Crochet basics with new stitch techniques, half double slip stitch HDSS.

I found myself so frustrated with back loop only stitches..

I found myself so frustrated with back loop only stitches when I was working on a pattern that had ribbing. I would tell close crochet friends how one day I would find a stitch that worked through more than one loop and still created a beautiful ribbing effect.

I think what bothers me the most about this stitch, is how it stretches out the yarn by pulling on the back loop. Tugging on the back loop only creates a lift on that loop and bunching up the rest of the stitch. I needed something with a little more structure but wanted to keep the ribbing texture.

I decided to test out a series of different stitches..

I decided to test out a series of different stitches until I came up with a few different ribbing textures I knew I’d use for future projects. This one is probably my favorite when it comes to a cardigan, the Half Double Slip Stitch or HDSS.

The Half Double Slip Stitch or HDSS.

• Start by chaining however many stitches you need for your ribbing.
• Half double crochet (hdc) across to create the first row. Chain and turn. Here is where you will start creating the ribbing effect by creating a half double slip stitch.

• Insert your hook into the back loop only, yarning over and drawing up the second loop on your hook.
• Now insert your hook through the whole stitch, front and back loop. **Note: you are working in the same stitch.
• Yarn over and draw up your third loop on your hook.
• Slip stitch your third loop through the second loop on your hook.
• With two loops left on your hook single crochet. Repeat across for desired ribbing.

PIN IT FOR LATER!!

I hope you found this new stitch fun and plan on using it for all your future ribbing projects! P.s: If you’ve tried any my alternative stitches to back loop only, leave a comment below and let me know which one it your favorite!