Learn to Knit: Knitting Stitch Pattern Glossary
A collection of patterns combining knits and purls to make fun motifs and designs.
Little Checks
Little Checks is an ancient knitting stitch pattern that is made of knit blocks on a background of purl stitches. This stitch looks great on both sides, making it a great choice for afghans and scarves.
Little Checks is an ancient knitting stitch pattern that is made of knit blocks on a background of purl stitches. This stitch looks great on both sides, making it a great choice for afghans and scarves.
3x3 Ribbing
3x3 rib is an easy ribbing pattern with a little more character than the narrower ribs.
3x3 rib is an easy ribbing pattern with a little more character than the narrower ribs.
Andalusian Stitch
Andalusian stitch is a very easy knitting stitch pattern than is mostly stockinette stitch with a row of knits and purls thrown in. This gives the knit fabric a textured, tweedy look that is nice.
Andalusian stitch is a very easy knitting stitch pattern than is mostly stockinette stitch with a row of knits and purls thrown in. This gives the knit fabric a textured, tweedy look that is nice.
Aran Honeycomb
Aran Honeycomb, also known as a Chain Cable when only one repeat is knit in an area, is a very cool cabled pattern that gives a honeycomb look to your knitted fabric. Learn to knit the Aran Honeycomb.
Aran Honeycomb, also known as a Chain Cable when only one repeat is knit in an area, is a very cool cabled pattern that gives a honeycomb look to your knitted fabric. Learn to knit the Aran Honeycomb.
Bamboo Stitch
Bamboo stitch is an interesting but relatively easy knitting stitch that involves slipping a yarn over over two knit stitches, making an interesting texture.
Bamboo stitch is an interesting but relatively easy knitting stitch that involves slipping a yarn over over two knit stitches, making an interesting texture.
Basketweave Stitch
Basketweave stitch is a fun knitting stitch pattern that comes in several different variations that look like woven fabric.
Basketweave stitch is a fun knitting stitch pattern that comes in several different variations that look like woven fabric.
Bias Garter Stitch
Knitting garter stitch on the bias gives it a more interesting look than plain-Jane garter stitch. Because it's still all knit stitches, it is a whiz to knit up.
Knitting garter stitch on the bias gives it a more interesting look than plain-Jane garter stitch. Because it's still all knit stitches, it is a whiz to knit up.
Blanket Rib
Blanket rib makes a very dense, ribbed looking fabric by increasing on one row and decreasing on the next.
Blanket rib makes a very dense, ribbed looking fabric by increasing on one row and decreasing on the next.
Box Stitch
Box stitch is an easy knitting stitch pattern involving a four-row repeat that makes boxes of knits and purls on the fabric.
Box stitch is an easy knitting stitch pattern involving a four-row repeat that makes boxes of knits and purls on the fabric.
Braid Cable
The instructions for the Braid Cable look confusing, but it's really an elegant and relatively easy cable pattern once you get the hang of it.
The instructions for the Braid Cable look confusing, but it's really an elegant and relatively easy cable pattern once you get the hang of it.
Broken Rib
Broken rib is a fun, easy, slightly feminine knitting stitch pattern that is perfect for beginners.
Broken rib is a fun, easy, slightly feminine knitting stitch pattern that is perfect for beginners.
Checkerboard Stitch
Checkerboard stitch is a combination of two colors of squares alternated to make a checkerboard pattern.
Checkerboard stitch is a combination of two colors of squares alternated to make a checkerboard pattern.
Chevron Stitch
The Chevron is a nice, relatively easy knitting stitch pattern that makes knit zig-zags on a field of purls. The back side is just as good looking as the front.
The Chevron is a nice, relatively easy knitting stitch pattern that makes knit zig-zags on a field of purls. The back side is just as good looking as the front.
Cloverleaf Eyelet
Cloverleaf Eyelet is a pretty knitting stitch pattern that will help you learn how to make two basic decreases, knit two together and slip, slip, knit, as you make a cool clover-shaped eyelet pattern.
Cloverleaf Eyelet is a pretty knitting stitch pattern that will help you learn how to make two basic decreases, knit two together and slip, slip, knit, as you make a cool clover-shaped eyelet pattern.
Colored Rib
Colored rib is not a traditional rib knitting stitch pattern, but it is an easy way to make vertical stripes.
Colored rib is not a traditional rib knitting stitch pattern, but it is an easy way to make vertical stripes.
