Have you noticed a recent increase in knit and crochet combo patterns? I have started to see more designs popping up on Instagram and Ravelry that combine both crafts, and I don’t mind at all! I think it’s a yarn trend for this year, and I am here for it. I’m ready and willing to give it a go! In fact, I have a granny square sweater on my needles as I type. Eek!
Knit & Crochet Combo Patterns Together
Patterns that combine knitting and crochet have been around for ages. Looking through my collection of vintage crochet books, it is definitely not new. In those books, the focus is obviously crochet, but they are often finished with knitted ribbing. Maybe that’s because more makers were multi-crafted a few decades ago. Perhaps it’s because crochet ribbing wasn’t up to scratch, which isn’t the case today (no old-school crochet dictionaries that I own show half the crochet ribbing stitches you see in patterns today, and I own a lot of crochet stitch dictionaries!).
Many new makers who learned knitting and crochet during lockdown might still be exploring the first crafts they picked up. I wonder if now is the time crafters are taking the next step and picking up the hook, now that they’ve mastered the needles, and vice versa?
What feels new is the merging of the two crafts within the same design. It is becoming popular again, and this time it is more of an intentional design choice. Knit & Crochet combo patterns are on my radar. Are they on yours?
Through research on Ravelry, Pinterest and the internet in general, I have spotted a few excellent designs for knit & crochet combo patterns. It’s fantastic to see knitwear designers embracing crochet, and I think that’s part of the resurgence. Crochet has become cool and is way more appreciated as a craft in its own right.
What’s interesting with the latest knit/crochet combination designs is that neither one is always the star of the show. In these dual craft combos, there is an equal mix in that it isn’t always crochet with the knitted ribbing, or knitting with a lace crochet edging. I love that those designs exist, but a lot of recent mixed patterns feature granny squares sharing a space with knitted stitches, for example. This is cause for a happy crafter to celebrate! I absolutely love a granny square, but if you don’t, there are other cro-knit /knit-chet (?!) patterns for you too.
Learning New Knitting & Crochet Skills
One of the things that has won me over about combining knitting and crochet in one pattern is that it provides the opportunity to learn new skills. It keeps it in the yarny sphere, so nothing is entirely alien, but it also offers the building blocks for new techniques. It’s super exciting, and that’s coming from someone who grew up with both.
For some reason, as an adult, I travelled on the path of crochet (despite struggling to learn it when I was little). I abandoned knitting as a teenager and forgot most of the skills that my Nanna taught me. Slowly but surely, I am ready to pick up two needles again. Under my belt, I have the basics, but I want more. A way for me to do this comfortably is to incorporate learning how to knit into my crochet.
I am hoping to learn about the differences in gauge and yarn consumption. And I’m expecting to learn from my mistakes – hello dropped stitches! There will, no doubt, be some surprises, and I’m looking forward to that. I am curious about short rows, and picking up stitches from crochet to then start knitting ribbing. So far so good. I remember picking up stitches before!
Hopefully, I will share more of my own adventures soon enough, but for now, let’s take a look at examples of the knit & crochet combo patterns there are…
Patterns That Combine Knitting & Crochet Stitches
I’ve compiled a few patterns combining knitting and crochet below. However, you may also wish to take a look at the Ravelry Bundle for Knit & crochet combo patterns here. There are more fabulous designs in the bundle. However, if you know of any other gooduns, please let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear from you.
Granny Squares in Knitting
I’m grouping some granny square patterns together because knitting designs that incorporate granny clusters are riding high. Granny squares are a popular beginner project for new crocheters, so it makes sense that they’re a bit of a gateway drug for folks who are already expert knitters.
Bubble Pop Wrist Warmers
First up, here we have the Bubble Pop Wrist Warmers by Jen Yard. This pattern made me do a double-take, crikey, I am in love! Jen is known as Everything Shapes Us on Instagram and is a queen when it comes to stash-busting and yarn scraps. These wrist warmers feature dainty little granny squares surrounded by stockinette stitch. The bobbles are worked using a crochet hook.
I plan on making these one day. I have already made a pair that is 100% crochet (eyeballed it), but I think I can stretch my knitting skills for these beauties.
The Geddy Tee
Tanis Lavallee of Tanis Fibre Arts is clearly having a fabulous time with granny squares at the moment with three knit & crochet combo patterns. First came Fleetwood, followed by Jethro. This is the Geddy Tee, which creatively uses granny squares within the saddle shoulder.
