Twin Sails Stitch Knitting Pattern for Beginners

I named this pattern the Twin Sails Stitch because its repeating triangle shapes remind me of two sails set side by side, gliding together in the breeze. This stitch is fully reversible and crafted using just knits and purls, alternating triangle shapes.

Get your printable pattern instructions for both flat and in the round pieces below, along with a helpful knitting chart.

Twin Sails knit stitch pattern in orange colored yarn.

Knitting Instructions

This design has a calming, balanced feel with just a hint of movement, like sailboats catching the wind on a serene afternoon. It’s simple to knit, yet full of crisp, modern texture.

Cast On Multiple of 12 Stitches

Cast on knitting stitches onto your needles in multiples of twelve. This determines the width of your work.

Pattern is Identical for Knitted Flat and In-the-Round

Row 1 (Right Side): * P6, K6 *

Rows 2 and 12 (Wrong Side): * K1, P5, K5, P1 *

Rows 3 and 11: * K2, P4, K4, P2 *

Rows 4 and 10: * K3, P3, K3, P3 *

Rows 5 and 9: * K4, P2, K2, P4 *

Rows 6 and 8: * K5, P1, K2, P4 *

Row 7: * K6, P6 *

Repeat Rows 1 – 12 until your piece is the length you desire

Knit Stitch Pattern Book

Love easy knitting? Get 50 more stitch patterns from my Knit Stitch Pattern Book available in both digital and print formats.

Twin Sails stitch in white color yarn on knitting needle.

Knitting Chart

Knitting chart of Twin Sails Stitch by Studio Knit.

About the Twin Sails Stitch

The Twin Sails Stitch is a reversible pattern made up of alternating Stockinette and Reverse Stockinette triangle shapes. Its geometric design brings a crisp, modern look to your knitting.

Knit and Purl Design

Worked with just knits and purl stitches, this pattern is simple to create but delivers a richly textured result. It’s a relaxing stitch with a satisfying rhythm that’s perfect for unwinding.

Row Repeat

Although it may look intricate at first glance, this stitch is built from a 12-row repeat of easy techniques, making it approachable for all skill levels.

Right and wrong sides of the Twin Sails knit stitch pattern in orange yarn color.

Reversible Stitch

This is a reversible pattern, meaning that both sides of your work, the Right and Wrong sides, are identical, making it ideal for projects where both sides will be visible.

Knitted Project Ideas

The Twin Sails Stitch is a beautiful choice for pieces that benefit from a double-sided design. Think cozy scarves, warm blankets, or any project where texture takes center stage.


Knitting Techniques

The Twin Sails Stitch is an easy combination of simple Knit and Purl Stitches. Find my entire library of Knitting Techniques to help knit up this project.

Twin Sails stitch on the side close-up.

Printable Knitting Instructions

Knitting texture with Pennant Pleating stitch in white colored yarn on needle.

Printable Knitting Pattern

This Twin Sails Stitch Knitting Pattern is an easy knit and purl reversible design, made up of alternating Stockinette and Reverse Stockinette triangle shapes. 

Makes: Twin Sails Stitch
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Active Time: 2 hours
Additional Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Difficulty: Experienced Beginner

Materials

  • Yarn - Any Gauge

Tools

  • Knitting Needles - Appropriate Size for Yarn
  • Tapestry Needle
  • Scissors

Instructions

KNITTED FLAT ON STRAIGHT NEEDLES:

Cast On: Multiples of 12 Stitches

  1. Row 1 (Right Side): * P6, K6 *
  2. Row 2 (Wrong Side): * K1, P5, K5, P1 *
  3. Row 3: * K2, P4, K4, P2 *
  4. Row 4: * K3, P3, K3, P3 *
  5. Row 5: * K4, P2, K2, P4 *
  6. Row 6: * K5, P1, K2, P4 *
  7. Row 7: * K6, P6 *
  8. Row 8: * K5, P1, K1, P5 *
  9. Row 9: * K4, P2, K2, P4 *
  10. Row 10: * K3, P3, K3, P3 *
  11. Row 11: * K2, P4, K4, P2 *
  12. Row 12: * K1, P5, K5, P1 *

or

IN THE ROUND ON CIRCULAR NEEDLES:

Cast On: Multiples of 12 Stitches

  1. Round 1: * P6, K6 *
  2. Round 2: * K1, P5, K5, P1 *
  3. Round 3: * K2, P4, K4, P2 *
  4. Round 4: * K3, P3, K3, P3 *
  5. Round 5: * K4, P2, K2, P4 *
  6. Round 6: * K5, P1, K1, P5 *
  7. Round 7: * K6, P6 *
  8. Round 8: * K5, P1, K1, P5 *
  9. Round 9: * K4, P2, K2, P4 *
  10. Round 10: * K3, P3, K3, P3 *
  11. Round 11: * K2, P4, K4, P2 *
  12. Round 12: * K1, P5, K5, P1 *

Notes

Repeat Rows 1 – 12 until your piece is the length you desire

Repeat pattern between the * * asterisks

Reversible Knit Stitch Pattern

12-Row Repeat

_____

KNITTING TECHNIQUES

  1. Slip Knot 
  2. CO = Cast On Long Tail Method
  3. K = Knit Stitch 
  4. P = Purl Stitch
  5. BO = Bind Off
  6. Weave In Ends

_____

KNITTING CHART

Knitting chart of Twin Sails Stitch by Studio Knit.

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Kristen McDonnell
Author • Designer • Teacher

Kristen from StudioKnit LLC produces knitting video lessons and pattern designs from her vibrant production studio on Half Moon Bay’s California coast.

Kristen McDonnell is the author of the highly acclaimed book Knit Stitch: 50 Knit + Purl Patterns featuring vintage and unique designs.

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