The Ups and Downs Slouchy Beanie uses a variety of stitches, and one of them is the half double crochet, worked into the "third loop." Where is this mysterious loop? Well, let me show you! Here's how to crochet in the third loop of the half double crochet!
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How to Crochet into the Third Loop of the Half Double Crochet
As Seen in the Video: (click to purchase)
As you have seen in the video, there are actually two "third" loops in a half double crochet stitch. There are the two main loops - the V on the top of each stitch - referred to as the front loop and back loop respectively. But that yarn over that happens before you insert the hook into the next stitch creates a third loop on each side of the stitch. And that's the fun of crochet - so many places you can stick your hook to create a whole new look!
By crocheting into the third loop that is in the back, while crocheting in the round, you push the top V (the front and back loops) forward.
This can create a fabric that looks a lot like knitting! At least on the outside, or right side of the fabric.
The third loop that's in the front of the top V can by used to create this knit look fabric while working in rows - just switch between the front and back third loops. It still results in a fabric with a right side and wrong side, but the Vs will be pointing in different directions.
Alternately, you work this third loop in rows as demonstrated on My Hobby is Crochet - her tutorial shows how to use this third loop to in rows to make fabric where the Vs all point the same direction! She's also got a great tip for the joining when working in the round!
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Merryn says
This is awesome, thank you! Is there a full video tutorial for the Ups & Downs beanie? I think it's great and want to make one, but I'm still kind of somewhat new to anything other than Granny Squares and I'm a little confused by the written pattern at the moment.
Thanks for all you do!
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you Merryn! Not currently, though I believe all the stitches now have video tutorials linked within the pattern!
Lin says
I love your tutorials and projects.
Everyone that's tells me they want to learn I tell them to follow you. Thanks
Tamara Kelly says
Oh my gosh, thank you Lin!! <3
Barbara says
tHANKS FOR THIS VIDEO! WELL DONE!
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Thank you Barbara!
jessie says
My favorite stitch in a new way for me 🙂 thank you!
Tamara Kelly says
😀 You're welcome, I'm glad you like it Jessie!
C says
Is this the same as the Camel Stitch? Or maybe that is only when it is done with single crochet? Thanks--this is a timely tip for me!
Tamara Kelly says
I believe that Camel Crochet is typically done with single crochet. Similar idea though!
Katie Smith Wilson says
Very helpful video! Thanks
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Thank you Katie!
Kara Volz says
This helps with the beanie pattern so much!
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Glad to hear it!
Beth says
I've been crocheting forever but I've never tried this stitch, never heard of it but I love the look & I want to use it soon. Thanks for the video
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Thank you Beth!
Charissa says
I love the way the stitches turn out and your tutorials are so easy to follow! 🙂
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Thank you Charissa!
Helen says
Loved yr video on the third loop half double crochet in back loop - wud u hv one for the front loop (third loop) - yr videos r easy to understand so wud like to follow yr video on the front loop (third loop). I enjoy yr videos b/c they r easy to understand - whenever I hv a problem I go to yr videos to find help. Luv yr designs & patterns as well. Tk u for sharing them & yr talent. I also mention to everyone about yr website & videos. Tks again for any help u can give me. I find videos easier to learn the stitches instead of diagrams.
Helen says
It's me again. I shud hv mentioned that I did notice that u had a bit on th video for the front loop but it wasn't enough 4 me to see. Wud u be able to make one for the front loop like u did the back loop. Many tks. Enjoy yr site & videos as mentioned earlier.
Tamara Kelly says
I replied to you on youtube 🙂
craftycrochetmama says
Love these UPS and downs patterns. Thank you so much! Can you tell me where to join when working in the 3rd loop hdc? Do you join in a different place when transitioning back to regular hdc? Thanks again!
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you so much! I just join as I normally would - I tried playing around with it a bit, but joining regularly seemed to give as good a result as any for this one. 🙂
Teresa says
Thank you very much!!! You are a fantastic teacher. Your explanations are awsome!
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Thank you Teresa!
Normajean bingaman says
Awesome fantastic been crocheting for 72 years I will be 83 in January and your patterns are Terrific
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Thank you so much Normajean!
Ejj says
need video instructions to the braiding portion of this pattern. Thanks. Love the look and creativity of these gloves
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Ejj! I think the video you're looking for is HERE. 🙂
DellaRose Reimche says
Thank you so much for this tutorial! I love the look of this variation and will be using it in my next project. I also love, LOVE your wooden crochet hook, where did you get it? I've looked online and not found anything quite like it. TIA
Tamara Kelly says
Hi DellaRose! Thank you so much! I link to the hook here on in the tutorial, right under the video. 🙂
Emma Johnson says
Thank you so much for the email reply. However I kept reading the written instructions and finally got it. But the video was also a great help to tighten the braids and help them look neater. also, the additional vertical braids video section was a good new technique also. So thank you again.
Teresa says
Thank you so much for all your hard work in order we can enjoy crochet.
Your videos are very hopefull.
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you so much Theresa!
Theresa says
Really cool technique!!!!! Your tutorial makes it easy to follow.
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you! 😀
SANDY says
I have made 2 absolutely beautiful hats with pompoms for my granddaughter using this stitch. it works up so fast once you get the rhythm and the fabric that is creates is unique.
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Awesome!
wilma says
Thanks. This is a neat idea.
Marny CA says
Love love love this tutorial and the 3rd Loop.
It always fascinates me to learn a new anything - because creativity by others is astounding!
Thank you for sharing so much of yourself.
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Thank you so much Marny!
neusa eulalia says
Muito obrigado por compartilhar seus ensinamentos. estou muito agradecida e feliz!
Tamara Kelly says
Obrigado!
Carmen says
Awesome video! Very well done. Thank you so much!
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you! 🙂
Arielle says
Wow, thank you so much Tamara, you are the best!! This has been a total mystery to me until you!!
Tamara Kelly says
😀 I'm so glad it helped! Thank you Arielle!
TONi says
I am using this stitch to make a border around a baby blanket. Could you explain how I would do the corner please?
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Toni! It depends a bit on what sort of stitches you have in your corner to work into, but in general I'd recommend either working 3 sts in the corner stitch of the previous row, or working (3rd loop hdc, ch 2, 3rd loop hdc) in the corner stitch. The first will give a more rounded effect, the second will create a "sharper" corner. 🙂 I hope that helps!
Ruth says
is there a video for DOUBLE crochet in the third loop?
Tamara Kelly says
No, but it's exactly the same except you finish the stitch as a dc rather than a hdc - yo and pull through 2 loops twice rather than 3 loops once. 🙂
Nyuki Shotts says
Thank you! I was starting a beanie, and after about an hour it still didn't look right, so I decided to google it........this helped tremendously, clear and concise. I really appreciate your videos!
Tamara Kelly says
I'm so glad to hear it! ♥ Thank you!