Stamen Stitch Knitting Pattern
The Stamen Stitch knitting pattern creates a textured design with simple knits and slip stitches. The alternating rows with horizontal slips create a dimensional piece for extra coziness. See how this easy 4-row repeat is knit with one or several colors, both flat and in-the-round.
Get your written pattern instructions both flat and in the round, along with a knitting chart and video tutorial.
Table of Contents
About the Stamen Stitch
Stitch Techniques
A series of easy knits and purls with slipped stitches create the textured pattern. It looks similar to Brioche, but it is even easier than the Garter Stitch!
Row Repeat
Knit up the Stamen Stitch in a simple 4-row repeat.
Lays Flat
It is a favorite stitch choice because this pattern easily lays flat.
Easy to Memorize
Because we are knitting up this texture in an easy series of knit and slip stitch techniques, this is a very easy-to-memorize pattern.
Is this Stamen Stitch Reversible?
No, this is not a reversible pattern. As you can see, the right side of the work displays the slipped stitch design while the wrong side looks more like the garter stitch.
What is the recommended way to change yarn colors?
Knitted Flat: Create a striped piece by easily changing yarn colors. For a clean color stripe, it is best to change yarn colors at the beginning of any right side row while knitting all stitches.
Knitted In-the-Round: You may wish to create stripes by changing yarn colors on every odd-numbered row. However, changing yarn colors on the even-numbered rows with the slipped stitches is a wonderful way to create extra visual interest.
Can this stitch be knit in the round on circular needles?
Yes, this pattern includes written instructions to knit in the round. Try it out with either circular or double-pointed needles to knit up hats, sweater sleeves, or infinity cowls.
Watch Video Tutorial
Knitting Techniques
For this slipped Stamen Stitch design, we are using the following knitting techniques and abbreviations:
- RS = Right Side (front of work)
- WS = Wrong Side (back of work)
- Long Tail Cast On
- K = Knit Stitch
- P = Purl Stitch
- Sl1P WYIB = Slip Stitch Purlwise with Yarn in Back
- Sl1P WYIF = Slip Stitch Purlwise with Yarn in Front
- St/Sts = Stitch/Stitches
- BO = Bind Off
- Weave-in Yarn Ends
Printable Knitting Instructions
Printable Knitting Pattern
The Stamen Stitch knitting pattern creates a textured design with simple knits and slip stitches.
Materials
- Yarn - Any size gauge for your knitting project
Tools
- Knitting Needles - Sized appropriately for your yarn gauge
- Tapestry Needle
- Scissors
Instructions
KNITTED FLAT ON STRAIGHT NEEDLES
Cast On: An Odd Number of Stitches
- Row 1 (right side): Knit All
- Row 2 (wrong side): K1, * Sl1P WYIB, K1 *
- Row 3: Knit All
- Row 4: Sl1P WYIB, * K1, Sl1P WYIB *
Repeat Rows 1 - 4 until your work is the length you desire.
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IN THE ROUND ON CIRCULAR NEEDLES
Cast On: An Even Number of Stitches
- Round 1 (right side): Knit All
- Round 2: * P1, Sl1P WYIF *
- Round 3: Knit All
- Round 3: * Sl1P WYIF, P1 *
Repeat Rounds 1 - 4 until your work is the length you desire.
_____
When Do You Change Yarn Colors in the Stamen Stitch?
Knitted Flat: Create a striped piece by easily changing yarn colors. For a clean color stripe, it is best to change yarn colors at the beginning of any right side row while knitting all stitches.
Knitted In-the-Round: You may wish to create stripes by changing yarn colors on every odd-numbered row. However, changing yarn colors on the even-numbered rows with the slipped stitches is a wonderful way to create extra visual interest.
Notes
Repeat Pattern between * *
Non-Reversible Knit Stitch Pattern.
Lays Flat.
KNITTING TECHNIQUES
- Slip Knot
- CO = Cast On Long Tail Method
- K = Knit Stitch
- P = Purl Stitch
- Sl1P WYIB = Slip One Stitch Purlwise with Yarn in Back
- Sl1P WYIF = Slip One Stitch Purlwise with Yarn in Front
- Bind Off
KNITTING CHART
Kristen McDonnell
Author & Designer
After publishing her first knitting tutorial video, Kristen founded StudioKnit LLC. Enamored with teaching online, she films knitting lessons and 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.