How to Crochet Waistcoat Stitch Video and Tips

Try the crochet waistcoat stitch for strong, knit-like designs. Get easy tips, a video tutorial, and step-by-step instructions today!

Pink crochet swatch showing the waistcoat stitch pattern in a close-up view for a detailed video tutorial.

A Simple Stitch with a Knit-Like Charm

Have you ever wished your crochet projects could have that smooth, knit-like finish?

The only difference between the crochet waistcoat stitch (aka knit stitch) and a regular single crochet is where you insert your hook into the body of the stitch.

Enter the crochet waistcoat stitch! This amazing stitch, often called the crochet knit stitch, is a great stitch that combines the best of both worlds.

It gives your work a dense, structured texture with a modern “knit look.” If you’re making sturdy crochet baskets or cozy, boxy garments, this stitch is a must-try.

What makes the crochet waistcoat stitch stand out? The secret is simple: instead of inserting your hook in the usual spot, you’ll work into the center post stitch, just below the vertical bars. This creates the distinct knit-like look.

The result? Beautiful, knit-like V-shapes that mimic stockinette stitch. And don’t worry if it’s new to you – with some practice and the right tips, you’ll be a pro in no time.

Let’s get started with everything you need to know about the crochet waistcoat stitch, from basic techniques to advanced tips.

Get ready to add this versatile stitch to your repertoire and create projects that truly impress.

Video Tutorial for Visual Learners

If you’re someone who learns best by watching, we’ve got you covered! Check out my crochet waistcoat stitch video tutorial on YouTube for a step-by-step guide, complete with a photo tutorial to show each step clearly.

This free video will show you how to:

Work the crochet waistcoat stitch in the round and flat in rows.
Shape your projects with increases and decreases (two methods).

TIP: To view this video tutorial properly, please disable any ad-blocker you have running.

With close-up shots and expert tips, this video tutorial is the perfect companion to your crochet practice. Pause, rewind, and follow along at your own pace to master this awesome stitch.

The Knit Stitch Tutorial

Crocheting the Knit Stitch in the Round

The crochet waistcoat stitch works beautifully in the round. Here’s how you can achieve this look, whether you prefer joined rounds or a continuous spiral.

Joined Rounds

Start with a foundation chain. Join it into a circle using a slip stitch (sl st).

Hands holding a crochet hook and pink yarn, forming a foundation chain for the crochet waistcoat stitch tutorial.

Chain one (this does not count as a stitch and applies throughout). Work one single crochet into each chain around. Join the last stitch to the first single crochet with a slip stitch.

Close-up of the first round of single crochet stitches in pink yarn, demonstrating the base for the crochet waistcoat stitch.

Begin the next round with a chain one. To crochet the waistcoat stitch, locate the vertical bars at the front of the stitch below.

Inserting the hook into the vertical bars of a stitch to start the crochet waistcoat stitch.

Insert your hook into the center post of the stitch, between the two legs of the vertical bar. Ensure your hook goes through the body of the stitch, not just the top loops.

Yarn over, pull up a loop, and complete the stitch like a regular single crochet. Repeat this for every stitch in the round.

Working the crochet waistcoat stitch by pulling up a loop through the vertical bars of the stitch.

Join each round by working a slip stitch into the first stitch. Chain one to start the next round.

Spiral

Make a foundation chain of the length you need for your project. Join it into a circle using a slip stitch (sl st).

Crochet single crochet stitches into each chain of the foundation. When you reach the last chain, do not join the last stitch to the first stitch with a slip stitch.

Instead, work your first waistcoat stitch into the first single crochet of the round. This starts the continuous spiral.

Close-up of the continuous spiral technique in the crochet waistcoat stitch tutorial.

Find the vertical bars at the front of each stitch below. Insert your hook into the center post of the stitch, between the two legs of the vertical bar.

Yarn over, pull up a loop through the center post, and finish the stitch like a regular single crochet.

Hands showing the proper hook placement for the crochet waistcoat stitch in a round.

Continue crocheting in a spiral. Do not join the rounds with a slip stitch.

Keep crocheting waistcoat stitches in a spiral until your project is as big or as long as you want.

Tip: Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round. This will help you know where the round begins.

Detailed view of the knit-like texture created by the crochet waistcoat stitch.

Comparing Joined Rounds and Spiral Patterns

Joined rounds offer precise boundaries, making it easier to count stitches and follow patterns. They’re ideal for bags or garments that need a polished look.

Spirals, on the other hand, flow seamlessly and are perfect for projects with uninterrupted textures.

Two samples of crochet waistcoat stitch, one in rounds and one in rows.