Crossed Stockinette Stitch
Crossed stockinette stitch is a slightly jazzed-up version of regular stockinette stitch in which the knit stitches are knit through the back loop, making a crossed stitch.
Crossed stockinette stitch is a slightly jazzed-up version of regular stockinette stitch in which the knit stitches are knit through the back loop, making a crossed stitch.
Diamond Brocade
Diamond Brocade is a very popular knitting stitch pattern that involves raised purl diamond shapes on a field of stockinette. There are many variations to this easy and pretty stitch.
Diamond Brocade is a very popular knitting stitch pattern that involves raised purl diamond shapes on a field of stockinette. There are many variations to this easy and pretty stitch.
Dot Stitch
Dot stitch is an easy four-row repeat knitting stitch pattern in which two of the rows are straight knitting. It makes a nice pebbled surface "dotted" with purls.
Dot stitch is an easy four-row repeat knitting stitch pattern in which two of the rows are straight knitting. It makes a nice pebbled surface "dotted" with purls.
Double Basket Pattern
Double Basket is a really cool knitting stitch pattern that is full of texture. The undulating ribs make this stitch really interesting to knit and to look at on finished projects.
Double Basket is a really cool knitting stitch pattern that is full of texture. The undulating ribs make this stitch really interesting to knit and to look at on finished projects.
Double Broken Rib
Double Broken Rib is a fun variation of Broken Rib that has ribs of knit stitches broken up by rows of two stitches of alternating knits and purls.
Double Broken Rib is a fun variation of Broken Rib that has ribs of knit stitches broken up by rows of two stitches of alternating knits and purls.
Double Moss Stitch
Double moss stitch, sometimes also called double seed stitch, is a knitting stitch pattern very similar to the box stitch that looks like alternating rows of double ribbing.
Double moss stitch, sometimes also called double seed stitch, is a knitting stitch pattern very similar to the box stitch that looks like alternating rows of double ribbing.
Double Rib
Double rib is a little more interesting than single rib. It can be used as a stitch pattern throughout a project, or just to make the cuffs or hem of a sweater.
Double rib is a little more interesting than single rib. It can be used as a stitch pattern throughout a project, or just to make the cuffs or hem of a sweater.
Drop Stitch
Drop stitch or dropped stitch is more of a method than an actual pattern. It involves making elongated stitches that give your work an airy, stretchy quality.
Drop stitch or dropped stitch is more of a method than an actual pattern. It involves making elongated stitches that give your work an airy, stretchy quality.
Farrow Rib
Farrow rib is a fun, easy knitting stitch pattern that makes a manly looking ribbing perfect for a scarf.
Farrow rib is a fun, easy knitting stitch pattern that makes a manly looking ribbing perfect for a scarf.
Feather and Fan
Feather and Fan is a classic knitting stitch pattern that makes a scalloped edge and rows of lacy fans.
Feather and Fan is a classic knitting stitch pattern that makes a scalloped edge and rows of lacy fans.
Feather Faggoting
Feather faggoting is an easy lace knitting pattern that makes a nice open fabric after blocking.
Feather faggoting is an easy lace knitting pattern that makes a nice open fabric after blocking.
Feather Pattern
Feather pattern is a really easy lace pattern that's great for borders or even all allover pattern. Its paired decreases produce an interesting pattern even without the eyelets.
Feather pattern is a really easy lace pattern that's great for borders or even all allover pattern. Its paired decreases produce an interesting pattern even without the eyelets.
Garter Stitch Checks
Garter stitch checks are actually a combination of garter stitch and stockinette stitch squares that makes a firm, reversible fabric.
Garter stitch checks are actually a combination of garter stitch and stockinette stitch squares that makes a firm, reversible fabric.
Garter Stitch Eyelet Lace
This simple knitting stitch pattern makes a row of lacy eyelets in between rows of garter stitch. The only things you need to know to make this work are how to knit, yarn over and knit two together.
This simple knitting stitch pattern makes a row of lacy eyelets in between rows of garter stitch. The only things you need to know to make this work are how to knit, yarn over and knit two together.
Garter Stitch
Garter stitch is the most basic pattern stitch out there, but it is actually quite useful for scarves, washcloths and other utilitatian projects.
Garter stitch is the most basic pattern stitch out there, but it is actually quite useful for scarves, washcloths and other utilitatian projects.
Harris Tweed Rib
Harris Tweed Rib is an easy knitting stitch that involves a couple of knit and purl rows crossing across simple 2x2 rib, giving the finished fabric the look of tweed.
