So, you know how to knit and purl. Now what? Did you know that with just those two stitches, you can create all sorts of interesting stitch patterns? Let’s take a look at three of our favorite beginner-friendly stitch patterns!
1. Mistake Rib Stitch
This stitch pattern is just one row that’s repeated to the desired length of your knitting project. Make a popular Mistake Rib Scarf or knit a whole baby blanket with it!
The Mistake Rib Stitch is worked over a multiple of 4 plus 3 stitches. For my swatch, I cast on 23 stitches.
All rows: *K2, P2; repeat from * to last 3 stitches, K2, P1.
Repeat to desired length.
Check out our video on how to make the Mistake Rib Stitch here.
2. Seed Stitch
Seed stitch is another popular stitch pattern that consists of just knit and purl stitches. If worked flat in rows over an odd number of stitches, it’s another one-row pattern to add to your knitting repertoire.
For Seed Stitch, you can have either an even or odd number of stitches on your knitting needle. If you have an odd number of stitches, the seed stitch pattern is super simple, because every row, whether you are on the right side or wrong side of your work, is the same.
All rows: *K1, p1; repeat from * to the last stitch, K1.
If you have an even number of stitches, you’ll work as follows:
Row 1 (RS): *K1, p1; repeat from * to end.
Row 2 (WS): *P1, k1; repeat from * to end.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 to desired length.
For my swatch, I worked the directions for an odd number of stitches and cast on 23 stitches.
Check out a video about Seed Stitch here.
3. Waffle Stitch
This is another fantastic knit and purl stitch pattern. Use it on projects from hats to socks and everything in between.
The Waffle Stitch is worked over a multiple of 3 plus 1 stitches. For my swatch, I cast on 22 stitches.
Row 1 (RS): *K1, p2; repeat from * to last stitch, k1.
Row 2 (WS): *P1, k2; repeat from * to last stitch, p1.
Row 3: Knit all stitches.
Row 4: Purl all stitches.
Repeat Rows 1–4 for pattern to desired length.
Watch a video about the Waffle Stitch here.
Abbreviations
K: knit
P: purl
RS: Right Side
WS: Wrong Side
Do you have a favorite knit and purl stitch pattern? Let us know in the comments!
What size knitting needles would I use for the three dish cloths you show?
Hi Mary,
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Very lovely and easy to do patterns TY.
Thank you so much. ❤️ love your free pattern.
Love this article. Thank you.
Would love your free patterns
Hello! You can find our free video content here: https://www.theknittingcircle.com/vtag/free/.
Enjoy!
I need to start at very beginning and need advice on yarn and needle, thank you.
These are awesome and easy to follow. Interesting to knit. I loved them. Thank you.
Our pleasure! Thank you for watching. :)
You can use any yarn you like, I would recommend using a size 4 or larger, in a light colour (easier to see the stitches). As for needle size, use the size recommended on the yarn label that you choose.