Half Double Crochet in Third Loop

Want to add gorgeous texture to your crochet without complicated stitches? Learning how to half double crochet in the third loop is a quick and easy way to create a stunning knit-like effect.

Now you all know I love crochet stitches that create texture, so I couldn’t resist sharing this one with you!

Working in the third loop can be used for blankets, sweaters, and home wares. You’ll be able to use it wherever you need a bit of texture and it’s great for ribbing too.

This crochet stitch tutorial will guide you through creating this wonderful stitch with lots of photos thrown in to help! There’s also a video tutorial!

A completed row of half double crochet in the third loop

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I use half double crochet in the third loop in my Ocean Coral Scarf.

Table of Contents

What is the third loop anyway?

When you’re working in US half double crochet (UK half treble crochet) stitches, you start the stitch by yarning over, and then at the end you pull through all three loops. This yarn over creates an extra loop behind the usual front and back loops, which you don’t get in single or double crochet stitches.

We can then use this loop to work into, and in doing so, we effectively push the front and back loops over towards the front or back of the work. And this is what creates this lovely texture. You can see the line of the front and back loops on the front of this piece below.

A crochet sample and hook of half double crochet in the third loop

How to find the Third Loop

To locate the third loop, first take a look at the top of your row of half double crochet. You’ll be able to see the front and back loops as little ‘v’ shapes along the top. Hold your work so that you’ve just finished a row of half double crochet and turned, as you can see below.

The scissors are pushed through the third loop, which you can see is located down the front of your work, directly below the front loops.

A sample of crochet viewed from the top with a pointer pointing to the third loop down the side

You can also see the third loop below, with the crochet sample laid flat. Here you can see that the front loop (at the top) and the third loop can easily be mistaken for the top loops. This is something to look out for when working with half double crochet stitches.

A person points at the third loop of a row of half double crochet using a pair of scissors

Working in the Round

I’ve so far been discussing working half double crochet in the third loop in rows, where the third loop is located on the front of your work after turning.

When working in the round, the third loop will be located behind the back loop. We can still use it to create this beautiful knit-like texture in the same way, but you will be looking for the loop in a different location.

How to Crochet the Half Double Crochet in Third Loop

The half double crochet in the third loop is created in the exact same way as a half double crochet, the only difference being where we insert our hook.

It’s a simple 1 row repeating pattern and you can do a foundation chain of any number to start.

You will need

You can try this tutorial with any yarn and a corresponding hook. I used:

Say it with Flowers Crush DK by Skein Queen, 75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon (100g, 225m)

5.0mm Crochet Hook or hook needed for your yarn

Tapestry needle for working in ends

Scissors

Stitch markers (optional)

Step by step instructions

You will need to start with a row of half double crochet worked into your foundation chain, before turning to start your half double crochet in the third loop.

Step 1: Yarn over
Step 2: Insert hook into the third loop (not front/back loops)
Step 3: Yarn over, pull up a loop
Step 4: Yarn over, pull through all three loops

This easy crochet stitch is often abbreviated as a variety of things in patterns, such as hdc3L, hdc in 3rd, hdc3rd, hdc3, hdc in tlo, or any number of other combinations. It’s best to check the pattern abbreviations to be sure what the designer has chosen to use.

Pin this half double crochet in the third loop tutorial to your crochet Pinterest board for later

A multi-coloured crochet sample advertising a crochet tutorial: How to half double crochet in third loop

How do I make the Half Double Crochet in Third Loop? – Photo Tutorial

Start by creating a foundation chain of any number, then half double crochet in the third chain and each chain across, turn.

To start your half double crochet in the third loop, wrap your yarn over your hook.

2 hands are crocheting by wrapping the yarn around the hook

2. Insert hook into the third loop of the next stitch.

Image of a crochet hook being inserted into the third loop of a sample of crochet

3. Yarn over and pull through a loop (you will have 3 loops on your hook).

A crochet sample of half double crochet in the third loop showing 3 loops on the hook

4. Yarn over again.

A person is wrapping the yarn over the hook with 3 loops already on the hook in a crochet stitch

5. Pull through all three loops on the hook to complete the stitch.

A person has just completed a half double crochet stitch

9. You have now created your first half double crochet in the third loop. Continue repeating these steps to crochet across your row!

And there you have it! A gloriously textured and incredibly versatile stitch that you definitely need to be adding to your crochet projects!

Tips for Crocheting the Pique Stitch

Watch out for your tension: the third loop can feel tighter at first, and it definitely feels different to the usual loops.

Use stitch markers to start with, to mark the third loop on the first few rows, until you have got the hang of it.

Before using this stitch in a project, make a small swatch (20 stitches × 6 rows) to build muscle memory. You could make it into a dishcloth if you wanted.

This tutorial uses US crochet terminology.

Full-length Video Tutorial

If you prefer crocheting from a video tutorial, hop on over to my YouTube channel and watch as I crochet the half double crochet in the third loop.

The video will take you through all of the steps to make the half double crochet stitch in the third loop in rows.

Check out my crochet patterns for more crochet inspiration.

More crochet stitches

I have lots of crochet stitch tutorials over on my YouTube channel so please do check them out. Here are some you might like:

Find me on Facebook or Instagram @concretegemscrochet or drop me a message if you have any questions.

What next?

I hope you’ve enjoyed this tutorial, please do stick around and see what else you’d like to try on my website. You can find my other stitch tutorials here.

I’m Gemma, a crochet tech editor, designer and overall crochet enthusiast. I’m also a mum of 3 kids, and enjoy running, reading, walking and crafting, but mostly crochet!

If you enjoyed making the half double crochet in the third loop or maybe made a project using this tutorial, please consider sharing it to social media tagging @concretegemscrochet

Other crochet patterns you might enjoy

Free Crochet Hook Holder Pattern – with cables for an elegant look
Easy Crochet Cushion Cover Free Pattern – a geometric mosaic crochet design
Hexagon Crochet Blanket Pattern – delicate and modern motifs

A pin image of half double crochet in third loop crochet tutorial with a crochet sample shown

Thanks for reading and happy crocheting! 🧶

Half Double Crochet in Third Loop

What is the third loop anyway?

How to find the Third Loop

Working in the Round