Harris Tweed Rib is an easy knitting stitch that involves a couple of knit and purl rows crossing across simple 2x2 rib, giving the finished fabric the look of tweed.
Heel Stitch
Heel stitch is most commonly used on the heels of socks, but used elsewhere it is a durable and very warm stitch pattern.
Heel stitch is most commonly used on the heels of socks, but used elsewhere it is a durable and very warm stitch pattern.
Horizontal Dash Stitch
Horizontal dash stitch is made by purling a series of stitches periodically on a field of stockinette stitch. It is a very easy and striking knitting stitch pattern.
Horizontal dash stitch is made by purling a series of stitches periodically on a field of stockinette stitch. It is a very easy and striking knitting stitch pattern.
Hourglass Eyelets
Though the eyelets themselves are pretty subtle, the Hourglass Eyelet knitting pattern is a lovely, textured pattern that would be great for a sweater or vest.
Though the eyelets themselves are pretty subtle, the Hourglass Eyelet knitting pattern is a lovely, textured pattern that would be great for a sweater or vest.
Inverness Diamonds
Inverness diamond is a beautiful knitting stitch pattern made up of stacked Xs. It is somewhat masculine and would be great to use of scarves or winter accessories.
Inverness diamond is a beautiful knitting stitch pattern made up of stacked Xs. It is somewhat masculine and would be great to use of scarves or winter accessories.
Jacob's Ladder
Jacob's Ladder, also known as the Ladder of Life or Cross Rib Stitch, is a really simple pattern that makes a great border on the sides of a more intricate pattern or cable panel.
Jacob's Ladder, also known as the Ladder of Life or Cross Rib Stitch, is a really simple pattern that makes a great border on the sides of a more intricate pattern or cable panel.
King Charles Brocade
King Charles Brocade is a famous diamond-shaped knitting stitch pattern that is beautifully masculine and relatively easy to make.
King Charles Brocade is a famous diamond-shaped knitting stitch pattern that is beautifully masculine and relatively easy to make.
Knit-Purl Block Stitch
Knit Purl Block Stitch is exactly what it sounds like: a checkerboard-like pattern of knit blocks and purl blocks. This super-easy knitting stitch pattern is cute for scarves and sweaters.
Knit Purl Block Stitch is exactly what it sounds like: a checkerboard-like pattern of knit blocks and purl blocks. This super-easy knitting stitch pattern is cute for scarves and sweaters.
Linen Stitch
Linen stitch is a nice, firm knitting stitch pattern that looks similar to the woven fabric called linen. It's a great reversible pattern perfect for bags, scarves and just about anything else you can think of.
Linen stitch is a nice, firm knitting stitch pattern that looks similar to the woven fabric called linen. It's a great reversible pattern perfect for bags, scarves and just about anything else you can think of.
Little Arrows
Little Arrows is a cute knitting stitch pattern that involves a zig-zag of purls on a field of Stockinette Stitch, with a column of purls thrown in every so often.
Little Arrows is a cute knitting stitch pattern that involves a zig-zag of purls on a field of Stockinette Stitch, with a column of purls thrown in every so often.
Loop Stitch
Loop stitch is an interesting knitting stitch pattern that is a fun way to work a fringe-like element into a knitting project, or it can be used to make loops all over a piece of knitted fabric.
Loop stitch is an interesting knitting stitch pattern that is a fun way to work a fringe-like element into a knitting project, or it can be used to make loops all over a piece of knitted fabric.
Mistake Rib
Mistake rib is an interesting knitting stitch pattern that produces columns of knit stitches.
Mistake rib is an interesting knitting stitch pattern that produces columns of knit stitches.
Mock Cable
There are many different ways to make mock cables. This is one of the easiest of all, involving knitting two stitches together and then knitting into one stitch again to make a twist.
There are many different ways to make mock cables. This is one of the easiest of all, involving knitting two stitches together and then knitting into one stitch again to make a twist.
Mock Rib
Mock Rib is an easy and interesting knitting stitch pattern that makes ribs of knit stitches alternated with slipped purls on the wrong side. The back of the pattern has knit stitches "hugged" by the yarn going in front of the slipped stitches.
Mock Rib is an easy and interesting knitting stitch pattern that makes ribs of knit stitches alternated with slipped purls on the wrong side. The back of the pattern has knit stitches "hugged" by the yarn going in front of the slipped stitches.
Moss Stitch Zigzag
Moss stitch zigzag is a textured zigzag panel that's perfect for the vertical edges of a piece of repeated across a whole fabric, such as a sweater or vest.
