Matching styles, two different crafts—because you shouldn’t have to pick just one!
If you’ve ever looked at a gorgeous crochet design and thought, “I wish there was a knit version of that,” (or vice versa!)—you’re in the right place. These knit and crochet versions of the same pattern are what I like to call BiCrafty Pattern Pairs. Designed by yours truly, they give both knitters and crocheters the chance to create the same vibe with their craft of choice. 🙌
Whether you’re a BiCrafty maker or you just want matching looks across both needles and hooks, these patterns are here to deliver style, drape, and cozy feels for everyone. Let’s take a look at some of my favorite matching knit and crochet patterns that prove yarn love is universal 💖
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❤️ Why Marly Creates Knit and Crochet Versions of Her Designs
Because I’m BiCrafty—and I know so many of you are, too! I’ve learned that some days, I feel like knitting. Other days? I reach for my hook. And I never want to feel limited by the craft—I want the freedom to make what I want, how I want.
Creating knit and crochet versions of the same pattern gives everyone the choice. Whether you’re in a knitting groove or on a crochet kick, you can enjoy the same style without missing out. And if you’re new to one of the crafts, these matching patterns are a great way to learn something new while working on a shape or design you already know.
🧵 What’s the Difference Between Knitting and Crocheting?
At a glance, both crafts use yarn to make fabric—but the tools and techniques are different:
- 🧶 Crochet: Uses a single hook. You work one active loop at a time.
- 🧵 Knitting: Uses two needles. You keep multiple live stitches on the needles at once.
Both crafts have their own flow, texture, and rhythm—and they each bring something special to your handmade wardrobe!
🧠 Can Crochet Be Made to Look Like Knitting?
Yes! With the waistcoat stitch (also called the split single crochet), crochet can mimic the look of knit stockinette stitch. It’s worked by inserting your hook between the legs of the stitch instead of under the top loops, giving it a clean “V” texture just like knitting.
You’ll often see this stitch used in colorwork crochet or when a knit-like look is needed in a crochet pattern—and it’s super satisfying!
🔄 Converting Between Knitting and Crochet Patterns
If you’ve ever wondered if a knit pattern can be converted to crochet (or the other way around), the answer is: yes—but with some adjustments.
Here’s what to consider:
- 🧶 Gauge and Fabric: Crochet is often thicker and less stretchy than knit fabric. You’ll likely need to go up in hook size or adjust stitch count.
- 🔁 Stitch Translation: There’s no 1:1 swap for most stitches. For example, stockinette in knitting might become single crochet or the waistcoat stitch in crochet.
- 📏 Shape and Drape: Some shapes convert better than others. Rectangles and simple construction are easiest to adapt.
- 🧵 Textures & Techniques: Cables, lace, and motifs all look different between crafts. Embrace the unique qualities of each!
If you’re BiCrafty, you’ll start to recognize which patterns could translate—and which are best kept in their original form. Or, let me do the work for you by using my pre-designed matching knit and crochet versions. 😉
🚬 Which Is Prettier—Knitting or Crocheting?
Trick question! It totally depends on the project, stitch pattern, and yarn you’re using. Knitting tends to give a finer, more fluid fabric—perfect for drapey garments. Crochet brings structure and texture like nobody’s business. One isn’t better than the other—they’re just different kinds of beautiful. 👩💄
Here is an example of a knit armadillo and a crochet armadillo. Both are cute as can…choosing which is your favorite is impossible!
🙈 Are There Any Superstitions About Knitting or Crochet?
Oh yes! Makers are a superstitious bunch sometimes. Here are a few popular ones:
- 🧦 Don’t knit socks for your partner unless you want them to walk out of your life! 😅
- 💍 Crocheting your wedding dress? Some believe it can bring good luck—others say the dressmaker won’t marry.
- 🧵 Dropping a stitch or undoing your work can be a sign that you’re not supposed to give that item to someone (yep, spooky!).
Take it all with a grain of salt and a big ol’ mug of coffee, friend. What are some superstitions about knitting or crochet you’ve learned?
🧶 Is There a Yarn Preference for Knitting vs. Crocheting?
Yarn is yarn—but how it behaves in your hands? That depends on the project and the technique.
- 🧵 Knitting: Shows off drape and smoothness, so it loves wool, alpaca, and silk blends.
- 🧶 Crochet: Uses more yarn (on average) and creates denser fabric, so lightweight fibers like cotton or bamboo can be your best friend for warmer-weather pieces. But don’t underestimate the value of a nice dk weight yarn for crochet!
When I’m designing for both crafts, I choose yarns that work well in both knit and crochet—and you’ll always see that info in my pattern notes.
