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Knitting stitches and how to knit them

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


Green eyelet knitting sample in a lace stitches technique on big 10mm needles

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








Grey sample square knitted in broken rib stitch.

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





 A sample of the drop stitch knitted in a green variegated yarn held with a charcoal grey yarn.

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.



A pink knitted double stockinette sample in progress on HiyaHiya Steel knitting needles.

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.

Blue variegated yarn knit into moss stitch

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

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