Moss stitch zigzag is a textured zigzag panel that's perfect for the vertical edges of a piece of repeated across a whole fabric, such as a sweater or vest.
Moss Stitch
Moss Stitch is a fun little pattern that makes little bunches of raised stitches that have a look reminiscent of moss. It's a cute pattern that is very simple to complete.
Moss Stitch is a fun little pattern that makes little bunches of raised stitches that have a look reminiscent of moss. It's a cute pattern that is very simple to complete.
Organ Pipes
Organ pipes is an easy knitting stitch pattern that consists of smaller and larger rectangles of knit stitches stacked on each other on a field of purls.
Organ pipes is an easy knitting stitch pattern that consists of smaller and larger rectangles of knit stitches stacked on each other on a field of purls.
OXO Cable
The OXO cable is an adorable cable pattern that makes a series of Xs and Os that are cute on a sweater, scarf or any cabled project.
The OXO cable is an adorable cable pattern that makes a series of Xs and Os that are cute on a sweater, scarf or any cabled project.
Pennant Stitch
Pennant Stitch is a fun knitting stitch that makes triangles of knits and purls that run up and down the fabric.
Pennant Stitch is a fun knitting stitch that makes triangles of knits and purls that run up and down the fabric.
Puffed Rib
Puffed rib is an interesting knitting stitch pattern with a lot of texture and stretch, perfect for winter sweaters or scarves.
Puffed rib is an interesting knitting stitch pattern with a lot of texture and stretch, perfect for winter sweaters or scarves.
Purse Stitch
Purse stitch is one of the faggoting lace stitches that involves one row--this time largely of purl stitches--repeated over and over to make a lacy pattern.
Purse stitch is one of the faggoting lace stitches that involves one row--this time largely of purl stitches--repeated over and over to make a lacy pattern.
Pyramid Pattern
Pyramid Pattern is a classic knitting stitch pattern that has been traced back to Italy and makes an interesting series of pyramids on Reverse Stockinette.
Pyramid Pattern is a classic knitting stitch pattern that has been traced back to Italy and makes an interesting series of pyramids on Reverse Stockinette.
Quaker Rib
There are many different variations of what is called Quaker rib, which involves stripes of varying widths in stockinette stitch and reverse stockinette stitch.
There are many different variations of what is called Quaker rib, which involves stripes of varying widths in stockinette stitch and reverse stockinette stitch.
Quatrefoil Eyelet
The Quatrefoil Eyelet is a fun knitting stitch pattern that makes diamonds of eyelets across Stockinette Stitch fabric.
The Quatrefoil Eyelet is a fun knitting stitch pattern that makes diamonds of eyelets across Stockinette Stitch fabric.
Reverse Stockinette
Reverse stockinette stitch is just like regular stockinette, only the rows are worked in the opposite order. This makes the purl side the front.
Reverse stockinette stitch is just like regular stockinette, only the rows are worked in the opposite order. This makes the purl side the front.
Rice Stitch
Rice stitch is a fun and interesting knitting stitch pattern that makes a cool raised pattern that looks somewhat like kernels of rice.
Rice stitch is a fun and interesting knitting stitch pattern that makes a cool raised pattern that looks somewhat like kernels of rice.
Ripple Stitch
Ripple stitch is a really fun and easy knitting stitch pattern that is created with undulating purl stitches that make a zig-zag pattern across a field of knit stitches.
Ripple stitch is a really fun and easy knitting stitch pattern that is created with undulating purl stitches that make a zig-zag pattern across a field of knit stitches.
Roman Stitch
Roman Stitch is a striking knitting stitch that combines Stockinette Stitch and Seed Stitch. It is an easy and pretty pattern that even new knitters can easily master.
Roman Stitch is a striking knitting stitch that combines Stockinette Stitch and Seed Stitch. It is an easy and pretty pattern that even new knitters can easily master.
Seed Stitch
Seed stitch is a fun and simple stitch pattern that makes raised stitch areas that look like seeds.
Seed stitch is a fun and simple stitch pattern that makes raised stitch areas that look like seeds.
Seed-Pearl Stitch
This knitting stitch patterns looks a bit like little pearls (of purls) on a background of stockinette stitch in a square or grid pattern.
This knitting stitch patterns looks a bit like little pearls (of purls) on a background of stockinette stitch in a square or grid pattern.
Shadow Rib
Shadow rib is an interesting knitting stitch pattern that looks interesting on both sides. It has wide columns of knits on the knit side and a collection of purls with twisted knit stitch columns on the purl side.
