How to Crochet the Waistcoat Stitch (step-by-step photos!)

The Waistcoat Stitch

Have you ever wanted your crochet to look more like knitting? The waistcoat stitch, abbreviated “wc” and also known as the knit stitch and center post stitch, will help you achieve a knitted look!

This stitch is almost like a standard single crochet, but you work in the post of the previous row’s stitch, rather than in the top loops. You can work this stitch either in rows or in the round, and I’ll show both methods in this tutorial.

The waistcoat stitch is great for projects like baskets, scarves, and cozy winter gloves. So let’s learn how to do the stitch, and then take a look at some patterns that feature it!

How to Crochet the Waistcoat Stitch (Photo Tutorial)

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

• Yarn (I used worsted-weight Soft Classic Solid Yarn by Loops & Threads)
• Corresponding hook (I used a 6.5mm hook)
  • The waistcoat stitch can be a bit tough if you tend to use tight tension, so it’s a good idea to size up from your normal hook. For this tutorial, I sized up from a 5mm hook to a 6.5mm hook, and some crocheters even use an 8mm hook with their worsted-weight yarn.
• A stitch marker
• Knowledge of these basic stitches:
  • chain (ch)
  • single crochet (sc)
  • sl st (slip stitch)

HOW TO CROCHET THE WAISTCOAT STITCH IN ROWS

Starting Chain

1. Chain as many stitches as you want in your swatch, plus one more to act as your turning chain. I chained 20.

Row 1

2. Do a row of standard single crochets, starting in the second chain from the hook.

Row 2

3. Chain one and turn your work.

4. Insert your hook into the post of the previous single crochet.

The post should look like two “legs” (or an upside-down V) under a horizontal loop of yarn. Insert your hook between the two “legs.”

5. Yarn over and pull through the post. At this point, it’s a good idea to pull up on your loops a bit to loosen the tension.

6. Yarn over again and pull through both loops on your hook.

7. Repeat steps 4-6 until you’ve finished the row.

Rows 3 and onward

8. Repeat the steps for row 2 until your swatch is as big as you want. I did 11 rows.

9. To finish off your swatch, do a slip stitch in the last chain, cut your yarn, and pull through.

HOW TO CROCHET THE WAISTCOAT STITCH IN THE ROUND

When crocheting in the round, it can be a good idea to mark your place (either the first or last stitch of a round) with a stitch marker. This way you don’t lose your place or forget how many rounds you’ve crocheted.

Starting Chain

1. Chain as many stitches as you want in your round. I chained 22.

2. Slip stitch to your first chain and pull tight, making sure your chain hasn’t twisted. This will form a circle.

Round 1

3. Chain 1

4. Do a round of standard single crochets, one in each chain.

5. Slip stitch into the first single crochet of the round and pull tight.

Round 2

6. Chain 1

7. Insert your hook into the post of the next stitch.

This post will look slightly different than when you were working in rows. The V will be upright instead of upside down. Insert your hook between the legs of the V.

8. Yarn over and pull through the post. At this point, it’s a good idea to pull up on your loops a bit to loosen the tension.

9. Yarn over again and pull through both loops on your hook.

10. Repeat steps 4-6 until you’ve finished the row.

11. Slip stitch into the first single crochet of the round and pull tight.

Rounds 3 and onward

12. Repeat the steps for round 2 until you’ve crocheted as many rounds as you want. I did 8 rounds.

13. To finish off your swatch, cut your yarn and pull it through after your last slip stitch.

Now you have two swatches: one of the waistcoat stitch in rows, and one of the waistcoat stitch in the round!

Waistcoat Stitch Video Tutorial

Fiber Flux has created a great video tutorial that shows you how to do the knit stitch both in rows and in the round. If you’re a visual learner, this is an awesome resource!

Project Ideas for the Waistcoat Stitch

Want to put the waistcoat stitch to good use? Check out these patterns!

Beginner Chunky Crochet Basket

This basket is perfect for holding yarn during a project, and it uses the waistcoat stitch plus basic crochet stitches. Just grab some Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick yarn, plus a 9mm hook, and you’ll have a sturdy basket in no time!

Knit-Look Crochet Mittens

These mittens really show off how the waistcoat stitch makes your crochet look like knitting! They’re made with chunky wool yarn, so they’ll keep your hands warm all winter long.

Beautiful Waistcoat Washcloth

This is a great pattern if you prefer working in rows. For these washcloths, you’ll need to know the waistcoat stitch (which you’re now an expert at!) and the moss stitch (which you can learn from the tutorial linked in the pattern). The combo of these stitches makes an absolutely gorgeous cloth!