Camel Stitch Mini Slouch

Camel Stitch Mini Slouch by Michelle Ferguson

What is Being Made

The Camel Stitch Mini Slouch is a beginner-friendly crochet hat designed by Michelle Ferguson. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a slouchy-style hat available in three sizes: Toddler (18-20" head circumference), Child (20-21" head circumference), and Adult (21-22" head circumference). The hat features a relaxed, comfortable fit with a distinctive textured appearance created by the camel stitch technique.

Crochet Techniques Used

This pattern employs fundamental crochet techniques suitable for beginners. The hat is constructed from the bottom up, meaning you begin by crocheting the base circumference and work upward to create the crown. A brim is added at the end to complete the hat. The pattern uses a stitch marker to track rounds and avoid creating a visible seam, resulting in a more polished finished garment. The construction method allows for seamless joining of rounds.

Stitches Used

The Camel Stitch Mini Slouch utilizes several fundamental crochet stitches:

• Chain (ch) – The foundation stitch used to create the starting base
• Half Double Crochet (hdc) – The primary stitch throughout the pattern, providing medium height and texture
• Half Double Crochet into the 3rd Loop (hdc 3rd loop) – A specialized technique that creates the distinctive camel stitch texture by working into the third loop rather than the standard two loops
• Half Double Crochet 2 Together (hdc2tog) – A decrease stitch used for shaping the crown
• Single Crochet (sc) – Used for joining rounds and finishing edges
• Double Crochet (dc) – An optional stitch for certain pattern variations

Materials Required

This project requires minimal materials, making it accessible for crocheters at any budget level. You will need 175-300 yards of worsted weight yarn, with the option to work in either a single color or combine 1-2 colors for a multi-colored design. An H/8 5.0mm crochet hook is used throughout the pattern to achieve the specified gauge of 16 half double crochets and 13 rows equaling 4 inches. Additional tools include scissors for cutting yarn, a measuring tape for checking sizing, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends. A pom pom maker is listed as optional, suggesting that a decorative pom pom can be added to the crown for extra visual interest.

Difficulty Level

Rated as a beginner project, the Camel Stitch Mini Slouch is an excellent choice for those new to crochet. The pattern uses basic stitches and straightforward construction methods, though the camel stitch technique introduces a slightly more advanced element by requiring work into the third loop rather than standard loops. The bottom-up construction and simple shaping make this an ideal project for building fundamental crochet skills.