Camel Stitch Crochet Tutorial: 3 Easy Ways to Make the Camel Stitch

The Camel Stitch is a simple way to add a braided texture to your project. You only need to know how to make a Half Double Crochet to get this stitch down! The trick is where you place your hook. Becuase you don’t place your hook into the top of the stitch like normal, this stitch can look different depending on if you are working in the round or in rows. I’ve included 3 ways to make the Camel Stitch below!

You can also check out the Cassidy Sampler Baby Blanket pattern here – this stitch is included as one of 5 special stitches in the pattern 🙂

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A swatch of the crochet Camel stitch in the round is laying on a wood surface in rose colored yarn. Text says "camel stitch (3 ways) crochet tutorial) and text at the bottom says "Tinycouchcrochet.com"

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Skills to Know

You will need to know how to make a Half Double Crochet (US Terminology) and be comfortable with placing your hook in a spot other than the top of the stitch as normal. Don’t worry, I have picture tutorials included in the patterns below!

If you are an adventurous beginner, you can still pick up this stitch easily! Click here for a beginner’s tutorial if you need some refreshers.

Materials

Grab a skein of yarn and the yarn’s recommended hook size to try this stitch! If your stitches are too tight, you may want to play around with going up or down a hook size.

I’m using Lion Brand’s Wool Ease yarn in this tutorial in the color Rose Heather. I really think this is an under-rated yarn and am working on a sweater pattern for it this autumn! I’m also using a size 6 mm hook. You can find my favorite affordable ergonomic hook set here.

Abbreviations (U.S. Terminology):

Ch = Chain

St = Stitch

Yo = Yarn Over

Hdc = Half Double Crochet (Yo, Insert hook into next stitch and pull up a loop, Yo and pull through all three loops on hook.)

Camel Stitch Crochet Pattern in reversible rows (Method 1)

Notes

This method is done in rows, with a 1 row repeat.
This method is reversible.
The “braids” are farther apart than other methods.
Best used for blankets and reversible items.
Turning chain of 1 is not counted as a stitch.

Pattern

Foundation: Chain any number, plus 1 for the turning chain. (Photo 1)

Row 1: Hdc in second chain from hook, Hdc in each remaining chain. (Photos 2 & 3)

Row 2: Chain 1 and turn work. Hdc in the 3rd loop of the first stitch, Hdc in the 3rd loop of each remaining stitch. (Photos 4 thru 10)

Repeat Row 2 to end of project.

Camel Stitch Crochet Pattern in rows (Method 2)

Notes

This method is done in rows, with a 2 row repeat.
This method is NOT reversible.
The “braids” are close together, but may not have as consistent of a look as Method 1
Best used for sweaters, pillows, and other items that are not reversible
Turning chain of 1 is not counted as a stitch.

Pattern

Foundation: Chain any number, plus 1 for the turning chain.

Row 1: Hdc in second chain from hook, Hdc in each remaining chain. (See Method 1 photos)

Row 2: Chain 1 and turn work. Hdc in the 3rd loop of the first stitch, Hdc in the 3rd loop of each remaining stitch. (See Method 1 photos)

Row 3: Chain 1 and turn work. Hdc in the first loop behind the first stitch, Hdc in the first loop behind each remaining stitch. (Photos 1 thru 6)

Repeat Rows 2 & 3 to end of project.

Camel Stitch Crochet Pattern in the round (Method 3)

Notes

This method is crocheted in the round.
This method is NOT reversible.
The “braids” are close together and consistent looking.
Best used for cup cozies, beanies, market bags, and other items crocheted in the round
Never turn work.