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🧦 Matching Knit and Crochet Look-alike Patterns You’ll Love
I’ve designed these projects to give both knitters and crocheters something beautiful to make—with the same overall style and silhouette. Whether you prefer hooks or needles, these BiCrafty pattern pairs offer matching vibes for makers who love to switch it up. Some are part of full workshops, others are available as PDFs or free patterns!
Here are 16 BiCrafty pattern pairs to explore: Click the image to view the pattern…
1. You Are Valued Crochet Cocoon Cardigan & Know Your Worth Knit Cocoon Cardigan
Two names, same message: you matter. These cozy cocoon cardigans are designed to make you feel wrapped in worth.
2. Creekside Crochet Ruana & Sycamore Knit Ruana
Inspired by autumn walks and cozy weekends, these ruanas are BIG on drape and style.
Creekside Crochet Ruana
3. Spectrum Stitch Crochet Swoncho & Prism Path Knit Swoncho
Your ultimate statement pieces—same bold silhouette, two different yarn journeys.
Spectrum Stitch Crochet Swoncho
4. Autumn Breezes Crochet Hat & Falling Leaves Knit Hat
A seasonal staple in both versions—lightweight mosaic designs with texture and charm.
Autumn Breezes Mosaic Crochet Hat
Falling Leaves Mosaic Knit Hat
5. Celebration Crochet Hat & Jubilee Knit Hat
Fun, festive, and perfect for gifting—these hats bring party vibes no matter your craft.
6. Mosaic Madness Crochet Scarf & Mosaic Madness Knit Scarf
Matching stitch patterns across crafts! This set is great for practicing colorwork techniques.
7. Woobie Crochet Poncho & Woobie Knit Poncho
Oversized comfort meets stylish texture in both versions of this popular poncho.
8. Mountain Mist Crochet Poncho & Great Falls Knit Poncho
Inspired by nature, designed for coziness—these ponchos are ideal for transitional weather.
Final Thoughts from Your BiCrafty Bestie 💕
Knitting or crochet? Why not both! I’m here for the makers who bounce between crafts, who love a good challenge, and who want their creative freedom to come with options.
Whether you’re making the You Are Valued Cocoon Cardigan or its sister pattern Know Your Worth, just know that you are welcome, supported, and celebrated here—no matter what tool is in your hand.
Want more BiCrafty content? Make sure you’re subscribed to the Marly Bird newsletter and check out the full BiCrafty Collection inside the Marly Bird House. 📋💖
❤️ Your BiCrafty Bestie,
Marly Bird
Frequently Asked Questions
What are BiCrafty Pattern Pairs?
BiCrafty Pattern Pairs are knit and crochet patterns that are designed to look like each other… you get both a knit version and a crochet version of the same accessory or garment. This is uniquely Marly’s specialty as the BiCrafty Bestie who designs for both crafts! It means if you’re in a knitting group and a crochet group, everyone can make the “same” hat or cowl in their preferred craft and the finished pieces coordinate beautifully. It celebrates the fact that both crafts can achieve similar looks through very different techniques.
Why is making look-alike knit and crochet patterns harder than it sounds?
Because the two crafts create fabric very differently! Knit fabric is stretchy and drapes one way; crochet fabric is less stretchy and drapes differently. A pattern that works structurally in one craft often doesn’t translate directly to the other. Creating true look-alikes requires designing each version from scratch with the craft’s specific properties in mind, then checking that they actually coordinate when worn side by side. It’s a design challenge that Marly specifically embraces as part of her BiCrafty mission.
Are the knit and crochet versions worked in the same yarn?
Often yes! Using the same yarn in both versions creates the most visually coordinated look-alike pair. The yarn weight and color being identical helps the two pieces read as a matched set even though the construction is different. Sometimes the stitch pattern requires slightly different yarn characteristics for each craft (a very elastic yarn for the knit version’s ribbing vs. a smoother yarn for the crochet version), but the pairing is designed so that both versions can use the same yarn successfully.
Which version should I make if I do both knitting and crochet?
Whichever you feel like making today! That’s genuinely the answer. The BiCrafty philosophy is that you shouldn’t have to choose… your mood, your available time, the specific yarn you want to use, what you feel like practicing… all of those are valid factors in choosing which craft to pick up. Some BiCrafty makers even make both versions of the same pair… one for themselves and one as a gift, or two versions to compare how the fabrics differ. The freedom to choose is the whole point.
Are all Marly Bird patterns available in both knit and crochet versions?
Not all, but BiCrafty pairs are a priority for Marly’s design work! Where it makes sense (accessories, garments, certain home goods), she tries to provide both options. Some patterns are craft-specific by nature (amigurumi is primarily a crochet thing; certain cables are unique to knitting). The BiCrafty Pattern Pairs collection specifically highlights the designs where she’s successfully created look-alike versions in both crafts. Check this collection for the pairs that are available and watch for new BiCrafty additions as Marly continues designing.
