Crochet Knit Stitch

If you love the look of knitting but would rather keep a crochet hook in your hands, the Crochet Knit Stitch is a lovely one to try. Alternating rows of half double crochet with back loop slip stitches creates neat horizontal ridges that give the fabric a knitted, garter stitch appearance.

The pattern itself is wonderfully simple, using just a two row repeat. The slip stitch rows add definition between the half double crochet rows while also creating a dense, structured fabric.

About the Crochet Knit Stitch

The Crochet Knit Stitch is worked by alternating half double crochet rows with back loop slip stitch rows. Working the slip stitches through the back loops leaves the front loops visible across the surface, producing the distinctive horizontal lines.

Those ridges are what give this crochet fabric its knitted character. They resemble the raised rows you see in garter stitch knitting, making this a handy stitch to know when you want a knit look effect without actually picking up knitting needles.

The pattern has a two row repeat and can be worked over any number of stitches, making it very easy to resize.

How to Crochet the Knit Stitch

Begin with a foundation chain of any number

Row 1:

Work a hdc in the 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn.

Row 2:

Ch 1, sl st BLO in each st across. Turn.

Row 3:

Ch 1, hdc in each st across (working in both loops). Turn.

Repeat:

Rep rows 2-3 for the stitch pattern.

Tips for Working Back Loop Slip Stitches

The biggest trick with this stitch is keeping the slip stitch rows relaxed. It can be tempting to pull each slip stitch snugly against the hook, but doing this makes the next half double crochet row very difficult to work. Keep the working loop slightly loose and try to make each slip stitch approximately the same size as the top of the stitch you’re working into.

If your swatch begins getting narrower even though your stitch count is correct, tight slip stitches are usually the culprit. Sneaky little things!

Why Does This Crochet Stitch Look Knitted?

Normally working a stitch through both loops hides much of the structure of the previous row. Here the slip stitches are worked through the back loops only, leaving the unused front loops sitting across the face of the fabric.

Thes exposed loops form pronounced horizontal ridges. Combined with the flatter slip stitch rows, they produce a surface reminiscent of knitted garter stitch.

The result isn’t actual knitting of course, but it gives you a convincing knit inspired texture using simple crochet techniques.

Crochet Knit Stitch FAQs

Is the Crochet Knit Stitch beginner friendly?

Yes. You only need to know how to work chains, half double crochet and slip stitches. Working into the back loop may take a little practice if you haven’t done it before but the actual pattern repeat is very easy.

Why is my crochet getting narrower?

The most likely reason is that your slip stitches are too tight. Work them loosely and check your stitch count at the end of each row to make sure you haven’t accidentally skipped the first or last stitch.

Does the turning chain count as a stitch?

No. For this particular pattern the ch 1 does not count as a stitch, so work into the first stitch at the beginning of the row.

Can I use any yarn weight?

Absolutely. The pattern can be worked with different yarn weights and appropriately sized hooks. Just remember that thicker yarn will create a heavier, more substantial fabric, while finer yarn will give you a light, draped result.