The Stockinette Stitch is an easy knitting pattern that creates a smooth, classic texture. You simply alternate two types of knitting techniques. Knitted flat, simply knit the right side and then purl the wrong. It’s even simpler in the round by knitting all stitches on all rows.
Get your free written pattern instructions with a video tutorial below. You may also purchase my ad-free Knit Stitch Pattern Book in both hardcopy and e-book formats.
Table of Contents
- Is the Knitted Stockinette Stitch Reversible?
- Why Does Stockinette Stitch Curl?
- How to Keep Stockinette Stitch from Curling
- How to Change Yarn Colors in Stockinette Stitch
- Knitting Techniques
- Knitting Instructions
- Favorite Stockinette Stitch Knitting Patterns
- Knitting Pattern Book (ad-free)
- Printable Knitting Instructions
Is the Knitted Stockinette Stitch Reversible?
The Stockinette Stitch is a 2-Row Repeat Knit Stitch Pattern is an easy-level project with a simple combination of knits and purls.
The Stockinette Stitch is not a reversible pattern because each side of your work, the Right and Wrong sides, look different. The right (or front) side has a smooth, classic knitted texture with its V-Stitches. The wrong (or back) side looks like little bumpy waves.
Why Does Stockinette Stitch Curl?
While knitting up your piece flat on straight needles, all four sides will curl up. The bottom and top edges curl inward, while the side edges curl to the back. My photo below shows the curling from both the right and wrong sides of your swatch.
The curling happens with the Stockinette Stitch because we are alternating between the knit and purl stitches on each row. This push and pull creates tension in your fabric causing it to warp.
While this can be frustrating, there is a solution, so let’s look at those options next.
How to Keep Stockinette Stitch from Curling
- Because all edges of the Stockinette Stitch curl up, it is helpful to block your piece.
- Adding a border another way to help it lie flat. My favorite border stitches are Garter and Seed stitches.
- Both adding a border and blocking your piece helps it lie flat the best!
- The Double Stockinette Stitch is a great alternative to creating a perfectly flat piece with the same smooth texture.
How to Change Yarn Colors in Stockinette Stitch
To avoid purl dash lines when knitting with two or more yarn colors, change yarn at the beginning of your knit row on the right side of your work.
I have a great trick on how to change yarn color when knitting stripes for more knit stitch patterns for you.
Knitting Techniques
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
Knitting Instructions
Stockinette Flat on Straight Needles
Cast On any number of stitches onto your straight knitting needle.
Row 1: Knit All Stitches.
The first row is the right side of your work, which is the side that will be visible once it is knitted up.
Row 2: Purl All Stitches.
The second row is all purling from the wrong side of the work.
Row Repeats: Continue knitting Rows 1 and 2 until your work is the length you desire, then bind off your stitches and weave in your ends.
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Stockinette in the Round on Circular Needles
Cast On any number of stitches onto your circular knitting needle.
Row 1: Knit All Stitches.
Row 2: Knit All Stitches.
It’s so easy to knit this texture in the round on circular or double-pointed needles, since every row is simply the knit stitch.
Row Repeats: Knit all rows until your work is the length you desire, then bind off your stitches and weave in your ends.
Favorite Stockinette Stitch Knitting Patterns
- Harry Potter Scarf
- Heart Softies Pattern
- Slouchy Beanie Hat
- Christmas Ball Ornaments
- Knitting Socks for Yoga Lovers
- Strawberry Baby Hat Pattern
- Pumpkin Pattern on Straight Needles
- Knit a Leaf Shape
- Donut Softie Toy Pattern
Knitting Pattern Book (ad-free)
Find the Stockinette Stitch on page 4 of my Knit Stitch Pattern Book. Get your free printable pattern further down in this post!
Printable Knitting Instructions
Printable Knitting Pattern
The Stockinette Stitch is an easy knitting pattern that creates a smooth, classic texture.
Materials
- Yarn - Any Gauge
Tools
- Knitting Needles - Appropriate Size for Yarn
- Tapestry Needle
- Scissors
Instructions
KNITTED FLAT ON STRAIGHT NEEDLES:
Cast On Any Number of Stitches
- Row 1 (Right Side): Knit All
- Row 2 (Wrong Side): Purl All
or
IN THE ROUND ON CIRCULAR NEEDLES:
Cast On Any Number of Stitches
- Row 1: Knit All
- Row 2: Knit All
Notes
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until your piece is the length you desire.
Not a Reversible Knit Stitch Pattern
2-Row Repeat
Curls up, does not lie flat
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KNITTING TECHNIQUES
- Slip Knot
- CO = Cast On Long Tail Method
- K = Knit Stitch
- P = Purl Stitch
- BO = Bind Off
- Weave In Ends
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KNITTING CHART
Thank You for Visiting Studio Knit
I hope you are inspired to knit up this Stockinette pattern in your next knitting project. For more inspiration, please check out my entire library of free stitch patterns!
Happy knitting to you!
