Favourite Knitting Stitches

The knitting stitches below are great because they are made up of only 4-6 rows making them easy to memorize after a couple rounds. Some stitch patterns are in the range of 18 rows or more - beautiful but you need to pay attention. Once you know the basic knit stitches - knit, purl, slip stitches and yarn overs, then there are hundreds of knitting stitch patterns based on combinations of these that you can use to knit unique scarves, blankets, shawls, even hats and socks. See Knitting Stitches Books If you like to do practice squares, consider making them 8" X 8" and sending them to Africa where they'll be made into blankets for AIDs orphans. For more information see
Knit a Square.

Knitting Abbreviations
K=Knit, K1=Knit one stitch
P=Purl, P1=Purl one stitch
YO=Yarn Over
Yf=yarn in front (alt:YiF or Yfwd=yarn forward)
Yb=yarn to back
S1=Slip one stitch, usually with needles tip to tip or purlwise
PSSO=Pass Slip Stitch Over
K2tog=Knit two together (decreases a stitch)

Each pattern will indicate how many stitches to cast on in some multiple. The number depends on how wide you want the project to be. The * (star) symbol around a group of stitches tells you to repeat these until the end of the row. In an actual project pattern you will be told how many repetitions to complete.

The yarn in the knitting stitch samples below were dyed using natural dyes from Blue Castle Fiber Arts.

Cat's Paw Pattern

Row 1:Purl
Row 2:K1, K2tog, YO, K1, YO, S1, K1, PSSO, K1
Row 3:P
Row 4:K2tog, YO, K3, YO, S1, K1, PSSO
Row 5:P
Row 6:K2, YO, S1, K2tog, PSSO, YO, K2

Patterns such as this, where every other row is a Purl row, can easily be converted to working in the round (ie. on double pointed or circular needles). Because you're always working the front, just change the purl to a knit round.

Eyelet Lace Pattern
(or Reversible Grand Eyelet)

Repeat * to * until 2 stitches remain.

Row 1:P2 *YO,P4tog,*P2
Row 2:K2 *K1,into YO(K1,P1,K1),K1* K2
Row 3:K

Eye of the Partridge - bicolour

Repeat * to *

Row 1:Dark * S1 purlwise, K1 *
Row 2:Dark P
Row 3:Light * K1, S1 purlwise *
Row 4:Light P

Imitation Embroidery Pattern

Here's an easy Hat Pattern based on this knitting stitch.

Laburnum Stitch

Row 1: P2, * Yf, S1, Yb, K2tog, PSSO, YO needle twice in reverse (bring yarn from back over the right needle, then under and over again), P2 *
Row 2: K2, * P into back of first YO, then into front of second YO, P1, K1 *
Row 3: P2, * K3, P2 *
Row 4: K2, * P3, K2 *

The Laburnum and Imitation Embroidery stitch above are good examples of knitting stitches patterns that can be used as a fancier variation of the more common K2, P2 rib stitch.

Lace Leaf Pattern

Lace Wings Pattern

Linen Stitch or Fabric Stitch

Repeat * to *

Row 1: *K1 Yf, S1 purlwise, Yb*
Row 2: *P1, Yb, S1 purlwise, Yf*

This is a really useful stitch to know. It makes a very plain fabric, but a nice change from the stockinette stitch. The front has the look of a woven fabric and it lies very flat and drapes nicely as shown in the photo below. The back has more of a bumpy texture.

See How to Knit

Go to Knitting Stitches Page 2

Go to Blue Castle Fiber Arts Home Page