We have collated a collection of our favourite knitting stitches, along with images and instructions for knitting the swatches both flat and in the round (if possible). These are perfect for a beginner knitter wanting to expand their skill set or even an advanced knitter looking to add another stitch to their library. Don't forget to play around with colour, texture and scale. Experimenting with these can transform the appearance of the stitch and create truly unique results!
Abbreviations:
RS - Right side
WS - Wrong side
K - Knit
P - Purl
YF - Yarn forward
K2TOG - Knit two together
SL1 - Slip 1 stitch from left to right needle, purlwise
Offset Eyelet Stitch
This is a beautiful stitch with plenty of negative space. Its construction method is interesting, using increase and decrease techniques to create the eyelet lace holes.
Flat
Cast on an odd number of stitches
RS: K1, [YF, K2TOG] repeat [] until end of row
WS: Purl
RS: [YF, K2TOG], repeat [] until 1 stitch remains, K1
WS: Purl
Repeat these 4 rows until desired length
Broken Rib Stitch
This is such a fun variation on a classic rib! It is a super simple stitch to learn, with only a two-row repeat.
Flat Cast on an odd number of stitches
RS: Knit
WS: P1, [K1 P1], repeat [] until end of row
Repeat the last 2 rows until desired length
In the round
Cast on an even amount of stitches
Round 1: Knit
Round 2: [K1, P1], repeat [] until end of row
Repeat the last 2 rows until desired length
Drop Stitch
The wrapping technique creates elongated knit stitches, resulting in a looser, more open fabric with plenty of squish.
Flat
Cast on any number of stitches
Row 1: Knit
Row 2: Purl
Row 3: Knit each stitch as usual, but wrap your yarn twice around the needle
Row 4: Purl each stitch as usual, but drop the extra wrap as you finish purling the stitch
Repeat rows 1-4 until desired length
In the round
Work the same as flat, but knit the purl rows.
Double Stockinette
So squishy! I love the look of stockinette but get frustrated with the edges rolling or curling. This stitch solves that, and you get double-sided fabric. The downside is that it is a very time-consuming stitch, as you are essentially working each 'row' twice.
Flat
Cast on an even amount of stitches
[K1, SL1 with the yarn in front] until end of row
Repeat last row until desired length
In the round
Cast on an even amount of stitches
Round 1: [SL1 with the yarn in front, K1] until end of row
Round 2: [P1, SL1 with the yarn in back] until end of row
Repeat last 2 rounds until desired length.
Moss stitch
The structure of knit and purl stitches in this fabric creates a dense, textured knit.
Flat
Cast on an even amount of stitches
Row 1 + 2: [K1, P1], repeat [] until end of row
Row 3 & 4: [P1, K1], repeat [] until end of row
Repeat the last 4 rows until desired length
In the round
Cast on an even amount of stitches
Round 1 & 2: [K1, P1], repeat [] until end of round
Round 3 & 4: [P1, K1], repeat [] until end of round
Repeat the last 4 round until desired length
What was your favourite stitch? I would love to see if you try any of these stitches. Tag us on Instagram @craftyllama Happy knitting, Rosie x