Camel Stitch

Camel stitch, also called the third-loop or knit-look half double crochet, is an ordinary half double crochet placed in a different loop. A half double crochet has three loops at its top rather than the usual two: the front and back loops you normally use, plus a third horizontal bar sitting just behind them. Working into that third bar leaves the usual front and back loops lying on the surface as a raised horizontal ridge, so rows of it stack into a ribbed, almost knitted-looking fabric. Worked in rows it gives cosy horizontal ridges good for blanket borders and cowls; worked in the round it makes the classic ridged slouchy hat. It is no harder than a normal half double crochet once you can find the third loop, which is easiest to see by tilting the work away from you. The fabric is warm, slightly stretchy along the ridges, and dense. Keep the stitches a touch loose, since the third loop can tighten the row.