Purple Rose Crafts is here to teach beginner and easy level knitters how to create beautiful items. To do that, we need to talk about some easy level knitting stitch patterns that are perfect for beginners and can get a little more challenging, but still considered easy level.
For the most part, we’ll stick to less than 4 rows and many have only 1 or 2 rows in the repeat.
Garter Stitch (1 stitch, 1 row)
The very easiest of knit stitch patterns is, of course, garter stitch. It involves knitting all the rows, without variation. Its a fun option and creates lots of rows of puffy lines.
Its a wonderful option for a simple full design for an item, or a great option for helping another stitch type sit flat, like stockinette. It tends to roll on the edges so adding a border of garter can help.
Stockinette stitch (2 stitches, 2 rows)
Stockinette stitch pattern is how most patterns work. It involves working a row of knit and a row of purls on the wrong side row. Many patterns are written this way, and includes when you knit in the round.
Ribbing (2 stitches, 1 row)
Ribbing is the perfect option as a top or bottom edge of a knit fabric. It works well for a hat brim, or like this one, a lower hem on a sweater.
Knit 1, purl 1. or knit 2, purl 2 is the perfect easy ribbing pattern. just match your stitches when working the wrong side, as in where you can see knits, make more knits, and where there are purls, purl above. This sweater hem is knit 1, purl 2, and there are a ton of variations you can make with ribbing.
Broken Rib (2 stitches 2 rows)
Broken rib is another simple stitch pattern, that is even easier than ribbing. Its a full row of knit stitches followed by a row of knit 1, purl 1.
The image shown here is a FREE pattern for a cowl we did during our 30 stitches in 30 days marathon awhile back. I also used it to make a beautiful and super simple baby blanket pattern, shown in our shop.
Seed Stitch (2 stitches, 1 row)
Seed stitch is a lot of fun. It has a special place in my heart because of how beautiful it is when knit. Using an odd number of stitches on your row, you can make a 1 row pattern, of knit 1, purl 1. If you’re using an even number of stitches, you will knit 1 purl 1 for the first row and the second row is purl 1, knit 1 across.
This pattern is lovely and it sits flat and has a lovely drape.
Double Seed/Moss Stitch (2 stitches, 2 rows)
This stitch is a simple stitch pattern, where we knit 1 purl 1, for 2 rows. and then switch to purl 1, knit 1 for 2 more rows. This one makes a pretty fabric as well that also sits flat.
Double Stockinette (2 stitch, 1 row)
Double stockinette is a fun option if you don’t want to purl. It could be the first knit you do ‘in the round’ because its knit on both sides. Its perfect because its super thick, doesn’t roll, and is stretchy!
Pattern
Cast on any even number of stitches (Usually you need 2x the width you want to make your work)
Row 1: *knit, move yarn to front (like you’re going to purl), slip next st purlwise* repeat across.
Row 2: repeat Row 1.
Herringbone Knit Stitch (2 stitches, 2 rows)
This is a variation on knitting in that you knit through 2 stitches, but only loop off 1 loop at a time.
Notes: Worked in multiples of 2 stitches. Use a larger set of needles than your yarn calls for. I used 6.5mm needles for this worsted weight yarn.
Row 1: Insert your right needle into the back of loop the first two stitches, wrap yarn normally, and then only loop off the first loop. Repeat across the row.
Row 2: With yarn in front, insert your needle into the first 2 stitches to purl, when done, only loop off the first stitch, and insert back into the second and third, repeating across. For more into, check out the full post here.
Hurdle Stitch (2 stitches, 4 rows)
This one is a pretty stitch pattern, and is a variation of broken rib and garter. Its a little more complicated with 4 rows, but the first 2 rows are just knit rows and the next 2 are seed stitches. Still pretty simple, right? See Post Here.
Knitting Flat (multiples of 2 stitches)
Row 1 (Right Side): Knit All
Row 2 (Wrong Side): Knit All
Row 3: * K1, P1 *
Row 4: * K1, P1 *
Garter Rib (2 stitches, 2 rows)
This is a fun stitch similar to ribbing, but instead of just purls we see garter stitch in the ‘dips’ Cute right?
When Knit flat (multiples of 4 + 2 stitches)
Row 1 (Right Side): Knit All
Row 2 (Wrong Side): P2, * K2, P2 *
See more details here.
Waffle stitch (2 stitches, 4 rows)
This one is so fun and a more masculine stitch pattern perfect for a scarf or even a sweater.
Knit Flat (multiples of 3+1 stitches)
Row 1 (Right Side): Knit All
Row 2 (Wrong Side): Purl All
Row 3: * K1, P2 *, K1
Row 4: P1, * K2, P1 *
See the full stitch pattern here.
Sand Stitch (2 stitches, 4 rows)
Sand stitch is a fun option to have little pebbles in your flat stockinette sections. This one screams babies to me.
Knit flat (multiples of 4 stitches)
Row 1: Knit all stitches
Row 2: Purl 1, *Knit 1, Purl 3* Repeat Across
Row 3: Knit all stitches
Row 4: Purl 3 *Knit 1, Purl 3* Repeat across.
Repeat rows 1-4.
See Post here.
Each post above has it’s own instructional video and full pattern details on each post.
I love seeing what you’re making from our tutorials. So tag us on Instagram with everything you make! I love sharing it to our stories.
Please comment down below with your favourite easy knit stitch. I am sure there are so many more stitches you can do, so let’s see them!
Thanks so much for learning with us!
Much Love,
