One of my favourite stitches to work with is the half double crochet. Double crochet can really scream “crochet!” while the half double crochet is a little more subtle in a finished piece. So when I first learned the half double crochet, I used this stitch a lot. I just really loved it.
Today, I want to share with you a stitch that is essentially, a half double crochet, but that provides a lovely braided texture to any piece you create with it, and that stitch is the camel stitch. It also gives a bit of a knit look to a piece, which can really bring a lot of interest to your work.
I’ve used this stitch for scarves, to add texture to home decor pieces, and in shawls. I could imagine it being used in garments for the cuffs of sleeves as well or as a way to add ribbing to a sweater.
Materials
Worsted weight yarn
5.50mm hook
Yarn needle
Technique
Begin with a foundation row of any number plus two more.
For this swatch, I used some yarn from Sugarbush, a brand that closed their doors for good some time ago. I had a bit of it in stash, and I use I hope to put it into a project one day as Sugarbush was a great brand.
Row 1: Hdc in 2nd ch from hook, and in ea st till end of row. Ch 1, turn.
NOTE: Many stitch tutorials for the half double crochet stitch indicate that you should chain two for your turning chain before starting row 2, but I recommend chaining only one as it provides a neater edge.
Row 2: Hdc in the third back loop of the first st (can be found behind the front and back loop of the stitch and is sometimes referred to as the back bar) and in ea st till end of row. Ch 1, turn.
Repeat row two for pattern.
This is an easy stitch, and it elevates your crochet pieces as well. And, in my opinion, it’s a ton of fun to work this stitch too. I remember that when I first learned this stitch, it opened up my eyes to the versatility of crochet as I realized the loops in stitches could be in a way I had never considered. It made me hungry to learn more about crochet and how the loops in a stitch could create different looks in your crochet fabric. I hope it’s a stitch you enjoy as much as I do!
What would you use this stitch for? Share in the comments below!
