I love how adventurous and versatile crochet is – there’s always something new to learn, and readers who are quick to ask for video tutorials for those things! And one thing I’ve gotten a lot of requests for is a special stitch that looks a whole lot like knitted stockinette, known as Center Single Crochet, sometimes called the Waistcoat Stitch!
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links.
How to Crochet the Center Single Crochet Right Handed
How to Crochet the Center Single Crochet Left Handed
As Seen in this Video (Click for more info!):
- Clover Amour L/8.0 mm hook
- Lion Brand Landscapes (100% acrylic; Aran/10 ply; 147 yards/134 meters; 3.53 ounces; Colorway: Boardwalk)
The secret to success with the center single crochet or waistcoat stitch is to keep a relaxed tension – this means a bigger hook than normal, and don’t pull your stitches too tight! Because you are working down into the body of the stitch, each stitch will be a bit thicker, and you need to leave yourself space to work. It also helps to use a pointier hook!
It can take some practice, but the center single crochet creates a lovely fabric with the look of knitting, and the solidity of crochet! Perfect for potholders, hotpads, and thick warm hats, or go up a few more hook sizes and you could make a lovely scarf or accessory! It’s fun to play with.
And you can use this technique with double crochet as well – check out the Center Double Crochet tutorial here on Moogly for more info! I hope you’ve enjoyed this tutorial – thanks for watching!
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Carol
I don’t think I knew this one before, so thank you for a new stitch which looks pretty useful (and pretty – and I love that yarn).
Tamara Kelly
🙂 Thank you!
Lia
Thank you, just the richt stitch to make my new coat !,
Tamara Kelly
😀 So glad you like it!
Pat
Love your videos. Clear and easily understood. My best friend taught a young family member to crochet despite her being right-handed and her student left-handed. I let her know about your great lefty vids as an aid for her student.
Tamara Kelly
Thank you so much Pat! 🙂
Diane
Never saw this one before. How do you start it though? Do you start from a chain with a regular sc first??
Great tutorial 🙂
Tamara Kelly
Thank you! Yes, the first row is just regular single crochet! 🙂
Laurel Abraham
Great video. I have tried this stitch, and had good results, with one exception, the end and beginning of the rows. Also increases and decreases (I was making a pair of slippers). Could you include these items in another video? Thank you for all the great work and videos.
Tamara Kelly
Thank you Laurel! I’ll add it to my to do list! 🙂
Jennifer
I love finding new things — I first heard of split single crochet yesterday – after 37 years of crocheting. I wonder if you have any patterns using this stitch. I have found in my “swatching” that this stitch is much more impactful in the round. Commenting because I like giving you feedback.
Tamara Kelly
Hi Jennifer! I’m afraid I don’t have any patterns using this stitch myself – it’s a time consuming one!
Jennifer
Yes – and I’m guessing a real yarn eater. I am going to make a “town bag” for me to put all the stuff in last minute as I go out the door. I am first going to use it for some denim bag handles – instead of slip stitch, which would really be tedious.
Patricia
Hi i understand how to do the waistcoat stitch but how do i do a treble waistcoat stitch?
Tamara Kelly
I can’t say I’ve seen it – but I’d imagine it’s much the same as a dc waistcoat st: https://www.mooglyblog.com/center-double-crochet/