The Caterpillar Stitch Pattern is a great pattern to create a modern pop of texture. This 12-Row Repeat Knit Stitch Pattern is created with a simple combination of knits and purls. It is perfect for dishcloths with pretty ridges for texture.
Get your free written pattern instructions with video tutorials below. You may also purchase my ad-free Knit Stitch Pattern Book in both hardcopy and e-book formats.
Table of Contents
🐛 Caterpillar Stitch Texture
This vintage Caterpillar Stitch is also called Vertical Dash. This pattern’s background is Reverse Stockinette with alternating vertical stripes in 6 rows in Stockinette.
You may be interested in checking out a similar pattern, the Long Raindrops Stitch, which also has a similar design but is clustered up for extra stretchability.
🧶 Tools and Materials
Feel free to use any size yarn and needles for your creative project.
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Yarn: Cascade 128 Superwash (white sample)
Lily Sugar ‘N Cream Hot Green (green sample)
Knitting Needles – Size 10 US
Tapestry Needle
Scissors
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💡 Knitting Techniques
The Caterpillar Stitch is an easy combination of simple knit and purl stitches. Find my entire library of Knitting Techniques to help knit up this project.
- How to Cast On Without a Slip Knot or Slip Knot
- Cast On
- K = Knit Stitch
- P = Purl Stitch
- Cast Off
- Weave-in Yarn Ends
📖 Knit Stitch Pattern Book by Kristen McDonnell
Find the Caterpillar Stitch on pages 47-48 of my Knit Stitch Pattern Book, now available as both a print book and digital download. Get your free printable pattern further down in this post!
📺 Watch Video Tutorial
Printable Knitting Instructions
Printable Knitting Pattern
The Caterpillar Stitch Pattern is a great pattern for light summer knitting that looks very modern. This 12-Row Repeat Knit Stitch Pattern is also called Vertical Dash.
Materials
- Yarn - Any Gauge
Tools
- Knitting Needles - Appropriate Size for Yarn
- Tapestry Needle
- Scissors
Instructions
KNITTED FLAT ON STRAIGHT NEEDLES:
Cast On in Multiples of 6
- Row 1 (Right Side): * K1, P5 *
- Row 2 (Wrong Side): * K5, P1 *
- Row 3: * K1, P5 *
- Row 4: * K5, P1 *
- Row 5: * K1, P5 *
- Row 6: * K5, P1 *
- Row 7: * P3, K1, P2 *
- Row 8: * K2, P1, K3 *
- Row 9: * P3, K1, P2 *
- Row 10: * K2, P1, K3 *
- Row 11: * P3, K1, P2 *
- Row 12: * K2, P1, K3 *
or
IN THE ROUND ON CIRCULAR NEEDLES:
Cast On in Multiples of 6
- Row 1 (Right Side): * K1, P5 *
- Row 2: * K1, P5 *
- Row 3: * K1, P5 *
- Row 4: * K1, P5 *
- Row 5: * K1, P5 *
- Row 6: * K1, P5 *
- Row 7: * P3, K1, P2 *
- Row 8: * P3, K1, P2 *
- Row 9: * P3, K1, P2 *
- Row 10: * P3, K1, P2 *
- Row 11: * P3, K1, P2 *
- Row 12: * P3, K1, P2 *
Notes
Repeat Rows 1 through 12 until your piece is the length you desire.
Repeat pattern between the * * asterisks
Not a Reversible Knit Stitch Pattern
12-Row Repeat
Lies Flat
_____
KNITTING TECHNIQUES
- Slip Knot
- CO = Cast On Long Tail Method
- K = Knit Stitch
- P = Purl Stitch
- BO = Bind Off
- Weave In Ends
_____
KNITTING CHART
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