How to Half Double Crochet in the 3rd Loop (hdc 3rd loop)

Have you recently downloaded a pattern that instructs you to half double crochet in the 3rd loop or hdc 3rd loop? We’re here to help!

Although I love the classic crochet look like granny squares and stitches with large gaps (which is how I learned to crochet), my favorite crochet projects are ones that look knit.

Why? I see it as a challenge, for one. And also, I prefer a more modern look when it comes to my projects.

There is nothing wrong whatsoever with what is often called “your grandma’s crochet”, but when it comes to my personal tastes, I love any crochet stitches with a more knit look.

While you can get the knit look easily with Tunisian crochet, a few stitches in regular crochet can also mimic knit.

One of those stitches is half double crochet in the 3rd loop, or hdc 3rd loop.

Where is the 3rd Loop in a half double crochet?

Before we get into the stitch tutorial, the first thing you need to know is where is that 3rd loop in half double crochet?!

When you crochet and tilt your project towards you, you’ll see the top loops that look kind of like a V. Those are called the back loop and the front loop.

When you crochet the half double crochet, not only do you get the back loop and the front loop, but there’s also a third loop that is created.

The best way to spot this loop is after you’ve crocheted a row, turn your project to start the next row and lay it flat. That third loop is in the very front facing you.

By crocheting in the third loop, it pushes out the front and back loops of a stitch, creating a knit like look and tighter, closer together stitches.

Here’s an example of what it looks like after crocheting a row in the third loop. Notice how the back and front loops are pushed out a bit, creating a braided knit like look.

How do You Work into the Third Loop of hdc?

Working into the third loop of an hdc is very simple once you locate it.

hdc 3rd loop instructions:

Yarn over, insert hook into 3rd loop, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through all three loops on hook

hdc 3rd loop video tutorial

Here’s a video I put together showing you how to do this stitch:

Crochet Patterns Featuring This Stitch

As of the writing of this, we only have one crochet pattern featuring this stitch. But I definitely see more in our future!

If you love the look of this stitch and you enjoy crocheting blankets, we think you’ll love our Myles blanket pattern.

The Myles blanket is made entirely of half double crochet in the third loop and then a ribbed border is added to finish it off.

The texture of this blanket is incredible and we can promise you people will be so surprised that it’s crochet and not knit!

You can take a look at the free Myles blanket pattern here.

For more video crochet stitch tutorials, check out our YouTube channel.