Shadow rib is an interesting knitting stitch pattern that looks interesting on both sides. It has wide columns of knits on the knit side and a collection of purls with twisted knit stitch columns on the purl side.
Single Rib
Single rib is a basic ribbing pattern stitch that is perfect for the edges of sweaters, afghans and other projects.
Single rib is a basic ribbing pattern stitch that is perfect for the edges of sweaters, afghans and other projects.
Slip Stitch Honeycomb Stitch
Slip stitch honeycomb, also known as loop stitch, is an easy pattern using slipped stitches to make texture on the other side of the work that looks like a honeycomb of diagonal lines.
Slip stitch honeycomb, also known as loop stitch, is an easy pattern using slipped stitches to make texture on the other side of the work that looks like a honeycomb of diagonal lines.
Slip-Stitch Rib
The slip-stitch rib is one of the easiest slip stitch patterns, which gets its texture from slipping stitches with the yarn in front and knitting the next stitch.
The slip-stitch rib is one of the easiest slip stitch patterns, which gets its texture from slipping stitches with the yarn in front and knitting the next stitch.
Stockinette Stitch
Stockinette stitch is one of the most basic knitting stitches out there, and it is one of the first stitch patterns most people learn.
Stockinette stitch is one of the most basic knitting stitches out there, and it is one of the first stitch patterns most people learn.
Stockinette Stripes
Combining stripes of garter stitch and stockinette stitch makes the edges of a knitted piece a little less curly and can make a mistake look like a design element.
Combining stripes of garter stitch and stockinette stitch makes the edges of a knitted piece a little less curly and can make a mistake look like a design element.
Trinity Stitch
Trinity Stitch, also sometimes called cluster or bramble stitch, is a cool textured pattern that requires knitting, purling and knitting again all in the same stitch. Once you get the hang of it, it's a lot of fun.
Trinity Stitch, also sometimes called cluster or bramble stitch, is a cool textured pattern that requires knitting, purling and knitting again all in the same stitch. Once you get the hang of it, it's a lot of fun.
Turkish Stitch
Turkish stitch is a basic lace pattern in the genre known as faggoting. It's a one-row repeat that makes an open diagonal pattern on thin yarn and a more textured pattern when using thicker yarn.
Turkish stitch is a basic lace pattern in the genre known as faggoting. It's a one-row repeat that makes an open diagonal pattern on thin yarn and a more textured pattern when using thicker yarn.
Twisted Stockinette Stitch
Twisted Stockinette stitch is a funkier version of the traditional stockinette stitch in which both the knits and the purls are twisted.
Twisted Stockinette stitch is a funkier version of the traditional stockinette stitch in which both the knits and the purls are twisted.
Vertical Parallelograms
Parallelograms are a fun texture to add to your knitting, and this pattern for vertical parallelograms looks great on both sides, so it's perfect for a scarf or afghan.
Parallelograms are a fun texture to add to your knitting, and this pattern for vertical parallelograms looks great on both sides, so it's perfect for a scarf or afghan.
Waterfall Pattern
Waterfall Pattern is a relatively easy and pretty lacy pattern made with yarn overs and decreases that don't always happen on the same rows. The result is a cool cascade of eyelets.
Waterfall Pattern is a relatively easy and pretty lacy pattern made with yarn overs and decreases that don't always happen on the same rows. The result is a cool cascade of eyelets.
Waving Rib
Waving rib stitch is a bit of an optical illusion because the knit stitches that form the rib look like they're undulating, but they're really not. This knitting stitch pattern is very easy to undertake and looks great.
Waving rib stitch is a bit of an optical illusion because the knit stitches that form the rib look like they're undulating, but they're really not. This knitting stitch pattern is very easy to undertake and looks great.
Woven Rib
Woven rib is a simple knitting stitch pattern that is just a regular double rib broken up with a row of purls. It is a little more interesting, both to look at and to knit, than standard ribbing, but still very stretchy.
Woven rib is a simple knitting stitch pattern that is just a regular double rib broken up with a row of purls. It is a little more interesting, both to look at and to knit, than standard ribbing, but still very stretchy.
Woven Stitch
Woven stitch is an easy knitting stitch pattern that makes little blocks of knits and purls. Once you have the concept down, you can make it in any size you like.
Woven stitch is an easy knitting stitch pattern that makes little blocks of knits and purls. Once you have the concept down, you can make it in any size you like.