Crocheting the Knit Stitch Flat in Rows

If you’re working on a scarf or a flat panel, here’s how to use the crochet waistcoat stitch:

Start with a foundation chain and work one row of single crochet stitches.

Foundation chain with one row of single crochet stitches for waistcoat stitch.

On the next row, insert your hook into the vertical bars instead of the top of the stitch, ensuring that your hook goes into the right spot for the best results.

Inserting the hook into the vertical bars for the crochet waistcoat stitch, ensuring proper placement for a smooth and knit-like texture.

Yarn over, pull up a loop through the center post, and finish the stitch like a regular single crochet.

Working on the crochet waistcoat stitch to create the knit-look design.

Work in the same manner to the end of the row.

Turn your work at the end of each row and chain one to keep the correct height.

Two rows of crochet waistcoat stitch with a neat, knit-like look.

Keep crocheting waistcoat stitches in rows until desired length.

Keep in mind that the texture of rows may not look as uniform as in rounds due to the turning, but this unique stitch pattern adds character to flat projects.

Crochet waistcoat stitch worked in rows.

How to Increase and Decrease

Increase

To increase with the crochet waistcoat stitch, find the vertical bar of the stitch where you want to add an increase. Put your hook into the center of the vertical bar, between the two legs of the stitch. Yarn over, pull up a loop, and finish the stitch as usual. This makes your first crochet waistcoat stitch.

Then, put your hook into the same vertical bar again. Make sure it goes into the same spot as before. Yarn over, pull up a loop, and finish the second crochet waistcoat stitch. Now you’ve added an increase by making two stitches in the same vertical bar.

How to increase stitches in the crochet waistcoat stitch for shaping your project.

Decrease Method 1

To start, look at the first stitch. Find the two vertical bars at the front of it. Insert your hook between these two bars, into the center of the stitch.

Yarn over and pull up a loop. Now you have two loops on your hook.

Starting the first decrease method for the crochet waistcoat stitch by inserting the hook into the first stitch.

Next, go to the next stitch. Again, find the two vertical bars and insert your hook between them, into the center of the stitch.

Yarn over and pull up another loop. Now you have three loops on your hook.

Continuing decrease method 1 in the crochet waistcoat stitch with three loops on the hook.

To finish, yarn over one more time and pull through all the loops on your hook. This completes the crochet waistcoat stitch decrease and keeps the knit-like look.

Completing decrease method 1 in the crochet waistcoat stitch by pulling through all loops for a smooth finish.

Keep repeating these steps for your project.

Decrease Method 2

Begin with the first stitch and locate the two vertical bars at the front. Insert your hook between these bars, going into the center of the stitch.

Rather than yarning over, bring the hook from the back to the front between the two decreasing stitches.

Bringing the hook from back to front between two decreasing stitches in the crochet waistcoat stitch for a seamless finish.

Then insert it between the bars of the second stitch.

Midway through decrease method 2 in the crochet waistcoat stitch with multiple loops on the hook.

Yarn over, pull up a loop, and finish by yarning over again and pulling through all the loops on the hook.

Final look of decrease method 2 with a neat finish in the crochet waistcoat stitch.

Tips for Waistcoat Crochet Stitch

Mastering the crochet knit stitch can take some practice, but these tips will make it easier:

Use a larger hook size: A bigger crochet hook prevents your stitches from becoming too tight, especially if you’re a beginner trying this great stitch for the first time.
Maintain consistent tension: Keeping your tension even ensures a smooth and uniform texture.
Mark your stitches: Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round or repeat for accuracy.
Experiment with yarn weights: Lightweight yarns create delicate textures, while bulky yarns make sturdy, dense fabric.
Focus on stitch placement: Make sure your hook enters the vertical bars cleanly to achieve the signature knit-like appearance.

Close-up of crochet waistcoat stitch in the round.

FAQs

Is the crochet knit stitch stretchy?
The crochet knit stitch creates a dense and sturdy fabric, so it’s not as stretchy as other stitches. This makes it ideal for projects requiring structure.

Is the crochet waistcoat stitch reversible?
No, the crochet waistcoat stitch is not fully reversible. The right side has the knit-like V shapes, while the wrong side has a different texture.

What projects work best with the crochet waistcoat stitch?
This stitch is perfect for baskets, hot pads, structured bags, and garments needing durability.

Can I use this stitch with multicolored yarn?
Yes! The crochet waistcoat stitch highlights color changes beautifully, especially in self-striping or variegated yarns.

Why do my stitches look uneven?
Uneven tension or incorrect hook placement can cause this. Practice and patience will help you improve consistency.

Now that you’ve learned all about the crochet waistcoat stitch, it’s time to grab your hook and yarn and give it a try. Happy crocheting!