I really enjoyed Tanis’s podcast episode where she talked about designing with granny squares. She hits the nail on the head. It’s called Mixing Crochet and Knit in one Garment.
Ariana Crochet (and Knit!) Cardigan
Ariana, by Amy Christoffers, is the source of inspiration for my current knit/crochet project. I am making a jumper version of the Ariana Cardigan and have already completed and joined all my granny squares. Earlier today, I picked up the stitches around the waistband to try knitting the ribbing instead of my usual crochet ribbing. I’d be faster at crochet, but like I said, I want to improve my knitting skills.
This granny square cardi has nearly 1000 projects on Ravelry. Wow!
Prairie Skies Sweater
Ooh la la, just look at the Prairie Skies sweater!! It’s a gorgeous mix of a granny square yoke and stockinette stitch for the main body. I want to make this so I can learn how to knit short rows.
This amazing crochet/knit pattern is by Imke Von Nathusius and featured in Pom Pom Quarterly. It is also available to purchase on its own. I reeaaally want to make this, and it has been in my Ravelry favourites since its release in 2023.
Knitting With Crochet Edging
The Adventure Bandana
With 90% of the knitting population making a Sophie Scarf or ten, it isn’t surprising to see similar scarf patterns popping up in knitting and crochet designs. I have been making the same Sophie Shawl for about three years, and nearly finished. Once I’m done, I’d love to give this knitting pattern a try. Pictured below is the Adventure Bandana by Jodi Brown of the Grocery Girls.
The options for different crochet edgings are fab, they all look brilliant and super achievable if crochet is new to you. I am the other way around, it’s knitting that I’m not so good at, but this pattern? I could totally make this!
The One That I Want Crop
The One That I Want Crop by Lily Kate France features dainty crochet lace as edging on this knitted vest.
Fun fact, I remember when Lily was asking how to measure “nip to nip” when designing this top. Turns out the proper term is “apex”. Whatever the term, the construction of this pretty vest is impressive. This is a pattern for those with more knitting and garment-making experience, but once I’m down the road a bit, yep, I’d make this!
Other Knit & Crochet Combo Patterns
The cute 373 cardigan is by Pierrot Yarns, a company that makes lots of knitting and crochet patterns, including several that combine both crafts. This one is for crocheters who are happy to knit a small section to elevate this delicate design. This is super wearable and I need to make one, one day.
Where does one person find the time to make everything they fall in love with?!
Link Tee
A crochet yoke with knitted body; this kind of combo design works really well. The Link Tee, by Tomomo Yoshimoto is modern and very wearable indeed. It highlights the best of both knitting and crochet without either overshadowing the other. It has a structural elegance that only both can provide. Loves it!
Anemone – Knit & Crochet Pullover
Ooh, pretty sleeves!! I have no words for the Anemone pullover by Marie Walling. It’s just so pretty.
I have chosen this Marie Wallin design as my last picture to share with you, as Marie is a prolific knitwear designer. In amongst her catalogue is a collection of knit and crochet combo patterns. Anemone is one of my favourites, but there are several that cover all seasons. This one is beautiful and summery, but Marie has also designed a winter collection too.
Want More Knit & Crochet Combo Patterns?
Don’t forget to take a look at the Ravelry bundle that has some of my favourite patterns that combine knitting and crochet. I would love to add more too, so if you know any that look completely amazing, please do let me know.
Honestly, I swear this is a new trend that we’ll see more of over the coming year or two. As crochet becomes more popular amongst knitters and in the crafting community in general, it only seems like a natural direction for designers to explore.
What do you think? Am I barking up the wrong hook? Let me know what you think!
Cheers. x
Combining crochet and knitting is a great idea. Something I’ve been doing for decades. What do you know, I’m in style. I really like all the different ways of combing both stitches that the various artists used. Some I never even thought of doing. I recently knit a cardigan and stopped at the sleeves. I’ve been procrastinating doing the sleeves. During the procrastination period, I was thinking of doing them in crochet. Now, that idea doesn’t seem so odd. Thank you . You are an innovative artist and I really love your work.
Ooh yay! That’s great đź‘Ť I’m doing knit rib on my granny jumper and really enjoying it so far! X