Designs Featuring my Favorite Texture Adding Technique

Last time we discussed a few different ways that we can work into the 3rd loop of half double crochet stitches - and even a few other stitches, too, if you're persistent enough! Today, I want to share with you a few of my own designs that feature this technique.

Now, for the most part, this is not the featured stitch starring in my designs. It's more of a supporting character. It's a way to add a little extra texture with the lines it creates or it's used because it makes a nice clean line between colors instead of that little sawtooth profile you usually see.

That's not to say, though, that you couldn't use it as the main event stitch choice! It would make a super warm and scrunchy hat, for example. Take a simple half double crochet stitch beanie and instead of working into the top two loops like you normally do, try working into the 3rd loop!

Perhaps I should put that on my to do list, eh?

For now, though, let's have a look at what I already have available!

My very first design featuring this technique was the Indubious Neckwarmer.

There are three pairs of lines created by working into the 3rd loop of hdc stitches; they run along the center and both the top and bottom edge with a variety of other stitches placed in the segments between them. Kind of stitch sampler style!

This is a quick make and pretty fun to do because the stitches are switched up with each row. But they're also simple stitches! So this one is definitely adventurous beginner friendly.

Next up is one of my favorite designs, the Lunar Phases Cowl.

I got to totally nerd out on moon phases with this design and it influenced almost every design element I used. The lines created by working into the 3rd loop, however, were just because I love the texture they add! You'll find a pair of lines stretching between each shell stitch in the edging all the way around this fun piece.

In the Baublette Hat, the use of this technique is so subtle you might miss it!

For this design, it functions as a transitional element between the marled body of the hat and the single strand ribbed brim. That's it! Just one small sweet little detail that creates a beautiful line between fabric texture changes.

Another one that only uses working into the 3rd loop in a couple strategic locations is the Sibyllinity Scarf (which is another favorite design, by the way!).