One of my favorite things about crochet is how many textures it can create, including ones that look remarkably like knitting. If you love the clean, stretchy look of knit ribbing but prefer a hook, these crochet ribbing stitches are for you. They are simple to learn and give scarves, hats, and cuffs a polished, knit-look finish.
How Crochet Ribbing Works
Most crochet ribbing is made by working into only one loop of each stitch. Working through the back loop leaves the front loop unworked on the surface, and that leftover loop forms a ridge. Row after row, the ridges line up into vertical ribs that look and stretch much like knitting.
Ribbing is often worked sideways: you make a short row the height of the band, then work row after row until the band is as long as you need. That way the ridges run vertically, just like knit ribbing.
Single Crochet Through the Back Loop (sc tbl)
Work a regular single crochet, but insert your hook under the back loop only. Worked back and forth in rows, it creates a firm, ridged fabric that is perfect for cuffs and brims.
Slip Stitch Ribbing
Slip stitches worked through the back loop create a very fine, very stretchy rib that is one of the most knit-like crochet textures you can make. It is slower to work because slip stitches are so short, but the result is beautifully elastic.
Half Double Crochet Through the Back Loop (hdc tbl)
Half double crochet through the back loop creates a taller, squishier rib that works up faster than single crochet. It is a lovely choice for chunky scarves and cozy hat brims.
The Waistcoat Stitch: Crochet That Looks Like Stockinette
If you want the look of knit stockinette rather than ribbing, try the waistcoat stitch, sometimes called the crochet knit stitch. Instead of working into the top loops, you insert your hook through the center of the V formed by the stitch below. Worked in the round, it creates rows of little Vs that look just like knitting.
Tips for Knit-Look Crochet
- Keep your tension relaxed. Back loop and waistcoat stitches can get tight, so try going up a hook size if your fabric feels stiff.
- Mark the first stitch of each row. Ribbing edges are easy to lose, and a marker keeps your rows even.
- Count your rows, not just your length. Bands look neatest when every rib has the same number of rows.
- Use a smooth yarn. It shows off the ribbed texture best.
Crochet Patterns With a Knit-Like Look
The Haven Scarf Crochet Pattern features two kinds of ribbing, a thicker rib through the body and finer ribbing at the ends, for a polished knit-like look that is actually crocheted. The Halston Scarf Crochet Pattern is a beginner pattern with a cozy ribbed texture that resembles knit stitches.
New to crochet? Start with our guide to the crochet magic ring, or read about adding surface crochet to knitwear. Our Dictionary explains abbreviations, and our Help page is here for pattern questions.
Happy crocheting! x, S
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make crochet look like knitting?
Working through the back loop creates knit-like ribs, and the waistcoat stitch creates rows of Vs that look like stockinette.
Is crochet ribbing stretchy?
Yes, especially slip stitch ribbing and single crochet through the back loop when worked sideways.
What is the waistcoat stitch?
A single crochet worked through the center of the V of the stitch below. Worked in the round, it looks like knit stockinette.
Why is my back loop crochet so tight?
Working into one loop can tighten your tension. Relax your grip or try a larger hook.