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Half Double Crochet in Third Loop Only (Flat and Round)

ByAshlea

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Half double crochet is one of my favorite crochet stitches. More exciting than single crochet but without the full commitment of double crochet. 😉 If you can do the half double crochet, I have good news! You are already able to complete the third loop half double crochet. Watch the video below!

half double crochet third loop only

Half Double Crochet in Third Loop Only

The Half Double Crochet stitch is a staple in the crochet world. This is a basic, beginner-friendly stitch that is a favorite of all crocheters from newbies to experienced hookers. There is an aspect of the Half Double Crochet that makes it possible to create stunning ridges, or a knit-like appearance, just by changing the portion of the stitch into which we insert our hook. Sound easy? Probably because it is. Let’s learn how!

half double third loop

In the Half Double Crochet stitch there are three loops: the “front loop” the “back” loop” (these two are present in ALL crochet stitches), and the “third loop” that runs across the back of the stitch (or front of the stitch after you turn).

This is created when we make that yarn over before inserting our hook to create the stitch. It’s what helps give the Half Double a bit more height than the single, but without the second “yarn over pull through two” that would make the stitch a double crochet.

If you create subsequent rows using that third loop only, it creates this gorgeous ridged effect.

Flat version of the Half Double Crochet in Third Loop Only in a purple colorway.

And if you work into the third loop only when crocheting in a spiral, it creates much more compact ridges that look very much like a knitted fabric. Read more on the difference below.

hdc third loop

To Half Double Crochet in the third loop only FLAT:

Start with any number of chains and a foundation row of Half Double Crochet.

Turn your work so that you are looking at the back side. The third loop is now right on the surface.

To make the third loop half double crochet, you will yarn over, insert your hook into the third loop only of the previous hdc. Pull up a loop and complete the Half Double Crochet as normal.

Continue making hdcs in the third loop only all the way across the row.

The final stitch can be a bit buried or at a slight slant. For this reason you may find it helpful to count your stitches each row or to mark them with stitch markers.

When you chain one and turn, the third loop is again presented on the surface of your work.

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Continue adding rows in this manner until the piece is as tall as you like. How pretty are those ridges? Love it!

hdc third loop

Now, there is a slight difference in appearance when you work this stitch in a spiral. The general concept is exactly the same, except that you never turn your work. This results in a much more compact fabric.

hdc third loop only spiral

To crochet in a spiral you’ll simply start with either a normal foundation chain or a foundation row of Half Double Crochets.

When you start the second round you’ll work directly into the third loop while still looking at the “front” of the work. It helps if you slightly rotate the top of the piece toward you so that you can easily access that loop that is nestled behind.

Simply continue with no turning or joining until you reach your desired height. When you’re ready to fasten off… I prefer to end with a round of single crochet worked into the third loop. This helps to make a mirror image of the bottom edge and a more cohesive design. When finished, slip stitch in the next two or three stitches and pull your yarn through. This helps to hide where you fastened off.

Round version of the Half Double Crochet in Third Loop Only in a white colorway.

Isn’t that fun and gorgeous?! I hope you love it too. Here’s the video tutorial:

HDC Third Loop Video:

If you would rather watch this video on YouTube, you can find it on my channel here. Don’t forget to subscribe while you’re there! 😉

 

 

 

More crochet tutorials:

Crochet Larksfoot Stitch Tutorial

How to Crochet the Star Stitch (Step-by-Step)

How to Crochet the Uneven Berry Crochet Stitch

Wide Half Double Crochet Stitch Tutorial

How to Crochet a Dog Leash

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13 Comments

  1. I made the approximately the same size as you show in your video to use as a pillow cover. How do I finish? The edges are not even. Also how do I close the top and bottom i.e. complete the pillow.
    Reply
  2. Hi If I want to work back and forth like for a blanket and not in continuous rounds, what changes in the second row, fourth row and so on?
    Reply
    1. Your tutorial was great. How do I close up the two ends? Just the standard way? I did crochet in a circle , therefore it is not even. How do I make it even? Thanks for your help?
      Reply
  4. I learned to crochet at 5 years of age. I do have some problems with it now, as I have Psoriatic arthritis and fibromyalgia, so my everything hurts some of the day. I do still crochet, however. I am not familiar with some of the abbreviations in your blog. Is there a list or a book or ANYTHING I can get that would allow me to learn what these abbreviations mean? Thanks in advance for any help you can give.
    Reply
  5. So when you are doing this for a flat panel say a scarf or blanket what stitch would you do for the wrong side so you would have the same look as you do?
    Reply
  6. I followed the tutorial and mine looks nothing like yours. Is there something I’m doing wrong when I turn?
    Reply
    1. Hi Audrey! It's hard to say exactly what's going on without seeing it, but I can take a guess =) In my tutorial, I am working in the round, so the right side of my project is always facing me...you mentioned turning your work, which means you are working your project with right side facing you one row and the wrong side next row...that will give your piece a different look than mine. Hope that makes sense and helps you!
      Reply
    1. Or rather, the Camel Technique, since it can also be used for any stitch. I read somewhere it's called a short single crochet when used with a single. I love the technique and use it on hat brims a lot.
      Reply
  9. I bought some variegated yarn exactly like the yarn you use in this tutorial and I have been looking for a good pattern to use it. Thanks for this one!!
    Reply