How to Crochet the Waistcoat Stitch (Knit Stitch Look for Beginners)
- Lenka
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
If you can make a Single Crochet, you can absolutely master the Waistcoat Stitch! This beautifully textured stitch—also called the Knit Stitch or Center Single Crochet—is one of the easiest you'll ever learn. In fact, the secret to its signature knit-look isn't about learning a new stitch at all… it's just about where you insert your hook.
That’s what makes this one of the shortest stitch tutorials on the blog—but don’t let that fool you. You’re about to see why it’s a total game-changer for crochet projects like beanies, baskets, and modern home decor.
Still learning the basics? Check out my full beginner's guide to learn how to crochet the Single Crochet (SC), Half Double Crochet (HDC), and Double Crochet (DC) here.:
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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.
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.
Directions for Waistcoat Stitch
Start with any number of the Foundation Chain (FCH)
ROW 1 - Make a SC into the 2nd ch from the hook, then SC in each ch across. Ch 1 and turn.
ROW 2 - After you turn your work, you'll notice that each stitch has two vertical “legs” connected by a horizontal bar. To make the Waistcoat Stitch, insert your hook under the horizontal bar, right between the two legs — that’s the magic spot to achieve the knit-like look! Continue making SCs into these spots across the row. At the end of each row, make a regular SC into the last stitch as usual. Ch 1 and turn.
Ta-da — and that’s it! The shortest stitch tutorial ever 😄 Because truly, the only difference with the Waistcoat Stitch is where you insert your hook.
If you enjoyed this quick tip, feel free to share this post, leave a like, or drop a comment telling me what project you'd love to try using this stitch! And if you give it a go, I’d love to see it — tag me on Instagram @happyheartsycrochet so I can cheer you on
Happy stitching,
Lenka
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