Waistcoat Stitch: Hook Placement and Tension Tips

Waistcoat stitch is commonly worked as single crochet through the centre of the stitch below. The insertion point creates a stacked V, but it can become difficult when tension is tight.

Find the centre of the V

Look at the front of the next stitch and insert between its two vertical legs, through to the back. Do not work under the usual top loops unless the pattern says so. A light, solid yarn makes the structure easiest to learn.

Make room on the previous round

The next round must pass through the stitches you are making now. Keep the single crochets slightly taller and more relaxed than usual. If you have to force the hook, enlarge the working loops or test a larger hook.

Track shaping carefully

The stacked appearance makes increases and decreases visible. Mark the beginning of each round and follow the pattern's placement. In colourwork, keep carried strands relaxed behind the fabric so they do not narrow the circumference.

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