How do I turn a knitting pattern into a crochet pattern?

Question

I found a pattern that I really want to make, but it's knitted and I don't know how to do that. I can crochet, and I know there is a way to translate Kintting patterns into crochet patterns. Help!

Answer 1

Most knitting patterns give you the overall measurements. As one of the answers already provided here stated, you can crochet to meet those measurements, but because crochet is a bit heavier, you will not get the same type of drape UNLESS you use a larger crochet hook and/or thinner fiber. Playing around with swatches will give you a good idea of what combination to use. There is a book out on this called "Knit to Crochet," Reg $19.95, currently on sale at AnniesAttic for $7.95 (See it here: http://www.anniesattic.com/crochet/detail.html?prod_id=17180)

As for recreating the "knit" look -- there are two techniques you can look into. First, the most well known, would be the Tunisian/afghan technique. This is done with a long crochet hook that has a "stopper" on the end. If you'll be utilizing many loops at a time, I highly recommend in investing in the hooks that have the cables. This will reduce strain on your hand/wrist (I learned this the hard way by spraining my thumb due to the excess weight held on the hook!). Once you've mastered the Tunisian technique, learn the "knit" and "purl" stitches ... and remember to soften the drape, use a large hook! (To learn more about Tunisian, check out the book "101 Easy Tunisian Stitches," reg 14.95, currently on sale at Annies for $10.95. (See it here: http://www.anniesattic.com/crochet/detail.html?prod_id=14871)

The other technique, not as well known, is one that doesn't just mimic the knit stitches, as Tunisian does, but rather creates TRUE knit stitches -- all with a crochet hook! I discovered the technique a few months back and JUST love it!!! ... it's called "The Amazing Needle" ... and there's only one place you can purchase it: http://www.amazingyarn.com. (If memory serves me correctly, they do give CGOA members a discount; if you're not a member but want to learn more about the organization then visit http://www.crochet.org) With each hook you purchase it includes the "how to instructions" ... be sure to ask for the "knit" instructions.

I hope this helps,
~Dee Stanziano
CYCA Certified Crochet Teacher

Answer 2

A crocheted garment will never be the same as a knit one because of the difference in drape. But if you want to try and the pattern has a "schematic" showing the size & shapes of the garment pieces, you could enlarge those onto freezer paper (I use a 1" cutting board grid under the freezer paper) and then crochet pieces to match by holding your work against the "schematic" to determine if it's going to be the same size. Hopefully, the pattern you want to make is a simple one. I've taken photos of crocheted sweaters and knit similar ones. I like knitting better for something I'm going to wear (sweaters, hats, scarves) and crocheting for things like afghans, puppets, & some vests.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y277/jdevlin48362/megan_pink_sweater_05.jpg .. Crocheted sweater.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y277/jdevlin48362/megan_sweater3.jpg .. my knitted version

Answer 3

It will be very hard or impossible to use a knitting pattern in crochet. Because the textile you make has a different stretch, so all sizes in your piece will be off.

There are two options for you, learn to knit or look for a like pattern in crochet.

Answer 4

There's plenty of websites out there that will assist you in converting a knit pattern to crochet: