I’m so excited to share with you this free crochet tutorial for working in the 3rd loop! I don’t like to pick favorites, but if you look at my published patterns, I think you’ll see that I REALLY love this stitch! I know how to knit, but there’s just something about being able to mimic knitting stitches with crochet that excites me!
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Tutorial Details
For this tutorial I’m using Brava Worsted Weight yarn in the colorway Silver. This is a great yarn for practicing stitches. It is sturdy enough to show great stitch definition, but soft and flexible enough to glide easily through the hook. I’ve saved this skein just for practicing stitches and it has held up super well to lots of frogging!
Whenever I’m practicing a new stitch I like to use a hook that’s super comfortable in my hand. No sense fighting the hook while you’re perfecting your stitches. I love wooden hooks and the Furls Streamline hooks are my favorite. For this tutorial, I used a US H-8 (5.0mm) hook.
Please keep in mind that this tutorial is meant to help you practice this stitch pattern. Working in the 3rd loop, while done using the same technique, can be made with several different variations of stitches. Read all pattern directions carefully when you’re working this stitch as part of a pattern.
Working in the 3rd loop of a half double crochet
This tutorial shows working in the 3rd loop of a half double crochet. While other stitches have a 3rd loop, their placement isn’t exactly the same. Any stitch can be worked into the 3rd loop of a half double. For this tutorial I worked a single crochet.
Photo Tutorial
For this tutorial I am working a row of half double crochets and then working a row of single crochets into the 3rd loop. Please check your pattern carefully for which stitches are worked into the 3rd loop of the half double crochet.
Working into the 3rd loop is a repeat of one stitch. Chain any number of chains and then work a row of half double crochets into the chain to prepare for the photo tutorial below.
Video Tutorial
Working into the 3rd loop makes such a gorgeous texture, you’re going to want to use it everywhere! Check out my many patterns featuring this stitch to use this stitch again and again!
Patterns
Faux Knit Cozy
This pattern is a quick and fun way to practice working in the 3rd loop. Make them in lots of colors. They’re perfect for selling at craft markets or giving as gifts!
Be Bold Headband
This fantastically quick pattern is worked flat and seamed with a special technique that gives it a completely seamless look! Make it in your favorite bulky yarn for a cozy, fast accessory for yourself or a friend!
Be Bold Hat
This is my go to hat! Warm and stylish, it’s just what I need when Wisconsin winters get cold! Brimmed or brimless, I know you’re going to love this hat!
Marin Shawl
This gorgeous shawl combines working in the 3rd loop with a stunning reverse shell border that really shows off your crochet skills. This beautiful shawl is perfect for fall into winter and right through spring!
Braids and Bobbles Shawlette
Combine working in the 3rd loop with a modified puff stitch for this stylish, reversible long and skinny shawlette!
Ellery Hat
Use your skills working in the 3rd loop to make the brimmed version of this totally textured hat!
Cordelia Shawl
Practice your puff stitches along with working in the 3rd loop to achieve the perfect summer shawl that will transition you right into fall!
All of the links above will take you to my Ravelry shop. If you’d like to shop my patterns on Etsy, shop here!
