops of the stitch are pushed forward. This creates a pretty braid-like row of v shapes. Doing this on every row or round can produce a faux knit effect.
Working into the 3rd Loop of Hdc – Video Tutorial:
Ready to try it out? I used this technique on the Mod Stripes Towel!
17 Comments
Vashti Braha
Nicely done!
Pia Thadani
Thanks! 🙂
Sara
Just realized I pulled my yarn over the opposite way from everybody else, therefore the 3rd loop always faces away from me… well shoot….
Tara
I’m writing my first crochet pattern, and I’m using this stitch in my pattern. Your tutorial is excellent! Could I reference your site (giving you full credit) to help out people trying my pattern? Thank you!
Tara
taralovescrochet
Pia Thadani
Hi Tara! I’m so glad you found it helpful! You’re always welcome to link to any of the content on my site, just please don’t copy any of the text or pictures.
I actually think linking to outside resources is a great idea and do it in my own patterns as well 🙂 When your pattern is up, I’d love if you’d share it in this month’s Scrappy Stitchers Link Party too!
Sandra McMullen
Wow! Excellent tutorial! Perfectly succinct! Thank you so much!
Pia Thadani
Glad it worked for you!
Cheryl Demmon
that was the best video on hdc in the third loop
your speed was great not to fast just right
Pia Thadani
Thanks for the lovely comment! I’m glad you liked it 🙂
Kaydin
OH MY GOODNESS THANK YOU!!!! I’ve been sitting here for an hour trying to figure out this third loop thing and you’re the 3rd tutorial I watched. Thank you SO much for distinguishing between a regular back and forth working and working in the round! The pattern I’m trying to learn from is in the round but the guage is obviously back and forth and I was losing my mind trying to find that third loop making the guage…Thank you!
Pia Thadani
Awesome! I’m glad I could help 🙂
Marilea
This was so explicit and clear! Thank you so much! Ive watched several videos and read several blogs but I cant seem to make sense out of them. This was very clear! Thanks again!
Pia Thadani
Yay! I’m glad this one worked for you 🙂
Blanche Pinson
I love the illustrated close-up photo, clearer than others on the “web.” I have noticed that loop many times, being careful to avoid it and to not mistake it for the back loop. Now I have befriended it! Thank you for your efforts.
Pia Thadani
Thanks! I’m glad you found it helpful 🙂
FrenchFry
Thanks for putting this together. You saved me! I had no idea what a 3rd loop was. God bless.
Pia Thadani
Yay! Glad I could help 🙂