Horizontal Bar/Third Loop Method

About a year ago I purchased a pattern that I couldn't wait to start.  The problem I ran into was that one of the stitch techniques used was one I had not even heard of.  Fortunately, the writer gave great instructions on how to work the technique - she referred to it as the Third Loop Method.  As time has passed, I've written patterns myself using this technique, and have recently discovered that many people also know it as the Horizontal Bar.  For those who don't know what this stitch is, it is used to give the appearance of knit without actually knitting.  Here is a step-by-step tutorial using Half Double Crochets to make it easier to see:

When working with crochet stitches, you normally see two loops - the front and back (also known as top and bottom).














What you may not realize is that there is actually a third loop.  This loop is also known as the Horitzontal Bar.  To locate the third loop, you have to start by locating your front and back ones.  Once you do so, look behind the loop on the backside of your work.  There should be a loop running almost parallel to your back loop - that is the third loop/horizontal bar.

Here is what it looks like if you're working a Half Double Crochet into that third loop/horizontal bar.

If you're looking for a fun hat to practice this stitch, check out our Ribbed Slouchy hat.  You can find it on Ravelry or Craftsy.