The fake knit stitch: a guide to achieving a knitted look with a crochet hook

If you love the look of knitted fabric but prefer the simplicity and flexibility of crocheting, the fake knit stitch is your perfect solution. This stitch mimics the appearance of knitting, creating a fabric that looks just like it was made with knitting needles. In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the steps to master the fake knit stitch.

  
Fabrics made using the fake knit stitch

1. Introduction to the Fake Knit Stitch

The fake knit stitch differs from the waistcoat stitch or center single crochet in that your rows are worked from top to bottom instead of left to right. This stitch also has more flexibility and stretch than the waistcoat stitch, making it a perfect option for clothing.

The crochet stitch necessary to create the fake knit stitch is the half double slip stitch. From row 2 onwards, we’ll be working into either the front loop or the back loop. Find detailed explanations with pictures for all techniques necessary below.

2. Materials Needed

Before we dive into the tutorial, gather the following materials:

• Yarn: Choose a medium-weight yarn (worsted weight) for practicing.
• Crochet Hook: Use a hook size recommended for your yarn, typically 5 mm or 5.5 mm.
• Scissors: For cutting the yarn.
• Tapestry Needle: For weaving in the ends.

3. Step-by-Step guide to Crocheting the Fake Knit Stitch

Foundation Row

1. Start with a slip knot: Make a slip knot and place it on your hook.
2. Chain stitch: Chain a number of stitches to create your foundation row – note that the length of your chain will be the height of your fabric (if you don’t increase or decrease). Add two extra chains to turn your work.

The First Row

1. Half double slip stitch: Yarn over, insert your hook into the third chain from the hook, pull your yarn through and then pull through all remaining loops to make your first half double slip stitch (HDC SL ST). Continue to HDC SL ST across the entire row.
2. Turn Your Work: Once you’ve finished your final HDC SL ST, chain two and turn your work to start the next row.

The Second Row

1. Half double slip stitch, back loop only: Yarn over, insert your hook into the back loop of the first stitch, pull your yarn through and then pull through all remaining loops – this is known as a half double crochet slip stitch in the back loop only (HDC SL ST BLO). Continue to HDC SL ST BLO across the entire row.
2. Final stitch: Once you’ve reached the last stitch, insert your hook through both loops and finish your HDC SL ST.
3. Turn Your Work: Chain two and turn your work to start the next row.

The Third Row

1. Half double slip stitch, front loop only: Yarn over, insert your hook into the front loop of the first stitch, pull your yarn through and then pull through all remaining loops – this is known as a half double crochet slip stitch in the front loop only (HDC SL ST FLO). Continue to HDC SL ST FLO across the entire row.
2. Final stitch: Once you’ve reached the last stitch, insert your hook through both loops and finish your HDC SL ST.
3. Turn Your Work: Chain two and turn your work to start the next row.

Repetition

For the rest of your project, you’re going to keep alternating between the second and the third row. This’ll leave you with a crochet project that looks like it’s been knit.

Notes

• If you ever lose track of which row you’re supposed to work on next, take a look at your fabric turned 90 degrees: if it’s facing the front side, you’ll need to repeat the second row (so, HDC SL ST BLO), and if it’s facing the back, crochet the third row (so, HDC SL ST FLO). See examples below, the front side is pictures on the left, and the back on the right. On the front side, you can clearly see little V's characteristic of knitted fabric.  

• Keep repeating rows until you’ve reached a length you’re happy with. If your last row is the second row (HDC SL ST BLO), that’s fine – this stitch doesn’t require you to finish on the third row.
• If you’d prefer to see a video explaining the stitch, click here to find a short reel I made.

The yarn I used for this tutorial is DROPS Paris – DROPS is an international brand which is available almost everywhere. It has some great quality yarns (this one is 100% cotton) and it's pretty affordable, so if you're practicing crochet, I'd definitely recommend it. If you're based in the Netherlands, you can easily order it via Breiwebshop.