How to Crochet the Knit Stitch: A Step-by-Step Guide

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 10 July 2023 5 min read

Diving into the world of crochet can be exhilarating. A favorite among many is the knit crochet stitch, admired for its knit-like appearance. This guide will take you through the process of creating this versatile stitch, step-by-step. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice with a crochet hook, this guide has got you covered.

1. Gather Your Materials

Before we start our journey into mastering the knit crochet stitch, let's make sure we have all our materials in place. The right tools can make all the difference in the ease of learning and the final look of your project.

Select the Right Yarn

When it comes to choosing the yarn for your knit crochet stitch, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, you'll want to select a yarn that's easy to work with. A medium-weight (also known as worsted) yarn is a good place to start, as it's easy to handle and shows stitches clearly. Secondly, consider the color. Lighter hues tend to display stitches better than darker ones, making it easier for you to see your work. Lastly, the texture of the yarn can play a role too. Smooth, non-fuzzy yarns are usually the best for showing off the knit crochet stitch.

Choose Your Crochet Hook

There's a variety of crochet hooks out there, but for the knit crochet stitch, a size H-8 (5mm) hook is a good starting point. This size is comfortable to hold and works well with medium-weight yarn. Remember, it's always better to start with a hook that feels comfortable in your hand— you're going to be spending a lot of time together!

Prepare Other Essentials

Now that you have your yarn and hook ready, let's get the rest of your toolkit in order. You'll need a pair of scissors for cutting your yarn, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends. A stitch marker can also be handy to keep track of your progress, especially when you're just starting out with the knit crochet stitch.

2. Learn the Basic Stitches

Before we jump into the knit crochet stitch, let's get familiar with some basic crochet stitches. These foundational skills will help ensure your journey into the knit crochet stitch is smooth and enjoyable.

Practice the Chain Stitch

The chain stitch is the starting point for most crochet projects, and the knit crochet stitch is no exception. Think of it as the foundation of your crochet house. Here's how you do it:

Make a slip knot and place it on your hook.
Yarn over (wrap the yarn over your hook).
Pull through the loop on your hook. There you go, that's your first chain stitch.
Repeat the yarning over and pulling through process until you have the desired number of chain stitches.

Remember, practice makes perfect. So, don't rush it. Take your time and make sure that your chain stitches are even and not too tight.

Master the Slip Stitch

The slip stitch is another basic stitch that's simple yet essential in crochet, including when you're creating the knit crochet stitch. Here's how to make a slip stitch:

Insert your hook into the next stitch.
Yarn over and pull the yarn through the stitch and also through the loop on your hook.

There you have it, a slip stitch! It's important to remember not to tighten your slip stitches too much. You want them to have a bit of slack so you can work into them easily later on.

3. Begin the Knit Stitch

Now that you have a good grasp of the basic stitches, you're ready to start on your knit crochet stitch journey. Let's get started!

Start with a Slip Knot

Remember the slip knot from the chain stitch? That's your starting point here too. This little knot is the crochet equivalent of "once upon a time" — it's how all the best stories begin. So, create your slip knot and slide it onto your crochet hook. Ready? Now the fun begins!

Create the Foundation Chain

The next step is to create your foundation chain. This is where those chain stitches you practiced will come in handy. Determine the length of the chain based on your project and remember—keep those stitches loose and even.

Make Your First Knit Stitch

With your foundation chain ready, it's time to create your first knit crochet stitch. Follow these steps:

Insert your hook into the second chain from your hook.
Yarn over and pull up a loop. You should now have two loops on your hook.
Yarn over again and pull through both loops on your hook.

And just like that, you've made your first knit crochet stitch! Congratulations, you're well on your way to becoming a crochet master!

4. Continue the Knit Stitch

By now, you've got the hang of the knit crochet stitch basics. Let's keep the momentum going and work on creating a full row of these stitches.

Maintain Consistent Tension

Consistent tension is the secret sauce to a great looking crochet piece. Too loose, and your stitches will look sloppy. Too tight, and you might have a tough time getting your hook through the yarn. Find that sweet spot in the middle, where your yarn glides smoothly over your hook. This will give your stitches a neat, uniform look.

Keep the Stitches Even

Keeping your stitches even is another important aspect of crocheting a knit stitch. Uneven stitches can make your work look unprofessional and can even affect the size and shape of your finished piece. Here's a pro tip: keep an eye on your stitches as you go. If you see one that's too tight or too loose, fix it before you move on. Your future self will thank you.

With these tips, you're well on your way to mastering the knit crochet stitch. Just remember to be patient with yourself. Like any new skill, crocheting takes practice. But with time, you'll be cranking out beautiful knit crochet stitch pieces like a pro.

5. Finish Your Work

And just like that, you're at the finish line! Now that you've built a solid foundation of knit crochet stitches, it's time to wrap things up. Let's learn how to secure your work and give it a polished finish.

Secure the Last Stitch

When you've crocheted your final knit stitch, you'll need to secure the last stitch to prevent your work unravelling. It's simple: cut the yarn, leaving a tail of about 6 inches. Pull the end of the yarn through the loop on your hook, and tighten it. Now, give yourself a pat on the back—you've just secured your last stitch!

Weave in the Ends

Those yarn tails hanging from your work? They need to be woven in. This step gives your piece a clean, finished look. Thread the yarn tail onto a yarn needle and weave it in and out of your stitches. Make sure to weave it in different directions to secure it. Then, trim any excess yarn. Voila! You've just given your knit crochet stitch work a professional finish.

Mastering the knit crochet stitch may seem daunting at first, but with these step-by-step instructions, you're well on your way to becoming a crochet whiz. Remember, practice makes perfect. So, grab your crochet hook and let's get stitching!

If you enjoyed learning about the knit stitch in crochet and want to expand your knowledge of traditional hand embroidery techniques, don't miss the workshop 'Creative Ways to Use Traditional Hand Embroidery Techniques' by Irem Yazici. This workshop will teach you how to incorporate creative and innovative ideas into your hand embroidery projects, taking your skills to new heights.