How to Crochet the Camel Stitch Tutorial HDC in 3rd Loop
In this tutorial learn how to crochet the camel stitch with photos and video. This half double crochet stitch goes in the 3rd loop, which runs along the back.
The 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.
When you repeat rows of this beautiful stitch creates a ribbed look.
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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, the back bar, not both like usual.
Normally we work into the top of the stitches, the top two loops. 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 camel stitches. That’s one reason I use it in the Hygge Cozy Cardigan Pattern.
It’s a great stitch that gives a knit look to the fabric when you work it over a one row repeat. They’re also stretchy, so it’s a great ribbing.
Once you get going the only difference between the front of the work and the back is the first row of stitches.
Normally we crochet under both the top loops – the front loop and back loop. The 3rd loop on the hdc is underlined in blue below.
To help define the third loop of each stitch, in this picture above the 2nd, 3rd and 4th stitches in the row are underlined in blue. This horizontal bar of yarn is only visible on the back of your work.
Crochet Patterns Featuring the Camel Stitch
The crochet camel stitch creates this cozy ribbed neckline with one repeat row in the Hygge Cozy Cardigan Pattern.
The ridges created by the camel stitch are excellent for pumpkins. You might like the Ribbed Crochet Pumpkin a free crochet pattern here on the blog.
Or if crochet hats are a favorite to make, then the crochet pumpkin hat makes excellent use of this stitch.
You might also find these stitch tutorials helpful: how to hdc in the back loop, back post half double crochet stitch.
You can use the camel stitch to crochet ribbing for sweaters, like I did here for the Briones Sweater. This free pattern features bulky yarn and bobbles in the front!
Materials
- any weight yarn pictured here is I used Hobby Lobby’s I Love This Cotton in Glowing, any #4 medium worsted weight will work.
- compatible hook with your yarn
- scissors, measuring tape, stitch marker
My favorite Hooks are Furls* and Clover*!
Notes
- You”ll need to start with a row of hdc 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. This is the front of your work.
- Turn your work at the end of the row so you’re looking at the back of the first row.
- Ch 2 to start a new row.
Stitches/Abbreviations (US Terms)
ch(s) – chain(s)
hdc – half double crochet
sl st – slip stitch
yo – yarn over
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
You can watch the full video tutorial on how to crochet the camel stitch on my YouTube channel.
Scroll down for the step by step crochet stitch tutorial!
How to Crochet Camel Stitch
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.
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'm using a 5 mm crochet hook here.
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 yarn strand that runs horizontal and are underlined in blue here are what you will insert your hook under. - Ch 2 (this counts as the turning chain and not a stitch) to start a new row. Now you will always be looking at the wrong side of the previous row.
- To make the first stitch YO and insert your hook under the first horizontal bar (3rd loop),
- YO and pull up a loop (3 loops on your hook)
- YO and pull through all 3 loops to complete a hdc normally.
- Repeat steps 5 -7 for the next st and in each st across the row.
- Tip: Sometimes the last stitch can be tricky to identify. Use a stitch marker to mark it. And count the number of stitches each row until you get the hang of it.
and in each chain across.
The yarn strand that runs horizontal and are underlined in blue here are what you will insert your hook under.
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While using the hdc third loop, how do I end the row and continue to next row (when you are working in the round) without out an ugly seam? Thanks!
Hi Judy,
To work this stitch in the round you would chain the number you need, join the chain in a circle with a slip stitch then ch 1, hdc in the same stitch and in each ch around, join with a sl st, and turn. Now you work in the 3rd loop as per the directions and join each round with a sl st, and turn. Unfortunately there will always be a seam at the join. To keep it neat and tidy I only chain 1 and slip stitch very tightly. You can also try not using a chain 1 but pulling up a long loop on your hook before start the first stitch of each round.
I hope this helps!
Crystal