The crochet waistcoat stitch creates a beautiful knit-look texture using simple single crochet worked through the “V” of the stitch, making it perfect for structured projects like bags, baskets, and cosy garments.
That knit-look texture that it creates is stunning yet simple! It creates a great look for colour work too!
This crochet stitch tutorial will guide you through creating this wonderful stitch with lots of photos thrown in to help! There’s also a video tutorial!
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I’m not going to lie, the waistcoat stitch was not one of my favourites when I first tried it, but I think that, like me, you’ll find it grows on you. Using the right hook and keeping your tension loose really helps too!
I use crochet waistcoat stitch in my “Hooked on Crochet” Wallhanging.
What is the Crochet Waistcoat Stitch?
The waistcoat stitch is a variation of the US single crochet, where you insert your hook through the “V” of the stitch below instead of the usual top loops. This tiny change creates a tight, dense fabric with vertical bars that look like knitting.
This is what makes it great for projects where you want a sturdier look, colour work and tapestry crochet.
The waistcoat stitch seems to have a lot of different names: you might see any of the following in use – waistcoat stitch, knit stitch, split single crochet, centre post stitch! They all refer to the same thing!
Waistcoat stitch can be abbreviated to Wc in a pattern.
Where do I Insert my Hook for the Knit Stitch?
To locate the place where you will be inserting your hook, take a look at the images below. Note that there is a difference in how it looks depending on whether you’re working in rows or rounds.
In rows, you will see a ‘v’ shape just below the horizontal bars. This is where you’re going to insert your hook and push it straight through.
When you work in rounds, it looks slightly different as you can see below. You are still inserting your hook between the ‘v’ but the horizontal bar is just singular rather than double as it was above.
Working in the Round vs. Working in Rows
I’ve shown above the difference between what the ‘v’ looks like when working the waistcoat stitch in rows vs. in rounds. But why is it like that?
The difference is due to the fact that when you work in rows, you’re turning your work. So you’re working into the back of the previous row.
When working in rounds, you continue working in a circle on the same side of the work, and that is why the stitch to work into looks so different.
Apart from this though, the stitches are worked in the same way. Continue down for a photo tutorial on both ways.
How to Crochet the Waistcoat Stitch
Here’s a quick step-by-step:
- Start with a row of single crochet (US terms).
- On the next row, instead of inserting your hook under the top loops, push it through the centre of the V (between the legs of the stitch).
- Yarn over, pull through, and complete the stitch just like a regular single crochet.
- Repeat!
💡Top Tip: Keep your stitches loose — tight tension makes it hard to get your hook into the “V”.
You will need
You can try this tutorial with any yarn and a corresponding hook. I used:
Paintbox Yarn Cotton Aran, 100% cotton (50g/1076oz, 85m/93yds)
5.0mm Crochet Hook or hook needed for your yarn
Tapestry needle for working in ends
Stitch markers (optional)
Pin this Crochet Waistcoat Stitch Tutorial to your Crochet Pinterest Board for Later
Waistcoat Stitch Video Tutorial
If you prefer crocheting from a video tutorial, hop on over to my YouTube channel and watch as I crochet the waistcoat stitch in rows and in the round.
The video will take you through all of the steps to make the knit stitch in rows and in the round.
How do I Crochet the Waistcoat Stitch in Rows? – Photo Tutorial
Start by creating a foundation chain of any number, then single crochet in the second chain and each chain across. Turn. I’d also recommend doing a regular single crochet in the first and last stitch of each row for a cleaner edge.
- Locate the ‘v’ to work into and insert your hook into the stitch.
2. Yarn over hook.
3. Pull up a loop.
4. Yarn over again.
5. Pull through all loops on the hook to complete the stitch.
And there you have it! Continue working across your row following the same knit stitch technique. Then turn and repeat, remembering to make a normal single crochet in the first and last stitch of each row for straighter edges.
Tips for Crocheting the Waistcoat Stitch
Watch out for your tension: using a larger hook and keeping it loose will help with getting into those stitches.
Be sure to pull up your stitches to the full height of the row, again to stop the stitches getting too tight.
A pointier crochet hook can help you get into the centre of the stitches.
Be careful not to add an extra stitch at the end of the row by mistake.
This tutorial uses US crochet terminology.
How do I Crochet the Waistcoat Stitch in the Round?
Start by creating a foundation chain of any number, then slip stitch into the first chain to join into a circle. Chain one and single crochet in each chain around. You can then choose whether to work in continuous spirals, or slip stitch to join each round.
- Locate the ‘v’ to work into and insert your hook into the stitch.
2. Yarn over hook.
3. Pull up a loop.
4. Yarn over again.
5. Pull through all loops on the hook to complete the stitch.
And there you have it! Continue working around in the same manner.
And that’s it! The waistcoat stitch is a lovely textured crochet stitch, perfect for colour work and creating a dense fabric! Go try it out! Don’t forget to check out my crochet patterns for more crochet inspiration.
More crochet Stitches
I have lots of crochet stitch tutorials over on my YouTube channel so please do check them out. Here are some you might like:
- Crab stitch
- Double treble crochet stitches
- Even berry crochet stitch
- Stacked double crochet
- Crunch stitch
Find me on Facebook or Instagram @concretegemscrochet or drop me a message if you have any questions.
What next?
I hope you’ve enjoyed this tutorial, please do stick around and see what else you’d like to try on my website. You can find my other stitch tutorials here.
I’m Gemma, a crochet tech editor, designer and overall crochet enthusiast. I’m also a mum of 3 kids, and enjoy running, reading, walking and crafting, but mostly crochet!
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If you enjoyed making the crochet waistcoat stitch or maybe made a project using this tutorial, please consider sharing it to social media tagging @concretegemscrochet
Other crochet patterns you might enjoy
- Simple Crochet Triangle Shawl Pattern – easy yet stunning with a gorgeous drape
- Easy Crochet Cushion Cover Free Pattern – a geometric mosaic crochet design
- Crochet Lace Scarf Free Pattern – delicate and lacy, perfect for summer
Thanks for reading and happy crocheting! 🧶
