32+ Different Knitting Stitches with Patterns and Videos

This is likely the first stitch pattern you'll learn as a beginner knitter. It's created by knitting every row, and results in a texture that looks like ridges.

Written Pattern:

Cast on any number of stitches

On straight needles:

Knit every row.

On circular needles:

Round 1: Knit

Round 2: Purl

Also known as "stocking stitch," this is one of the most common and well-known knitting stitches. It's created by alternating rows of knit and purl stitches, which produces a smooth "V" pattern.

Written Pattern:

Cast on any number of stitches

On straight needles:

Row 1: Knit

Row 2: Purl

On circular needles:

Knit every round.

This stitch pattern is similar to stockinette, but it's in reverse! Instead of the smooth facing out, the purl bump side will be facing out.

Written Pattern:

Cast on any number of stitches

On straight needles:

Row 1: Purl

Row 2: Knit

On circular needles:

Purl every round.

To knit 1×1 rib, you’ll alternate knitting 1 knit stitch and 1 purl stitch across the row. The result is a reversible, ribbed fabric with plenty of stretch.

Similar to 1x1, this ribbing pattern creates a stretchy fabric that's perfect for hems and cuffs. Knit this pattern by alternating two knit stitches with two purl stitches in each row.

Written Pattern:

Cast on multiple of 4+2 stitches.

Row 1: *k2, p2; repeat from * to the last two stitches; k2

This is a textured stitch pattern that's created by alternating knit and purl stitches in each row. It creates a bumpy fabric that looks like little "seeds".

Written Pattern:

Cast on an even number of stitches.

Row 1: *k1, p1; rep from *

Row 2: *p1, k1; rep from *

This is another textured stitch pattern that consists of alternating knit and purl stitches. It is a four-row repeat.

Written Pattern:

Cast on an even number of stitches.

Rows 1 and 2: *k1, p1; rep from *

Rows 3 and 4: *p1, k1; rep from *

Note: This stitch pattern is sometimes called Irish Moss, American Moss, or simply Moss stitch. Don't confuse it with British Moss, aka Seed Stitch. American/Irish Moss Stich is a four-row repeat, while British Moss/Seed Stitch is a two-row repeat.

This stitch is similar to the previous two, but consists of alternating pairs of knit and purl stitches. You may sometimes see this stitch referred to as Double Seed Stitch or Box Stitch.

Written Pattern:

Cast on a multiple of 4 stitches.

Rows 1 and 2: *k2, p2; rep from *

Rows 3 and 4: *p2, k2; rep from *

Here's a version of a knit waffle stitch that's perfect for beginners. It has such a nice, squishy texture that would be perfect for blankets or scarves.

Written Pattern:

Cast on a multiple of 3 +1 stitches

Row 1 (RS): *K1, p2; rep from * to last st,k1.

Row 2: *P1, k2; rep from * to last st, p1.

Row 3: Knit all stitches

Row 4: Purl all stitches

This stitch pattern creates a beautiful textured fabric that has more texture than regular ribbing. It's not as stretchy as regular ribbing, however, and it's not reversible.

Written Pattern:

Cast on an odd number of stitches.

Row 1: *k1, p1; repeat from * to the last stitch; k1.

Row 2: k

This stitch looks like offset columns of garter stitch. It has a few variations: 2 stitch wide columns, 3 stitch wide columns, or 4 stitch wide columns as in the pattern below.

Written Pattern:

Cast on a multiple of 8+4 stitches.

Row 1: *k4, p4; rep from * to the last 4 stitches; k4.

Note: Sometimes this stitch is called "garter rib" or "wide garter rib". But, to distinguish it from the other stitch pattern below called "garter rib", I'll refer to it as garter columns.

Here's a simple variation on the broken rib stitch that alternates columns of knit stitches with columns of garter stitch.

Written Instructions:

Cast on a multiple of 4+2 stitches.

Row 1: Knit

Row 2: p2 *k2, k2; rep from *

Note: This stitch is sometimes referred to as "wide broken rib" or "2x2 broken rib". You can knit a 3x3 or 4x4 variation of this stitch, as well.

The Seeded Rib stitch looks like columns of seed stitches between columns of ribbing.

Written Pattern:

Cast on a multiple of 4+3 stitches

Row 1: k3, *p1, k3; rep from *

Row 2: k1, *p1, k3; rep from * last 2 sts, p1, k1.

Fishman's Rib stitch creates a stretchy thick fabric that's reversible. It's great for scarves, and any other item you want to be warm and fluffy. It looks a little similar to Brioche, but it's easier to work.

Written Pattern:

Cast on an even number

Set up row: Knit

Row 1: k1, *k1, knit next st in the row below; rep from * to last stitch, k1

Twisted rib creates a ribbing pattern with creating crisp, defined columns. It's takes a little longer to knit than regular 1x1 ribbing, since all of the knit and purl stitches are worked through the back loop. Keep in mind that twisted rib doesn't stretch and contract as much as standard ribbing does.

Written Pattern:

Cast on an even number

Row 1: *K-tbl, p-tbl; rep from *

Half-twisted rib is very similar to twisted rib, but only half the stitches are worked through the back loop on each row. Generally, the knit stitches that show on the outside (right side) of the work are twisted and the purls are worked in the standard manner.

