Knitting Stitches

Learn a new knitting stitches for more interesting designs.

Here's a great overview of all the knitting stitches that you really want and need.
Which is not that many really. Have a look.

5 Most Basic, Easy Knitting Stitches for Beginners

1. Knit Stitch

Stick in needle from the left to the right, yarn over and pull through the stitch. If you do all rows in knit stitch, you will end up with the 'garter stitch'.

2. Purl Stitch

Stick in needle from the right to the left, yarn over and pull through the stitch.

3. Stockinette Stitch

Alternate a row of knit with a row of purl stitches.

4. Seed Stitch

In the first row, alternate a single knit stitch with a purl stitch. On the second row, ensure that the purl stitch ends up above the previous purl stitch so that the little bumps go to both sides of your work, not just to one side as in stockinette stitch.

5. Ribbing Stitch

in the first row, alternate one or two knit stitches with one or two purl stitch. On the second row, ensure that the purls stitches end up above the previous knit stitches so that the Vs and bumps go to one sides of your work in a vertical lines up.

Tip: when you make a mistake in the seed stitch you'll end up with a row of ribbing.. ;-)

Patterns with easy knitting stitches

I'd say that with these Knit and Purl Stitch patterns you can do say 70% of the projects out there! On this blog and beyond. Yes, those are all it takes. Have a look below.

Intermediate Knitting Stitches

Those that keep your mind interested

6. Cable Knit Stitch

There are an infinite number of cable knitting patterns possible. To easy cable of 4 stitches, knit the cable cast on as you are usually casting on, and creating 6 st.

Row 1: p, k4, p.
Row 2: k, p4, k.
Row 3: p, slip 2 stitches to a cable helper needle (or a crochet hook) in front of your work, knit the 2 next stitches instead, put the 2 slipped stitches back onto your left needle and knit them, p.
Repeat pattern.

Knitting patterns with the cable stitch

Free cable cushion knitting pattern

7. Brioche stitch

The brioche stitch would make a boho scarf for men, for example. This is a variation of the ribbing stitch, and looks great on both sides. I made it into a mens scarf as it's bulky rather than dainty. It is also a stitch pattern that is easy to remember and works up really fast.

8. Eyelet Stitch

Again, there are stitch variations rather than just one eyelet stitch, but it basically refers to the pattern that helps you make holes in your knitting, which you can use to design motifs with (and lighten the weight of your garment). Big drawback for me of the eyelet stitch and cables is that they slow me down. Patterns featuring these stitches will take longer, but tend to be beautiful and worth it.

Knitting patterns with the eyelet stitch

Here's one to start with, that's not too difficult:

Stunning Summer Poncho Free Knitting Pattern.

Also see our reference chart with Knitting Abbreviations

Knitting Edges

Knitting stitches for edging is a whole separate topic. To be fair, we often use crochet edging for knitting work, as that's such a easy way to get either a smooth finish or interresting shapes.

Check out related categories:

Enjoy our latest knitting patterns below: