If You Know How To Knit And Purl…
You already have what you need to make a ton of stitch patterns! It’s true that learning how to create increases, decreases, and things like that will expand your knitting options but you can do so much with just the humble knit and purl. Let’s check out just a few of the options available to you!
Stockinette Stitch
Stockinette is created by knitting one round and purling the next or, if you’re knitting in the round, knitting every round. Stockinette places all of the “v” stitches on one side and all of the purl bumps on the “wrong side”.
Reverse Stockinette Stitch
Reverse Stockinette is just the opposite of Stockinette; all of the “v” stitches are on the wrong side and all of the purl bumps are on the right side. When knitting flat, you’ll purl every right side and knit every wrong side. If you’re knitting in the round, you’ll purl every stitch.
Garter Stitch
When knitting flat, Garter Stitch is created by knitting every row. This makes it so that you get “v” stitches and purl bumps on both the right and wrong side. When knitting in the round, you’ll knit one row and purl the next. This creates a reversible fabric.
Moss Stitch (Also Called Seed Stitch)
Moss Stitch works by altering knits and purls in a row then stacking a knit on top of a purl and a purl on top of a knit. This gives a dense, reversible fabric.
Double Moss Stitch (Also Called Double Seed Stitch)
The Double Moss Stitch is, surprise surprise, the same as the Moss Stitch but with twice the fun. To create this stitch (IN THE ROUND) *k1,p1* for two rounds. For the next two rounds, *p1, k1*. Repeat these four rounds. This makes a fabric that is not quite as dense as regular Moss Stitch but is still beautiful and reversible.
1×1 Ribbing
To create 1×1 Ribbing, you’ll alternate knitting and purling. Unlike Moss stitch, you’ll stack a knit on top of a knit and a purl on top of a purl. This creates a stretchy, reversible fabric. It’s a common stitch to use on cuffs and necklines and it looks great with the Long Tail Cast On.
2×2 Ribbing
Not quite as stretchy as 1×1 Ribbing, this is still a great stitch pattern for cuffs, necklines, and wherever you want a bit of spring to your knitting. This also partners well with the Long Tail Cast On. To create this stitch, alternate two knit stitches and two purl stitches. Purl every purl stitch and knit every knit stitch.
Broken Rib Stitch
This rib naturally lays flat (hooray!) but isn’t stretchy like a typical rib stitch. The Broken Rib Stitch is somewhat reversible because it has a nice look on both sides but each side is different. I love that with one stitch pattern, you get two looks. Score! To create this stitch, knit one row, then *k1, p1* the second row. Alternate between these two rows. To create the “wrong side” pattern on the “right side”, purl one row, then *k1, p1* the second row.
Ridge Rib Stitch
How fun is this? Not quite a moss, the Ridge Rib Stitch adds an almost plaid visual interest. Oh and here’s the cool part: it’s just knits and purls! See how much you can do with just two stitches? This stitch pattern has four rows. Row 1 (RS): knit all stitches. Row 2 (WS): Purl. Row 3: *k1, p1. Row 4: *p1, k1.
Your Turn!
What is your favorite way to mix knits and purls? Let us know in the comment section down below!
