Waistcoat Stitch Tutorial
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Do you love the look of knit, but don’t know how? No worries! With the waistcoat stitch you can make crochet look like knit without the stress of having to learn a new hobby. Today I’m going to show you how to crochet the waistcoat stitch or center single crochet so you can create pieces that look knit too.
Center single crochet aka the Waistcoat Stitch is actually very simple. It’s just like working regular single crochet, but you just change where you insert your hook. Yes, it really is that easy.
For today’s tutorial I’ve included a video tutorial as well as a step by step photo tutorial which you can find below.
Some things to keep in mind when working the center single crochet stitch is that it will create a very thick fabric. This can be great for creating sturdy pieces like basket and tote bags. If you are wanting to create garments I suggest using a light weight yarn (weight 3 or less) and a larger hook than you normally would. Using the larger hook will help make it easier to get your hook in the right spot.
You can use this stitch in the round which is what I will demonstrate today or in rows. I prefer working this stitch in the round as it is easier to see where to place your hook for each stitch and allows you the opportunity to hide your seam by working in a continuous spiral.
If working in rows you simply place your hook between the “legs” of the stitches as you go instead in the center of the “v". It will look slightly different from when you work this stitch in the round because the stitches will not be stacked on top of each other.
If you want to see the waistcoat stitch worked in rows in action check out my latest video tutorial below.
How To Crochet The Waistcoat (aka center single crochet) Stitch
For this tutorial you will need an H (5.00mm) crochet hook and worsted weight yarn.
Start by making a long chain of at least 20-30 stitches.
Join to the starting chain with a slip stitch, making sure not to twist your chains.
Round 1: Ch 1 and sc in each each ch around, sl st to the top of the first st to join.
Round 2: Ch 1, work sc in each stitch around, but insert your hook in between the front posts for each st, sl st to top of 1st st to join.
Continue to repeat Round 2. It will become easier to insert your hook as you go since the stitches will become more prominent.
Ready to try the Waistcoat Stitch?
Crochet Patterns in Waistcoat Stitch
The Fleur De Lis Crochet Hat, The Cactus Hat Crochet Pattern, The Copycat Aril Knit Bobble Hat, The Nordic Tree Pillow Pattern (find the free pattern here)
