Half Double Crochet in the 3rd Loop High Desert Yarn

Do you ever wonder how to create beautiful ribbing in a crochet piece? Well then, keep reading, because the perfect crochet stitch is below. Today, I will share with you how to create the Half Double Crochet in the 3rd Loop. It’s simple, easy, and effective to make a beautiful ribbed fabric.

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Let me see you Half Double Crochet

Before we begin, grab you favorite yarn and hook. In this tutorial I use the Loops & Threads Impeccable Yarn, and I/9 (5.50mm) crochet hook. Create a chain of any length (25 will work just fine). Half Double Crochet in the 2nd chain from your hook. Continue to Half Double Crochet until the end of your chain. Finally, chain one and turn your work.

Not sure how to make a Half Double Crochet? Keep reading to find out.

First, yarn over (YO), and insert your hook into the next stitch. YO and pull up one loop. You will have three loops on your hook. YO, again, and pull through all three loops. Now, the Half Double Crochet is complete!

Upper Left : Yarn over // Upper Right : Insert hook into the 3rd loop of the next stitch. // Lower Left : Yarn over and pull up one loop. // Lower Right : The Half Double Crochet in the 3rd Loop is create.

Here Comes the Fun Part

A finger pointing to the third loop of a crochet stitch for the half double crochet in the 3rd loop.

If we wanted to make a smooth fabric, we would continue to Half Double Crochet along our merry way. However, we want that lovely ribbed look. In order to do that we place the hook into the loop on the back of the stitch. Check out the photo below for reference.

It takes a little practice to locate the 3rd loop, but after a few stitches, it feels like you’ve been doing it forever. The next picture shows the difference between the Half Double Crochet in the 3rd Loop versus the Half Double Crochet in the Back Loop Only. Crocheting into the 3rd loop creates an extra bumpy ribbing for all your chunky texture dreams!