Third Loop Crochet with a Free Camel Stitch Pillow Pattern
Half double crochet stitches have something a bit special about their structure. The third loop of the stitch stands in a horizontal position at the back of the stitch, and when you work into it in your next row, it creates a lovely textured stitch that adds warmth and definition to your half double crochet projects.
This stitch is known as camel stitch, and you can make it even more pronounced by working alternate rows into the back loop only to raise the profile of the third loop stitch.
Confused? You won’t be soon!
I am going to run through the easy way to find that elusive third loop, and give you a pattern that is the perfect way to practice it, whilst creating something gorgeous to add to your living room decor.
Finding The Third Loop
Crocheting into the third loop can only be done when you have an existing half double crochet to work into.
In the example below I made a chain, then worked a row of half double crochets into that chain.
I’ve then turned the fabric, and I have made the first stitch of the row into the third loop of the stitch. The top image shows where I placed my hook for this first third loop crochet of the row, and beneath it the image shows the locations of the next few third loop placements, marked by needles.
The Stitches
To create a camel stitch you’ll need to be familiar with the following terms and techniques:
- ch – chain
- sk – skip
- hdc – half double crochet
- third loop only
- back loop only
Third Loop Crocheting in Rows
Let’s make up a little sample to practice.
- First make a chain of 12 stitches.
- Now, skip the first two stitches and make a half double crochet (hdc) into each loop of the chain. To half double crochet you are going to yarn over, insert the hook through the stitch, yarn over again and pull the hook back through the stitch. You now have three loops on the hook. Yarn over once more, and pull through all three loops on the hook.
- Ch2, then make 1hdc into the third loop of every stitch of the row
- Ch2, make 1hdc into the back loop only of every stitch. This row will give definition to your third loops.
- Repeat rows 3 and 4 until you have a sample that is at least ten rows long to give you a change to practice your stitches
Camel Stitch Crochet Pillow Pattern
To create this pillow I used two skeins of white chunky yarn and one skein of variegated yellow, white and grey chunky yarn, with a 6mm crochet hook. You’ll also need a 30 inch cushion pad or some stuffing, and a yarn needle.
This is a two sided pattern, one side was made in one piece, the other I hand sewed together four panels.
Front Panel
The front panel was made in two stages. The first was worked as rows of camel stitch, made in the variegated yarn.
Row 1
ch42
Row 2
sk2, hdc x 40
Row 3
ch2, hdc into the third loop only x 40
Row 4
ch2, hdc into the back loop only
Row 5 – 28
Repeat rows 3 and 4
Row 29
ch2, hdc into the back loop only
The Border
You are now going to finish this side of the pillow by crocheting around the camel stitch section using standard half double crochets. Work this section in your white chunky yarn.
Round 1 – 5
Begin in a corner. Make 3hdc into each corner, and 1hdc into each edge stitch around the square of camel stitch.
Back Panel
I made this section in four parts. Create two with your white yarn and two with the variegated yarn.
Row 1
ch32
Row 2
sk2, hdc x 30
Row 3
ch2, hdc into the third loop only x 30
Row 4
ch2, hdc into the back loop only
Row 5 – 22
Repeat rows 3 and 4
Blocking
I highly recommend blocking your sections before you sew them, because these stitches do have a tendency to curl especially at the edges.
I chose to iron these pieces down rather than to pin them on a blocking board, because it’s quicker and I am familiar with the yarn and confident that it can stand up to the heat!
Joining The Pillow
I began by sewing together these four panels. As you can see I angled them each with the camel stitches pointing in a different direction before I thought it gave it more of a patchwork feel.
Once they were joined, I placed the front and back panel with the front sides facing away from each other. I pinned them together with a stitch marker at each corner, and sewing down the edges. Leave one edge open to insert the pad before finally closing.
