Half Double Crochet in the Third Loop Only in the Round Tutorial

If you have been crocheting for any length of time, you will soon realize that some stitches are not worked the same in the round as they are in rows. Half double crochet variations are among these, and especially when crocheting in the third loop only. However, this stitch can be easily crocheted in the round with a few basic steps. Whether you are an experienced crocheter or a beginner, you can master crocheting the half double crochet in the third loop only in the round!

As a beginner crocheter, I think nearly everyone struggles at some point to understand how to crochet in the round successfully. Whether you are crocheting amigurumi, garments, home decor, or whatever, there are slight differences between crocheting in the round versus in rows. Crocheting the third loop only half double crochet stitch is one of the techniques that changes when you switch from rows to rounds.

However, it is possible to use your knowledge of crocheting in rows to help you crochet in the round! Once you understand one specific difference between working in the round versus in rows, it can be a lot easier. Plus, this concept explains the why behind the difference as well, which helped me so much as I have grown my own skills.

The general difference you should be aware of is:

-Rows are generally reversible, or have to be specifically designed otherwise. Rounds have an automatic right side (the side that faces you when crocheting) and a wrong side (the back side of your work).

This concept changes how we crochet in the third loop because we want the texture to show up on the right side of our work. This means that instead of crocheting in the third loop on the front of the stitch, we have to crochet in the third loop on the back.

Many times crocheters can become really confused on which loop is the third loop and then on which side of the stitch. Well, I’m going to show you step by step how to crochet in the round the half double crochet stitch in the third loop only. However, if you are looking for directions for how to crochet this stitch in rows then check out my blog post here: How to Half Double Crochet in the Third Loop Only.

Where is the third loop on a half double crochet?

The third loop on a half double crochet stitch is found directly below the top of the stitch. When you are working in rows, you will find the third loop on the front side of the stitch right under the top or “V” of the stitch. However, when working in rounds, you can use the third loop on the back side of the work, and you can find it in the same spot as the front third loop just on the opposite side.

What do you need to know:

To be successful with this stitch, I suggest that you know how to:

-Create a Magic Ring (mr)

-Half Double Crochet (hdc)

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

If you have never done any of these, I have linked the blog posts that contain video and written instructions above. I would practice these first to make sure you understand the basics before moving on to this next stitch. However, if you have these mastered, then please continue to the written and video instructions below!

Supplies:

To crochet in the third loop, you don’t need anything but:

-Yarn

-Crochet Hook

You can use this stitch with any crochet hook and yarn combination you want. I use a worsted weight (4 medium) yarn in the video and an I/9 5.5mm hook if you want to follow along exactly. The only other item you may need is a stitch marker to help you keep your place, but this should be specified within your pattern.

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

-Sometimes a pattern designer will have a specific way they want you to crochet this stitch. Always be sure to check the pattern notes section thoroughly or with the designer specifically if you are unsure of how to proceed.

-To find the third loop on the back of the stitch, you will want to flip your work over or fold the top of the stitch you are working into down. The loop directly below the “V” of the top of the stitch is the third loop.

-Half double crochet in the third loop only is usually abbreviated hdc 3lo.

How to Crochet the Hdc 3lo in the Round:

You will complete the same basic steps of the half double crochet stitch, but the main difference will be in where you insert your hook into the stitch you are working. The steps are as follows:

-Yarn over, and insert your hook into the third loop on the back of the stitch from the previous row. (2 loops on hook)

-Yarn over again, and pull back through the third loop. (3 loops on hook)

-Yarn over again, and pull through all three loops on the hook. (1 loop on hook)

That’s it! You’ve completed your first half double crochet in the third loop in the round! Those are the steps you will need to follow to complete each of these stitches in the round. It may take some time to really get the hang of this stitch, but once you understand the placement, it can be so much easier to complete with confidence. I hope this step-by-step guide helped you learn something new and gives you the confidence to try out this stitch. It really is a great one for adding texture and interest to a project.