How to Half Double Crochet in the Third Loop Only (hdc 3lo)

The half double crochet is a basic beginner stitch, but when it is placed in the third loop only, it creates a lovely texture on the opposite side! This stitch can be really intimidating for beginner crocheters, but it is actually very simple to complete once you understand where to place your stitches. After that, you should be able to use this half double crochet variation in whatever projects you want!

The half double crochet stitch is one of the most commonly used crochet stitches, so it is no wonder that it has many simple variations. From the back loop only or front loop only variations to the puff stitch, many of these stitches take the basic construction of a half double crochet and alter it to create a different texture or feel for their project. The variation I will be teaching you today is the half double crochet in the third loop only, and I have to say that it is one of my favorites!

Half double crochet in the 3rd loop only is really just adjusting the placement of your half double crochet stitch. The steps for how to crochet the stitch itself haven’t changed, but where you insert your hook into the previous row has changed. The third loop is a part of the stitch that is directly below the top two loops, or “V”, of the stitch you are working into. While crochet beginners have a hard time finding this spot at first, once you know where to look, it becomes very easy to crochet in third loop only.

When you half double crochet into the third loop, you force the top of the stitch you are working in to the opposite side. This creates a beautiful and fun look in your stitches, and it is almost as if you had a small braid on the side opposite the one you are working. While it can be a tricky stitch to start, once you get the hang of it, you should be able to get a crochet flow going fairly quickly.

What is a half double crochet in the third loop only (hdc 3lo)?

Half double crochet in the third loop only is a stitch that alters the placement of the normal half double crochet. Instead of crocheting in the top of the stitch, you will be crocheting in the third loop with is on the side of the crochet stitch you are working into and right below the top of the stitch.

Where is the third loop on a half double crochet?

The third loop is right below the top, or “V”, of the stitch you are working into. On the side facing you, it will be a loop right near the post of the stitch, and you will see that it is right up against the top of the stitch.

Why do I half double crochet into the third loop only?

When a pattern is asking you to crochet a third loop only half double crochet, it is because they want the texture from the top of the stitch to appear on the opposite side. By crocheting into the third stitch, you are causing the top of the stitch to be visible on the other side of your project. This can be a reason why a pattern designer wants you to crochet in the third loop only.

What do you need to know:

In order to crochet the half double crochet in the 3rd loop only stitch, you will need to know how to crochet the following:

–Chain

–Half Double Crochet

–Front Loop & Back Loop Only

If you can complete stitches and techniques well, then you should be able to crochet this stitch with little difficulty. However, for those who only know how to chain and half double crochet, you can follow the directions in the video to help you visualize and understand the placement of this stitch better.

Supplies:

To crochet the third loop only half double crochet, you really only need two things:

-Yarn

-Crochet Hook

You can use whatever yarn and hook you desire, but I do recommend that you are comfortable with the yarn weight and hook size you are using. This will help you be more successful when learning this stitch. If you are unsure of where to start, I am using a size I-9/5.5mm hook and worsted weight (4 medium) yarn in my video and pictures.

Notes & Tips for the Third Loop Only Half Double Crochet:

-Each pattern designer can have a slightly different way of crocheting this stitch. Be sure to check with the designer or pattern notes section to check for specific directions.

-To find the third loop, look right below the top of the stitch on the side facing you. The loop that is right under the “V” of the stitch is the third loop.

-Half double crochet in the third loop only is usually abbreviated “hdc 3lo”z

How to Half Double Crochet in the 3rd Loop Only:

The basic steps of this stitch are the same as a normal half double crochet, but the placement will just be in the third loop. The steps are as follows:

1. Start with a row of half double crochets, any number. Chain 1 and turn.
2. Yarn over and insert your hook into the third loop.
3. Yarn over and pull back through the third loop.
4. Yarn over a final time and pull through all three loops.
5. Repeat steps 2 through 4 as often as needed.

That’s it! With a little practice, I am sure you will be able to use this stitch in all kinds of fun and beautiful crochet projects! I can’t wait to see how you use this stitch, and I would love it if you tagged me on Instagram @godsgiftofcreativty when you try it out!