Written Pattern:

Cast on an even number of stitches

Row 1: *K-tbl, p; repeat from *
Row 2: *P-tbl, k; repeat from *

Mistake rib is a one-row repeat pattern made with basic knits and purls, so it's great for beginners. It creates a stretchy, reversible fabric with just the right amount of texture.

Written Pattern:

Cast on a multiple of 4+3 stitches

Row 1: *k2, p2; rep from * to last 3 sts, k2, p1

Zig zag rib is a fun variation on a normal ribbing pattern that creates a cool, wavy texture.

Written Pattern:

Cast on a multiple of 3 + 1

Row 1: P 1, *K tbl of the 2nd stitch on the left needle, then k the 1st stitch, then drop them both from the needle, purl 1; repeat from * to end.

Row 1 : K 1, * p the 2nd stitch on the left needle, then p the 1st stitch, then drop them both from the needle, knit 1; repeat from * to end.

Chevron stitch is a classic knitting stitch pattern that would be perfect for baby blankets and throws. It looks great is lots of different yarns, especially self-striping yarns.

Written Pattern:

Cast on a multiple of 14 +2

Row 1 : Purl

Row 2 : K, kfb, *k4, ssk, k2tog, k4, kfb twice; rep from * to last two sts. Kfb, then k last st.

Hurdle Stitch is an easy textured stitch pattern that's perfect for beginners. The pattern couldn't be simpler - it's like two rows of garter stitch followed by two rows of ribbing.

Written Pattern:

Cast on an even number of stitches.

Row 1: Knit
Row 2: Knit
Row 3: *k1, p1; rep from *
Row 4: *k1, p1; rep from *

The Tweed stitch is a classic knitting pattern that results in a lovely subtle texture. Better yet, it's a two-row repeat, it's reversible, and it lays flat!

Written Pattern:

Cast on an odd number of stitches.

Row 1: P2, *wyib sl1 purlwise, wyif p1; rep from * to last st, p1

Row 2: K1, *wyif, sl1 purlwise, wyib k1; rep from *

Granite Stitch uses a simple pattern of knitting increases and decreases to create a beautiful ridged textured fabric.

Written Pattern:

Cast on an even number of stitches.

Row 1: Knit
Row 2: K2tog across
Row 3: Kfb in each st across
Row 4: Purl

Note: I've seen some other stitch patterns referred to as Granite Stitch too, so always check the designer's notes to see what they intend.

Sand stitch is a really cute stitch pattern with a subtle nubby texture.

Written Pattern:

Cast on an even number of stitches
Row 1: Knit
Row 2: *k1, p1; rep from *
Row 3: Knit
Row 4: * p1, k1; rep from *

Note: The reverse side of Sand Stitch has small bumps of purl stitches, and is often called Dot Stitch or Spot Stitch.

The Rice Stitch texture is created by knitting through the back loop. It's not exactly reversible, but both sides have a nice texture.

Written Pattern:

Cast on a multiple of 2+1

Row 1: p1, *k1 tbl, p1; rep from *

Row 2: Knit

Here's a really sweet stitch pattern with a subtle texture. It's actually very imilar to Stockinette stitch, but every third row is a row of ribbing.

Written Pattern:

Cast on an even number of stitches.

Row 1: Knit

Row 2: Purl

Row 3: *k1, p1; repeat from *

Row 4: Knit

The Herringbone stitch creates a gorgeous, textured pattern that would be perfect for home decor projects. It might look intricate, but you only need to know simple knits, purls, and slip stitches to create it.

The bobble stitch is a fun textural element that can be added to almost any background. This tutorial will teach you how to knit bobbles on the right side row, against a background of plain stockinette stitch.

Trinity Stitch, sometimes called the Raspberry or Blackberry stitch, creates a staggered bobble texture that almost looks like a bunch of berries. In this four-row repeat pattern, you'll use a series of increases and decreases to create the raised texture.

Written Pattern:

Cast on a multiple of 4 stitches.

Row 1: Purl

Row 2: * (K1, p1, k1) into next stitch, p3tog; rep from *

Row 3: Purl

Row 4: * P3tog, (k1, p1, k1) into next stitch; rep from *

Star stitch is a pretty textured stitch that worked over two rows: a right side row and a wrong side row.

To make a star stitch, you'll knit 3, pass the 3rd stitch over the first two stitches, and then yarn over.

Check out the video for more information and a handy chart.

Entrelac is a really cool knitting technique that creates a fabric with a diagonal basketweave pattern. It's created by knitting a series of interlocking rectangles, one after another.

Even though the results look complicated, entrelac is almost as easy as simple stockinette stitch.

Feather and fan is a traditional lace knitting pattern that's easy enough for beginning knitters. It has a four-row repeat that creates a pretty scalloped pattern that lies flat.

Written Pattern:

Cast on a multiple of 18 sts

Row 1 (RS): Knit

Row 2: Purl

Row 3: *(K2tog) 3 times, (YO, K1) 6 times, (K2tog) 3 times; repeat from * to end of row

Row 4: Knit

Knit cables are one of those classic knitting techniques that everyone should try at least once. To knit a cable, you'll work stitches out of order: first, you'll hold a set of stitches to the front or back of your work, then knit a set of stitches off of the left needle, then knit the previously held stitches This creates the look of a twist in your work.

This video tutorial shows how to create the basic six-stitch cable in an easy four-row repeat.