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Parallelogram Knit Stitch Pattern: Beginner-Friendly Tutorial

The Parallogram Knit Stitch Pattern  by Janice Jones
Last Updated December 2025

The Parallelogram-knit-stitch is striking on the needles, but its beauty can intimidate beginners. You don’t need a geometry refresher to work it, just a clear understanding of how its knit-and-purl structure creates that familiar slanted shape found in everyday objects like tiles or solar panels.

What matters is that this pattern demands attention: a 16-row repeat and steady counting make it more challenging than most beginner projects. Here’s what you need to know before you cast on.

A swatch of the knit parallelogram knit stitch pattern worked in pink showing right sideParallelogram Knit Stitch

What Is the Parallelogram Knit Stitch?

A parallelogram is a simple geometric shape: four sides, two pairs of parallel lines.

You’ll see it everywhere — floor tiles, solar panels, brick patterns, or even the shape of a pencil eraser.

In knitting, the parallelogram appears as a repeating pattern of small leaning blocks, created through the strategic placement of knit and purl sections. The result is:

  • A reversible-ish textured fabric
  • Lovely diagonal movement
  • A dense, stable structure
  • Excellent definition in smooth yarns

It’s perfect for scarves, blankets, dishcloths, and any project that calls for texture without lace holes or cables.

Skill Level

I am rating this pattern an advanced beginner.

Skill level easy per the Craft Yarn Council

Skills Required to Create this Knit Pattern

Abbreviations Used

k - knit

p - purl

CO - Cast on

BO - Bind off

*     * - Repeat instructions within the pair of astricks

Supplies Needed

Notes About the Parallelogram Knit Stitch Pattern

  • 16-row repeat
  • 12 stitch repeat
  • Made of only knits and purl stitches
  • Reversible
  • All instructions are written in US terms
  • Your gauge will vary depending on the yarn you choose, but because the fabric is textured, expect it to be slightly denser than stockinette.

Reversible Knit Stitch Patter

Both the right and wrong sides of the Parallelogram

A swatch of the knit parallelogram knit stitch pattern worked in pink showing right sideParallelogram Knit Stitch Pattern, Right Side
Parallelogram knit stitch pattern swatch worked in pink and showing the wrong sideParallelogram Knit Stitch Pattern, Wrong Side

Reading Your Stitches

If you get lost within the pattern, you can often find your way by reading your stitches.

Several rows of the parallelogram knit stitch pattern with knits and purls markedLook at the stitches you made on the last row. Identify the purls and the knits and count them. From there you can compare your stitch counts to the pattern, you can locate your place.

How to Make the Parallelogram Knit Stitch Pattern

Cast On: Multiples of 12

Row 1 (Right Side): * K1, P5, K5, P1 *
Row 2 (Wrong Side): * K2, P4, K4, P2 *
Row 3: * K3, P3 *
Row 4: * K4, P2, K2, P4 *
Row 5: * K5, P1, K1, P5 *
Row 6: * K6, P6 *
Row 7: * K6, P6 *
Row 8: * K6, P6 *
Row 9: * P1, K5, P5, K1 *
Row 10: * P2, K4, P4, K2 *
Row 11: * P3, K3 *
Row 12: * P4, K2, P2, K4 *
Row 13: * P5, K1, P1, K5 *
Row 14: * P6, K6 *
Row 15: * P6, K6 *
Row 16: * P6, K6 *

Tips for Success 

Beginners often make the same few mistakes with this stitch. These tips help prevent frustration:

Keep track of the 16-row repeat

This is the most common challenge. Use stitch markers, a row counter, or mark every 4 rows on your paper.

Choose yarn with good stitch definition

Wool, cotton, or acrylic blends work well. Avoid fuzzy yarns like mohair if you want crisp diagonals.

Block lightly (or not at all)

A light block smooths the pattern — a heavy block may reduce the texture's depth and flatten the fabric.

Swatch first if you’re making a scarf or blanket

Because it's a dense stitch, you may want to use a needle size slightly larger than normal if you prefer more drape.

Parallelogram Stitch Uses & Project Ideas

This stitch can be used in a variety of projects. 

  • Dishcloths
  • Hot pads
  • Baby blankets
  • Textured scarves
  • Decorative pillow fronts
  • Reversible afghans

It's geometric, structured, modern, and gender-neutral.

Example Project: Easy Parallelogram Knit Facecloth

This small sample is an excellent way to practice the stitch before committing to a larger project.

  • Cast On: 36 stitches
  • Follow the 16-row repeat until the cloth measures about 7.5" or your desired length.
  • Bind off and weave in ends or create a crocheted border for extra texture.

Cotton yarn creates a sturdy dishcloth with a beautiful texture. 

Knit Parallelogram Knit Stitch Pattern Chart

It is likely that you won't need a chart to knit from since the written directions are easy and straight-forward.

However, it is always a good idea to learn how to read charts because as you grow as a knitter, patterns become more complex and charts are a good way to understand what to do.

Learn more about reading knitting charts.

Knit chart of the parallelogram knit stitch

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Parallelogram Knit Stitch reversible?

Mostly, yes. The reverse side looks similar but is the mirror image. Both sides look finished enough for reversible projects.

Does this stitch curl?

No. The texture keeps the edges flat, making it ideal for scarves and home décor.

What yarn weight works best?

Worsted cotton, worsted wool, DK acrylic — anything smooth that shows texture.

How hard is the stitch?

For anyone who knows knits and purls, it’s very achievable. The only challenge is tracking the long repeat.

Love Texture? Try These Similar Stitch Patterns

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Parallelogram Knit Stitch Pattern: Pin for Future Reference

A pin image for the Parallelogram tutorialHow to Make the Parallelogram Knit Stitch Pattern

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