Knitting Stitches

Did you know that even though there are only two basic knitting stitches, those two stitches are used in thousands of different combinations to create elaborate patterns!

(Click here to go to the knitting basics page if you need a quick tutorial on the two basic stitches!)

In turn these thousand combinations are characterized into groups or styles of knitting.

Plain Knitting

When I say plain knitting, I mean that the same stitch is used across an entire row of knitting.

Stocking Stitch

Stocking stitch is done by alternating one row of knit stitches and with a row of purl stitches.

The knit row is the 'right' side of the knitting and the purl row is the 'wrong' or 'back' side of the knitting.

Reverse Stocking Stitch

Reverse stocking stitch is done by alternating one row of purl stitches and with a row of knit.

The purl row is the 'right' side of the knitting and the knit row is the 'wrong' or 'back' side of the knitting.

Garter Stitch

Garter stitch is where you use knit on all rows of your knitting.

With this stitch or pattern, both sides of the knitting look the same.

So - Ready for the Next Step?

Once you are comfortable with the basic or plain knitting you will probably be ready to experiment with some of the more complex patterns. Click on any of the links below to find descriptions of many more stitch patterns.

• Knit and Purl Patterns
• Rib Patterns
• Lace Rib Patterns
• Lace Patterns
• Cable Patterns
• Textured and Colored Patterns

Fact Sheets for Stitch Patterns

Are you looking for more detailed instructions for the stitches on this page?

Click on this link to go to a printable pdf document that provides step by step instructions.

If the stitch you are looking for is not included on my list, drop me a line through my contact page, and I will look into adding an instruction for you.

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