Knit-Look Crochet Stitches: What You Need to Know

If you’ve ever wanted to duplicate the look of knitting with crochet…you’re not alone. I was a bit obsessed with this at one point in time.

I’ve learned several knit-look stitches over the years and also read some good books on the subject, so I thought I would share that knowledge today! But first, let’s address an important question…

can you really duplicate knitting in crochet?

There are a few caveats I want to mention here. YES, there are plenty of stitches that crocheters use to duplicate the look of knitting.

But, I want you to be prepared. Some of these stitches do not perfectly match the look AND feel of knitting.

Sometimes the fabric turns out a bit thicker. Sometimes the look will be a little bit off. Crochet and knitting are VERY different so its hard to perfectly replicate.

But that said, at the end of this post I will show you something that is probably the closest I have ever seen, so make sure to check that out!

The Waistcoat Stitch

A very common knit-look stitch is called the waistcoat stitch. This stitch is made by crocheting in the center of single crochet stitches rather than in the tops like usual.

The waistcoat stitch produces a chain-look similar to stockinette in knitting, though it is not exactly the same.

As you can see below, the stitches slant slightly to one side if worked in a continuous round. If you want an even better knit-look effect, it is better to work it in rows.

Another note on this stitch is that while it looks similar, it does tend to make a thicker fabric than knitted stockinette.

Examples: Waistcoat Stitch Throw Pillow

Examples: Knit-Look Pillow (uses the waistcoat stitch alternating with puff stitches)

Camel Stitch

The Camel Stitch is another knit-look stitch I love! It has a little bit more of a learning curve than the waistcoat stitch, but yields a very fun sideways stockinette look.

Knit-Look Ribbing Stitch

It is actually quite easy to replicate a ribbing that looks like knitting in crochet. When you alternate between a back loop slip stitch row and a back loop half double crochet row, you can create this look.

An example of this is this knit-look slouchy beanie below!

The stitches above are great starting points for knit-look crochet, BUT – there are two other resources that I think anyone who is interested in this topic should know about! One is a book, and one is a course from another designer, Briana K Designs.

Both will give you way more patterns and techniques!

From Knit to Crochet Book

This book has countless knit-look designs – sweaters, crochet cables, and more! There are a lot of designs that focus on front-post and back-post crochet stitches to make cables.

Get the book here

Magical Crochet Stitches Course

Last but certainly not least, you have to check out the Magical Crochet Stitches course. You know how I was saying a lot of knit-look stitches are not exactly like crochet?

Well, this course teaches you stitches that are probably the closest I have ever seen.

We’re talking even more realistic crochet cables, knit-look bags, socks, even pumpkins!

Get a closer look at the incredible designs she includes in the video below, and purchase the course here.

I hope this post has been helpful in learning about knit-look crochet stitches! Got questions? Leave them below and make sure to share this post with your friends!