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4-Row Knitting Pattern Stitches

by Janice Jones,  Certified Knitting Instructor (Craft Yarn Council)

Looking for easy, textured stitches that are fun to memorize? 4-row knitting pattern stitches repeat every four rows, creating beautiful textures without the fuss. They’re perfect for beginners who want simple rhythm and for experienced knitters who enjoy mindful, relaxing projects.

Explore this curated collection of 4-row repeat stitches.  You will find classic knits and purls, as well as more decorative patterns. Each stitch includes step-by-step instructions, photos, and tips for working flat or in the round.

A collage of 4-row knitting stitch pattern swatches

This page is part of our Knitting Stitch Collection, where you can also discover:

How to Use This Page

This page gathers some of the most popular 4-row knitting stitch patterns in one place, organized alphabetically for easy browsing.

Here’s how to get the most from it:

  1. Browse the stitch list below. Each stitch name links to a full tutorial with step-by-step instructions, photos, and tips for flat and in-the-round knitting.
  2. Choose a stitch and make a small swatch. Cast on enough stitches for at least two pattern repeats (plus a few edge stitches) to see the full texture develop. These instructions will be provided for you on the stitch page.  Swatching helps you understand the rhythm and appearance of each stitch.
  3. Experiment with yarn and needles. Try different yarn weights or needle sizes.  Even simple 4-row patterns can look completely different in wool vs. cotton, or when knit loosely vs. firmly.
  4. Use your favorites in real projects. Most of these stitches are perfect for scarves, dishcloths, baby blankets, and textured sweaters. Look for notes in each tutorial for suggested uses.
  5. Save your favorites.  Pin your top picks to Pinterest, or bookmark the page for later. 

Alphabetical List of 4-Row Repeat Stitches

These 4-row repeat knitting patterns are listed below in alphabetical order.

Frequently Asked Questions About  4-Row Repeat Stitch Patterns

What is a 4-row knitting pattern?

4-row knitting pattern is a stitch design that repeats every four rows. Once you complete the four-row sequence, you simply start over from row one. These patterns are ideal for beginners and experienced knitters alike, offering variety without being too complex. However, there are more difficult stitch patterns such as lace designs that also fall into the 4-row pattern category.

Are 4-row repeat stitches good for beginners?

Many 4-row repeat stitches use simple combinations of knit and purl stitches, making them perfect for knitters who are still learning. They’re also easy to memorize and great for practicing stitch consistency.

What can I make with 4-row stitch patterns?

These stitch patterns are versatile and can be used to knit scarves, dishcloths, baby blankets, pillow covers, and even sweater panels. They're especially useful for projects where you want visual interest without constantly checking a pattern.

You’ll only need to count to four, which makes these patterns more manageable than longer repeats. Many knitters place a stitch marker or use a row counter to keep track of where they are in the sequence.

Do 4-row repeats use a specific multiple of stitches?

Each pattern has its own stitch multiple.  For example, “a multiple of 6 plus 2," means you would cast on a multiple of 6 stitches and then add two more.  Check the individual tutorial for details before casting on, especially if you’re planning to add border stitches or combine patterns.

Can I knit 4-row repeat patterns in the round?

Yes. Most can be adapted for knitting in the round. You’ll need to adjust the wrong-side rows by reversing the knits and purls. Each tutorial on this site includes an “In the Round” version when it applies.

Conclusion

Four-row knitting patterns prove that beautiful texture doesn’t have to be complicated. Once you’ve memorized just a few short rows, the rhythm becomes second nature — and soon you’ll find yourself creating soft, richly patterned fabrics with ease.

Whether you’re practicing new stitches, designing your own projects, or simply relaxing with your knitting, 4-row repeats are a fantastic way to grow your skills. Keep this page bookmarked and come back often as you build your personal stitch library — you’ll always find fresh inspiration here.

4-row Knitting Pattern Stitches:  Pin for Future Reference

4-row repeat knitting stitches swatches on a pin image