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In the Studio with Joyce Renee Wyatt
by L'Tanya Durante

Why should knitters have all the fun?

That is the question designer and instructor Joyce Renee Wyatt asked herself back in 1995; a question that has since become her motto. “I became interested in converting knit patterns to crochet when I was asked by Gloria Tracy to design a knitted vest for Cascade Yarns in 1995. I thought to myself, “Why should knitters have all the fun? I should be able to design a crochet version as well,” explains Joyce.

“Both designs were accepted and published in the 'Bests in Vests from Coast to Coast' in 1995. I wrote the instructions for the cardigan and pullover vest in both knit and crochet. The design concept was inspired by using African print fabric in black, burgundy, and gold. The knitted vest used the stockinette stitch and the crocheted vest used the single crochet stitch.”

Joyce learned to knit and crochet when she was nine years old. She believes that God has blessed her with the gifts of both knitting and crochet. She is a CYCA Certified Instructor in both knit and crochet and has designed for numerous yarn companies and publications. Her most current designs can be found in “Donna Kooler’s Crocheted Afghans”, “100 Hats to Knit and Crochet” and “100 Crochet Projects”, both published by Jean Leinhauser and Rita Weiss.

There are several principles to consider when converting knit stitch patterns to crochet, like substituting yarns and matching gauges.

According to From Needles to Hook: Complete Guide to Converting Knit Patterns to Crochet, “Using the same type of yarn and the same stitch gauge, knitted stitches will be softer and less bulky than crocheted stitches, so it is best to use a size or two smaller yarn for the crocheted piece.”

In order to take the guesswork out of making these decisions, Joyce developed the following chart of suggested sizes of crochet hooks, knitting needles, and the gauges for the different types of yarn.

Types of Yarn	Crochet Hooks	Knitting Needles	Approx. Gauges
Fingering weight	B, C, D	1, 2, 3	7-9 sts = 1 inch
Sport weight	E, F	4, 5	5-1/2 - 6-1/2 sts = 1 inch
Worsted weight	G, H, I	6, 7, 8, 9	4-5 sts = 1 inch
Bulky weight	J, K	10, 10-1/2, 11	3 - 3-1/2 sts = 1 inch
Super bulky weight	L, M, N	13, 15	2 - 2-1/2 sts = 1 inch

Another important key to converting knit to crochet is determining which crochet stitches can best be substituted for knit stitches.

Examples of some knit/crochet twins are:

K1, p1 ribbing = Single crochet in the back loop
K2, p2 ribbing = 2 Fpdc (front post double crochet), 2 Bpdc (back post double crochet)
Stockinette stitch fabric = Single crochet, double crochet, or treble crochet fabric.

While gauge swatching tends to be met with groans from crafters, no one can underestimate its value, especially when converting knit patterns to crochet. Knitting and crocheting will have different gauges; it takes more yarn to make a crochet stitch than a knitted one. So no crafter’s prep work is complete without the all-important gauge swatch. According to Joyce, “It’s best to make swatches in both knit and crochet of the desired stitch such as cables, lace, slip stitch knitting, intarsia and etc. When knitting a worsted weight swatch, you would crochet that same stitch pattern with a sport/dk weight. A worsted weight crochet swatch would resemble a knitted chunky or bulky weight watch.”

Gauge has been determined. Check.

Swatches have been completed. Check.

Next? Working in pattern.

Enter crochetmorphosis – a term Joyce coined to describe her work in converting knit patterns to crochet.

If the process of re-writing knit patterns seems daunting, Joyce suggests starting with simple stitches and basic patterns. “I re-write a basic knit pattern and make a test garment to ensure that all calculations are correct. Afterwards, I can then incorporate crochet stitch patterns. Since I’m a lazy knitter/crocheter, I tend to stay with very basic, uncomplicated stitch patterns," she explains.

While books and charts work well for some, others find hands-on instruction an invaluable learning tool. Still others find hands-on instruction aboard a cruise to Mexico to be a dream come true. Joyce will be teaching her Crochetmorphosis class aboard a 10-day cruise to the Mexican Riviera Sea of Cortez from April 15 – April 25, 2008. Students can learn how to convert a basic sweater pattern into crochet and will receive detailed handouts and a basic drop shoulder pattern, which includes multiple gauges and sizes. For more information, visit Craft Cruises.

If you’ve ever seen a knitted sweater pattern and said, “I would like to crochet that sweater,” it is worth learning the principles involved in converting knit to crochet; principles Joyce Renee Wyatt has mastered and enjoys sharing. Since 1999, Joyce has taught for CGOA, TKGA, TNNA, Stitches Expos, local knitting/crochet guilds, and similar venues.

“I love to adapt knitting techniques into crochet. My motto, “Why should knitters have all the fun? If I can knit it, I will figure out a way to crochet it!”

The following references can get you started on your crochetmorphosis journey:

“The Knitter’s Companion” by Vicki Square and “The Crocheter’s Companion” by Nancy Brown both published by Interweave Press.
"The Knitter's Book of Finishing Techniques" and "The Essential Book of Crochet Techniques" both by Nancie Wiseman, published by Martingale & Company.
"From Needles to Hook" and "From Knit to Crochet" published by The Needlecraft Shop

L'Tanya is the Publisher/Editor of Black Purl Magazine.
She enjoys all things ethnic and crafty and
juggles her time between her two boys, husband, cat and her needlework.

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