Learn how to half double crochet in the 3rd loop, also known as the Camel Stitch. This step by step tutorial will help you identify the 3rd loop on the back of a hdc stitch and learn how to crochet into it.

hdc tlo = half double crochet in the third loop only

This stitch abbreviates as tlo in some crochet patterns, and by the name Camel Stitch in others. You’re only inserting your hook under one loop, not both like usual.

The half double crochet is special, in that it has a unique “third loop.” This loop is the one that is on the back, when you look at the post of your hdc stitches.

This is one of my favorite crochet stitches. I love the texture of the half double crochet stitch in the 3rd loop. That’s one reason I use it in the Hygge Cozy Cardigan Pattern.

Hook inserted under 3rd loop half double crochet. — Here the crochet hook is inserted under the 3rd loop on the back of a hdc stitch.

Where to find 3rd loop on back of hdc stitch underlined in blue.

To help define the 3rd loop, in this picture it’s underlined in blue.

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Crochet Patterns Featuring the Camel Stitch

The camel stitch creates this cozy neckline in the Hygge Cozy Cardigan Pattern.

The ridges created on the opposite side of crocheting in the 3rd loop are excellent for pumpkins. You might like the Ribbed Crochet Pumpkin pattern for home decor.

Or if crochet hats are a favorite to make, then the crochet pumpkin hat makes excellent use of the 3rd loop/camel stitch.

Half double crochet ribbing on sweater hem.

You can use the 3rd loop hdc to crochet ribbing for sweaters, like I did here for the Briones Sweater.

Materials

any weight yarn pictured here is I used Hobby Lobby’s I Love This Cotton in Glowing*, any #4 worsted weight will work.
compatible hook with your yarn

My favorite Hooks are Furls* and Clover*!

Notes

You”ll need to start with a row of stitches to find the third loop.

How to Get Started

To start a row of half double crochet stitches begin with any number of chains, plus 2.
Hdc in the 2nd chain from hook and in each chain across.
Turn your work at the end of a row.
Ch 2 to start a new row.

Stitches/Abbreviations (US Terms)

ch(s)-chain(s)

hdc-half double crochet

Gauge

Your pattern will give you gauge information. For this tutorial swatch my gauge is 12 sts x 9 rows in the pattern.

Level

Easy

Video Tutorial

3rd Loop HDC Stitch Tutorial

How to HDC in 3rd Loop | Camel Stitch Crochet Tutorial

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 1 minute

Active Time: 5 minutes

Additional Time: 1 minute

Total Time: 7 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Estimated Cost: $1

Materials

Any weight yarn pictured here is I used Hobby Lobby’s I Love This Cotton in Glowing, any #4 worsted weight will work.

Tools

Your crochet hook that's compatible with your yarn. I love using my Clovers with cotton yarns.

Instructions

First you'll need regular half double crochets to find the third loop. To start a row of half double crochet stitches begin with any number of chains, plus 2.
Hdc in the 2nd chain from hook and in each chain across.
Turn your work at the end of a row. The 3rd loops run vertical and are underlined in blue here.
Ch 2 to start a new row.
YO + Insert hook under the first vertical loop (3rd loop),
YO + pull up a loop (3 loops on your hook)
Yo + pull through all 3 loops to complete a hdc normally.
Repeat steps 5-7 across the row.