How to Crochet : 3rd Loop & 4th Loop
One of the many things that I love about crocheting is the different looks and textures you can create. One of my favorite textures to create is the raised stitches. You can create this look by crocheting into the 3rd or 4th loop of a stitch. I did not realize how uncommon these loops were until I received feedback from my pattern testers.
So, I am excited to teach you how to work in the 3rd and 4th loop and to share with you a few of my pattern designs that use these loops.
In my patterns, the 3rd loop is created by the half double crochet stitch. By working into the 3rd loop you push the normal stitch forward giving a ribbed look to your project.
The same concept applies to the 4th loop except the 4th loop is created by the double crochet stitch.
This technique is a quick and easy one to learn and you will love the results.
I use this technique in my Sassy Beanie and my Sassy Ear Warmer patterns both of these you can find on my Ravelry Store. (If you don’t have a Ravelry account just click on the names of the patterns above to purchase without an account.)
Within this blog, you will be able to access my two new video tutorials that explain how to crochet using the 3rd loop and the 4th loop.
I have also included below, photo images showing you the two loops.
You will also find links to my YouTube video tutorials for these two loops in the Sassy patterns.
To find your 3rd loop, turn your normal stitch slightly towards you (Fig.1 below):
To find your 4th loop, turn your normal stitch slightly towards you (Fig.2 below):
I am curious. Have you heard of the 3rd loop or the 4th loop before? I would love to hear from you. You can find me on Instagram and Facebook. You can also find some of my recommended crochet products in my Amazon Store.
Happy Crocheting!
31 Comments
Shauna Wallace
This is my favorite post because I learned something new! I never knew about the 4th loop!
claire scoggin
I have never heard of this and i have been crocheting for decades!! I love learning something new. Thanks!
Natasha
I had never heard of a 4th loop until coming across this post. Thank you very much for teaching me something new!
Julie
Thank you for the wonderful tutorial. These are my favorite types of blog posts 😊. I love learning new techniques and love seeing the video how-tos!
Susan Barnes
Hi,
I have never heard this before. I need to try that but will have to watch your video first, lol
Susan Barnes
I forgot to mention that it’s one of my favorites because I continue to learn new techniques 😊
Stephanie Allen
This is one of my favorite posts because I have seen more and more people reference the 3rd loop and had the hardest time understanding what they meant.
Kimberlee
I had no idea that there were 3rd and 4th loops, thanks for the article.
Elizabeth Serres
One of my favourite posts. I knew about 3rd loop but hadn’t heard of 4th. I always love learning a new technique or stitch
Brandi Mullins
This is one of my favorite posts because I think this stitch isn’t used very often but it makes such pretty pieces and I love that you’re educating people how to do it!
Jeane anthony
I like the blog about how to crochet in the 3rd and 4th loop.
Melissa
I love this post. 3rd loop hdc is my favorite stitch
Megan Fry
I love learning new skills and this is cool
Donna Avila
Love the textures you created in the 3rd and 4th loop crocheting and love the colors on the Sassy Beanie.
Rochelle DeGrandis
Thanks for the informative read! The 3rd loop st is one of my favorites but never knew about the 4th loop! I can’t wait to give it a try 😊
Bev
This is gonna be my next project I ❤how this looks & your video helps a lot thank you ❤💚❤💚❤💚🎅⛄❄
Lana Bailey
I just love this technique! It’s so different and beautiful but totally unique from anything I’ve ever seen. So much fun to work on all of these pattern and stitches!! ☮️💜😢
Lana Bailey
That was supposed to be:
☮️💜🧶 no sad faces here!!! 🤣💜💜💜
Arbrie Johnson
Hey! I just recently learned how to do the 3rd loop and I love the look of it. I was not aware of the 4th loop. It’s always hard to see but your demonstration is very helpful. I want to make the Sassy ear warmer.
Arbrie Johnson
Hey! I just recently learned how to do the 3rd loop crochet. I love the way it looks. I have a hard time distinguishing the 3rd from the 4th, but you’re demonstration is very helpful. Now, I am going to have to make the Sassy ear warmer.
Thanks!
Michelle Schwartz
I love learning new crochet techniques this post is my favorite because it is explained simply
Leigh-ann lomax
I found this very helpful, had never heard of crocheting in either of these loops until I saw it in one of your patterns and I love the outcome you get thank you
Melissa Bannon
Thank you so much for your 4th loop tutorials. Makes it so easy to understand this concept! 😍
Wendy (on facebook)
I never even knew there was a 4th loop! Thank you for this Nicky! This is my 1 of 3 fave posts.
Whitney
I love learning new techniques!
Thanks for such a detailed description.
Love the texture!
Megan Fry
I love learning new techniques
Sabrina Duncan
Didn’t know 4th loop was a thing! Learn something new every day! <3
Elizabeth Badoud
I love this-great information, I can’t wait to try this out
Rikina Smith
I love this post! I love the effect crocheting into the 3rd and 4th loops has and you explain it perfectly! <3
Justine Voss
Absolutely cant wait to use this technique!!
Mackenzie Helmick
For an absolute lover of crocheting in the third loop… I am SUPER excited to learn of the 4th loop technique. Thank you so much!!!