How to Crochet the Camel Stitch (Step-by-Step Tutorial + Photos & Video)

If you're looking for a beautifully textured crochet stitch that's both simple and striking, the Camel Stitch is one you'll love adding to your skill set. With its unique horizontal ridges and stretch, it's perfect for scarves, hats, blankets, and even garments!

In this step-by-step tutorial, I’ll show you exactly how to crochet the camel stitch using clear photos, written instructions, and a full video tutorial. It's easy to follow even if you're still new to crochet!

👉 New to crochet? Make sure to check out my tutorial for Absolute Crochet Beginners where I teach you the basics: how to crochet Single Crochet (SC), Half Double Crochet (HDC), and Double Crochet (DC)—the building blocks of this stitch.

Let’s get stitching!

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Before we get into the actual pattern, I also created the Ultimate Crochet Hack Sheet! It's 2 pages with basic crochet abbreviations and symbols, hook sizes in US and UK versions, all the yarn types (with recommended hooks and projects), etc. Feel free to click on the pic or a link to my shop where you can find more details.

Crochet Cheat Sheet

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Video Tutorial

Check out my YouTube video tutorial where I cover everything. It's a fantastic complement to any written pattern. You're welcome to leave feedback in the video comments.

Recommended Materials

In this tutorial, I use LionBrand Cotton24/7 cotton yarn. I find that the texture stands out more with cotton yarn, and its bright colours are beneficial during tutorials. For this yarn I use a 4mm/G-6 crochet hook.

However, if you're new to crocheting and just practicing, I highly recommend using any solid color acrylic yarn that works with a 5mm/H-8 hook size.

Learn to crochet with this self-paced beginner course, offering video tutorials, patterns, and personalized support to design your own blanket masterpiece.

Below is the crochet chart for the Camel Stitch. It's an excellent method for learning to read crochet charts, and understanding written instructions can sometimes be beneficial.

100% Cotton Tote Bag

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Directions for Camel Stitch

ROW 1 - Start with a row of half double crochet (HDC) using any number of stitches. It doesn’t matter if the number is even or odd, unless you're following a specific pattern. Then ch 1 (counts as a turning chain) and turn the project.

For the full tutorial how to crochet Half Double Crochet, clink on this link.

ROW 2 - Every even-numbered row, you’ll work your HDC into the very front loop only.

When you look at the stitches from the top, you’ll see little V-shapes—these are the loops you normally work into when crocheting most stitches. But for the Camel Stitch, you’ll work into the third loop from the front, as shown by the arrows in the image.

Yarn over, then insert your hook from the bottom up through that third loop, and finish your HDC as usual. Make a few more stitches, then flip your work to look at the other side—you’ll notice the V-shapes are pushed forward, creating that lovely ridge. This side is the right side of your project for the Camel Stitch.

Continue HDCs in the third loop across the row. At the end, chain 1 and turn your work.

ROW 3 - Every even-numbered row, you’ll work your HDC into the very back loop only.

In the first photo, you can see the top V-shapes of your stitches. Now, turn your work so you’re looking at the back side of the project.

The arrows in the next image point to the loop you'll be working into—this is where you’ll place your HDC stitches. This is my personal method for making the Camel Stitch easier, especially since I used to struggle with figuring out which loop to insert my hook into.

When you're looking at the back, you'll notice vertical V-shapes running down the stitches. You’ll always be working into the right-hand leg of that V—that’s the special loop we want.

Yarn over (YO), insert your hook from right to left through that loop, and finish your half double crochet as usual. Don’t skip that very first stitch! It can feel a little awkward, but it’s important to work into it—the chain 1 is just a turning chain, not a replacement stitch.

After working a few HDC stitches into the back loop this way, you’ll see how the top V-shapes are pushed to the front, and the beautiful ridged Camel Stitch texture begins to appear.

ROW 4 - until your desired length - Repeat ROW 2 and ROW 3

And that’s it—your beautiful Camel Stitch is done! 🐪✨Isn’t it satisfying to see those neat ridges popping up as you go?

If you give this stitch a try, I’d love to see your work!Tag me on Instagram @happyheartsy so I can cheer you on 💗And if you found this helpful, feel free to like, share, or leave a little comment below—it truly means so much!

Happy stitching,

Lenka 🌸