How to Crochet Waistcoat Stitch (Crochet Knit Stitch)

The crochet waistcoat stitch creates dense textured fabric that closely resembles knitted stockinette stitch. Also called the crochet knit stitch or center single crochet, this stitch is worked by inserting the hook into the center of the stitch instead of through the top loops. Because waistcoat stitch creates thick sturdy fabric with minimal stretch, it is ideal for baskets, bags, home décor, and knit-look crochet projects. This tutorial will show you how to crochet waistcoat stitch step-by-step.

What is Waistcoat Stitch?

The waistcoat stitch is a crochet stitch worked into the center of the stitch post instead of through the top loops. This creates V-shaped stitches that closely resemble knitted stockinette stitch. The dense, sturdy fabric makes waistcoat stitch popular for baskets, bags, rugs, and structured crochet projects.

Learn more beginner and textured stitches in the complete crochet stitches guide.

I love the beauty of this stitch, but its name is frequently debated. It is most commonly referred to as the waistcoat stitch, but some patterns refer to this stitch as the center single crochet. As previously mentioned, numerous designers refer to it as the crochet knit stitch, and occasionally, they describe it as the split single crochet. Whatever you want to name this stitch, we’ll teach you how to crochet it! This is an easy stitch to learn; you only need to know how to work single crochet. The only difference is where you enter your hook to draw up the loop.

How to Crochet Waistcoat Stitch (Step-by-Step)

Best Yarn for Waistcoat Stitch: Medium-weight yarns, such as worsted-weight yarn, usually work best because the stitch texture remains visible without becoming too stiff. Using a slightly larger crochet hook helps keep the dense fabric flexible and easier to work.

1. First Sc Row

1. Start with a foundation ch, any number of ch sts, to make the desired length of your project. Ch1 extra for turning.
2. Sc loosely into the second ch from the hook, and into each ch to the end.
3. Ch1 and turn.

2. Start Waistcoat Stitches

1. Sc into the first st.
2. Now work the next sc by inserting your hook through the post of the next sc st. Instead of inserting the hook into the top loops of the previous row, insert it into the legs of the stitch’s ‘V’, below the horizontal bar. You are inserting it into the middle of the stitch, not the top.

3. YO, and pull up a loop through the stitch. (2 loops on the hook).

4. YO again and pull through both loops to complete the stitch.

3. Finish Row 1

5. Repeat—continue in this way all across the row, inserting your hook into the center of each st from the previous row.
6. At the end of the row, ch1 and turn your work.

4. Repeat the Waistcoat Stitch Pattern

Repeat the waistcoat stitch in this way for every row, until your fabric is the required length. Keep working loosely, and try not to split your yarn.

Tips for Working with Waistcoat Stitch

• It may be helpful to use a larger hook than usual, to keep the fabric flexible.
• Choose a pointy hook to help you insert it into just the right spot.
• Work as loosely as possible, especially if you usually crochet quite tightly. You need to have each stitch fairly loose to insert the hook into the middle of the stitch. If you crochet too tightly, the area where you need to insert your hook may become too small.
• It may help to draw the loop of yarn up higher than usual when you insert it through the post. This is because the stitches are lower down, making your work tight and difficult to work into.
• Try to keep tension throughout your work. Don’t pull the stitches too tight!
• Practice! Try it out on a small swatch first to get comfortable with the insertion point and maintain even tension.

Waistcoast Stitch Techniques

Working Waistcoat Stitch in the Round

When crocheting this stitch in the round, it looks even more like a knit stitch, as the ‘right’ side is facing you all the time, you don’t have a right and a wrong side. If you would like to crochet a waistcoat stitch in the round, this is how to do it:

1. Start with a foundation ch that is equal to the circumference of the round you want to make. Sl st into the first ch to make a circle.
2. Work a sc loosely into each ch st. Sl st into first sc.
3. Ch 1. Insert the hook into the middle of the first sc, into the post of the stitch, as explained above.
4. Sc into the post into every stitch around; finish with a sl st into the first sc.
5. Continue working around the circle, inserting the hook into the post for each stitch.
6. Keep working in rounds until the circle is the desired length.

Increase in Waistcoat Stitch

This creates two stitches from one stitch. To increase:

1. Work one waistcoat stitch into the stitch post
2. Insert the hook into the same stitch again
3. Work a second waistcoat stitch into the same space

Decrease in Waistcoat Stitch

This joins two stitches together. To decrease:

1. Insert the hook into the first stitch post
2. Insert the hook into the next stitch post
3. Yarn over and pull through both stitches
4. Complete the single crochet normally

Best Projects for Waistcoat Stitch

Because this is such a dense, thick stitch, it is great for the following projects:

• Bags and totes: The thick fabric is perfect for sturdy bags that will not stretch.
• Storage baskets: It will make firm, structural baskets.
• Home Decor: Use this stitch to make trivets for hot pots, coasters, placemats, or rugs.
• Garments: It will make very firm garments with not much drape, but has the advantage of adding a knitted look to sweaters or jackets. (Or waistcoats!)
• Amigurumi: If you want your amigurumi to be very firm and sturdy, you can try crocheting them with a waistcoat stitch instead of single crochet.

Is Waistcoat Stitch Beginner-Friendly?

Waistcoat stitch is suitable for confident beginners who already know basic single crochet. I find the hardest part is learning the correct insertion point, but after a few rows the stitch pattern becomes much easier to recognize.

Waistcoat Stitch FAQs

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In Conclusion

The waistcoat stitch creates dense knit-look crochet fabric using simple single crochet stitches worked into the center of the stitch. Although the insertion point may feel unusual at first, the stitch becomes much easier with practice. Because of its sturdy texture and knitted appearance, waistcoat stitch is perfect for baskets, bags, rugs, and structured crochet projects.