Strictly speaking, the Camel Stitch in single-ended crochet is not a stitch but a variation of the half-double crochet. It is, however, a versatile technique for creating crochet fabric that mimics the elegance of knit stitches yet has a unique and appealing texture.
So, it’s time to make the captivating Camel Stitch your own; gather your yarn and favourite crochet hook and let's loop into the fascinating world of this crochet technique!
What is the Camel Stitch?
The Camel Stitch in single ended crochet creates a knit-like, ribbed texture in crochet projects. At its core is the half-double crochet (HDC) stitch. The essential characteristic of the Camel Stitch is that it's worked into the third loop of the HDC (HDC in 3rd loop).
The difference between the Camel Stitch and a regular HDC
Compared to the double crochet, the half double crochet has three visible loops in its structure. The Camel Stitch takes advantage of an additional loop at the back of the stitch, often referred to as the third loop or the horizontal bar. By working HDCs into this third loop, the stitch creates a fabric with a distinct, ribbed appearance that resembles knit textures.
What is the Camel Stitch used for?
This technique shifts the top two loops of the HDC forward, making them more prominent and giving the crochet piece a unique, textured look different from traditional crochet stitches. It works with both single-ended and double-ended crochet hooks.
The Camel Stitch is particularly popular for circumference projects like hats, scarves, and mittens. Its stretchy and dense nature makes it ideal for items that require elasticity and warmth.
What Crochet Skills do I need to learn the Camel Stitch?
Before starting with the camel stitch technique, you should be familiar with fundamental stitches like the chain stitch (ch), single crochet (sc), but especially the half double crochet (hdc) is crucial.
The Camel Stitch can be worked in the round (for projects like hats or cowls) and in rows (for scarves or blankets). Crafting rows in a Camel stitch pattern is more complicated than crocheting them in rounds, though.
Understanding the anatomy of a crochet stitch is critical. This involves recognizing the front loop, back loop, and the third loop (also known as the hump) of a stitch. In the Camel Stitch, you insert your single crochet hook into the third loop, aka the particular front loop, or “camel bump”. Only the half-double crochet comes with it.
Camel Stitch: A refined Twist on the Half Double Crochet
Crocheting the Camel Stitch involves a unique technique that focuses on working into the third loop of a half-double crochet stitch.
Materials Needed:
- Yarn of your choice
- Single Crochet hook in the size suitable for your yarn
- Optional: Stitch markers
Start with a Foundation Chain:
- Begin by making a foundation chain with your crochet hook. The number of chains depends on your project, but for a practice piece, chain 30-40.
- Join the chain with a slip stitch if working in the round, like for a hat or cowl. Ensure not to twist the chain.
Initial Row of Half Double Crochet (HDC):
- Chain two (this counts as your first HDC).
- Half double crochet in each chain around. To HDC: Yarn over, insert the hook into the chain, yarn over again, pull up a loop (three loops on hook), yarn over, and pull through all three loops on the hook.
- Join with a slip stitch to the top of the initial chain two.
Identify the Third Loop
- Find the second half double crochet. Instead of inserting the crochet hook into the top two loops as usual, locate the third loop in front of the stitch. Work your Camel Stitch into this loop.
- The third loop appears as a horizontal bar just below the back loop.
Working the Camel Stitch
- Yarn over, then insert the crochet hook into the third loop of the stitch in the round below (not into the front or back loop, but into the horizontal bar in front of the stitch, the "camel's hump" of the HDC).
- Complete your HDC as usual: Yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, and pull through all three loops on the hook.
- Continue this around each stitch in the round.
- Once you reach the end of the round, join with a slip stitch to the top of the starting chain two.
Pro Tips:
- The crocheted camel stitch can be a bit tight, so keep the yarn tension even and not too tight.
- This stitch works best in the round. To work the camel stitch in rows, insert your crochet hook into the back center bar in each return row. This means you work into the loop facing you in forward rows, and in return rows, you insert the hook from behind.
In short, mastering the Camel Stitch opens up a new realm of possibilities in your crochet projects, allowing you to create intricate, knit-like textures with ease. For all your crochet endeavors, KnitPro offers an extensive range of versatile single crochet hooks, crochet hook sets, and Tunisian hooks, catering to every method and preference. Happy Crocheting!
