Agat Last Updated on December 21, 2022
The crochet Camel Stitch (also known as HDC in 3rd loop) is a beautiful stitch, creating a knit-look crochet stitch with a wonderful texture.
This is a tutorial for both how to crochet the Camel stitch in rows and the Camel stitch in the round.
This stitch will add interest and can be used in so many projects.
Scroll down for the video and photo-tutorials.
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How to Crochet the Camel Stitch (HDC in 3rd loop)
The half double crochet Camel Stitch (also known as half double crochet in the third loop), is a two rows repeat crochet stitch when worked in rows, and a one-row repeat crochet stitch when worked in the round. The stitch is worked into the 3rd loop (also called back bar) of the half double crochet stitch.
Working into the 3rd loop makes the 2 upper loops (front and back) pop out of your work, and creates a braided-like stitch.
Working the crochet Camel stitch in the round is easier than working the Camel stitch in rows. When working in the round, you always face the same side of your project, while working the Camel stitch in rows, you need to find the 3rd loop on the wrong side even when turning your work.
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Why Is It Called the Camel Stitch?
According to CrochetKim‘s article about the Camel Crochet technique, the term ‘Camel’ is actually referring to a technique and not a specific crochet stitch.
The Crochet Camel technique is talking about working a crochet stitch into a different loop than the ‘normal loops’ (AKA front or back loops).
That means that the Crochet Camel stitch can be also worked with other stitches, such as single crochet and double crochet, and not just half double crochet. I used this technique with a double crochet stitch in my Mitered Tulips Square.
Is the Crochet Camel Stitch Stretchy?
Yes! because we are crocheting into the back bar of our stitch, creating a 2-dimensional fabric, the result is a stretchy crochet fabric.
Using the hdc in 3rd loop is perfect when making a crochet beanie, so it’s nice and stretchy.
What Can You Crochet With the HDC Camel Stitch?
The Crochet hdc Camel stitch can be used in many projects. If you use just this stitch repeatedly, I would recommend making a headband or a beanie, because it creates a stretchy fabric.
You can also use the Camel stitch with a combination of other stitches to create a crochet Camel stitch Blanket working both in the round or in rows.
The Camel stitch will also make a beautiful scarf or a cowl, especially when is worked in the round. I used the hdc in 3rd loop in my Cobblestone Path Cowl to separate different sections.
More Crochet Stitches You Might Like
How to Crochet the Camel Stitch (Half Double Crochet in 3rd Loop)
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Skill level โ easy (requires some experience)
Materials I Used in This Tutorial
โ Crochet hook 4.0 mm / G (I used the Tulip Etimo Hooks).
โ DK (#3) weight yarn (I used Lion Brand – Coboo)
Abbreviations (US)
ch – chain
ss – slip stitch
hdc – half double crochet
in 3rd loop โ work st into third loop (the loop is below top 2 loops).
RS – right side
WS – wrong side
HDC Crochet Camel Stitch in Rows Video Tutorial
Half Double Crochet Camel Stitch in Rows
(Scroll down for the video tutorial)
Chain any number of chains.
Row 1 (RS):
1hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn.
Row 2 (WS):
Ch1 (does not count as a st), 1hdc in 3rd loop of each hdc across: yarn over, insert hook into the 3rd loop (back bar), yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull yarn through all 3 loops (finishing as hdc), turn.
Row 3 (RS): In this row you will be working the Camel stitch in the wrong side, which is a bit trickier. You will be working into the back side of your work.
To make it easier to spot the back bar, turn your work in 90 degrees, and then flip it to the back side (where you don’t see the “braids”).
Ch1 (does not count as a st), 1hdc in 3rd loop of each hdc across: yarn over, insert hook into the 3rd loop (back bar), yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull yarn through all 3 loops (finishing as hdc), turn.
Repeat rows 2-3.
Crochet Camel Stitch in the Round Video Tutorial
Half Double Crochet Camel Stitch in the Round
(Scroll down for the video tutorial)
Chain any number of chains, ss to the first ch.
Round 1:
Ch1 (does not count as a st),1hdc in each ch across, ss to 1st hdc.
Row 2: the 3rd loop (back bar) is inside of your work (you’ll be working inside the round- the wrong side of your work).
Ch1 (does not count as a st), 1hdc in 3rd loop of each hdc across: yarn over, insert hook into the 3rd loop (back bar), yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull yarn through all 3 loops (finishing as hdc), ss to 1st hdc.
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