Diagonal Zig Zag Stitch:  Beginner-friendly Tutorial

by Janice Jones, Certified Knitting Instructor (CKC)  Published March 12, 2026

The diagonal zig-zag stitch is a highly textured stitch pattern made entirely from knit and purl stitches.  It is also reversible, making it an ideal stitch pattern when you want both sides of the fabric to show, such as with blankets and scarves.  

The pattern can be completed by working a stitch pattern of 8 stitches and a row repeat of 16 rows.  It works just as well when knit flat or in the round.  I will walk you through how to make this interesting stitch pattern.

The diagonal zig zag stitch is a reversible, knit and purl stitch worked on a stitch multiple of 8 and row count of 16

Pattern Notes

  • Skill level: Easy
  • Stitch multiple: 8
  • Row repeat: 16
  • Reversible: Yes
  • Worked flat: Yes
  • Worked in the round: Yes
  • Fabric behavior: Lies flat
  • Techniques used: Knit and purl only

Why You’ll Love This Stitch section

This stitch is a great choice if you want a pattern with plenty of texture but no complicated techniques. The diagonal lines add movement and interest, while the reversible fabric makes it especially useful for scarves, blankets, and cowls. It is also a nice way for beginners to practice following a longer repeat using only knit and purl stitches.

Skills Needed

How to make the knit stitch

How to make the purl stitch

How to cast on using the long-tail cast-on method

How to bind off in pattern

How to read a written knitting pattern

How to work from a knitting chart

How to weave in ends

How to block

All Abbreviations Used

k - knit

p - purl

RS - right side

WS - wrong side

rep - repeat

*     * - work the instructions contained in the two asterisks the total of times indicated.

Supplies Required for Making a Practice Swatch

  • Yarn:  I recommend a worsted-weight, #4 yarn in a light color.
  • Needles:  Flat or circular in size US 7 (4.5 mm) or US 8 (5.0 mm)
  • Scissors
  • Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
  • Stitch marker (optional)

Instructions for Working Flat on Straight Needles

Cast on Multiples of 8.

For a Practice Swatch, cast on 24 stitches.

Row 1 (RS): * K1, P1, K1, P5; rep from * to end of row.
Row 2: (WS): * K5, P1, K1, P1; rep from * to end of row.
Row 3: * K1, P1, K5, P1; rep from * to end of row.
Row 4: * K1, P5, K1, P1; rep from * to end of row.
Row 5: * K1, P5, K1, P1; rep from * to end of row.
Row 6: * K1, P1, K5, P1; rep from * to end of row.
Row 7: * K5, P1, K1, P1; rep from * to end of row.
Row 8: * K1, P1, K1, P5; rep from * to end of row.
Row 9: * P4, K1, P1, K1, P1; rep from * to end of row.
Row 10: * K1, P1, K1, P1, K4; rep from * to end of row.
Row 11: * K3, P1, K1, P1, K2; rep from * to end of row.
Row 12: * P2, K1, P1, K1, P3; rep from * to end of row.
Row 13: * P2, K1, P1, K1, P3; rep from * to end of row.
Row 14: * K3, P1, K1, P1, K2; rep from * to end of row.
Row 15: * K1, P1, K1, P1, K4; rep from * to end of row.
Row 16: * P4, K1, P1, K1, P1; rep from * to end of row.

Repeat rows 1 – 16 for the pattern.

Instructions for Working Flat in Chart Form

Diagonal zig-zag knit stitch instructions represented in chart form

Written Instructions for Working in the Round on Circular Needles

Cast on multiples of 8.

Round 1: * K1, P1, K1, P5; rep from * around.
Round 2: * K1, P1, K1, P5; rep from * around.
Round 3: * K1, P1, K5, P1; rep from * around.
Round 4: * K1, P1, K5, P1; rep from * around.
Round 5: * K1, P5, K1, P1; rep from * around.
Round 6: * K1, P5, K1, P1; rep from * around.
Round 7: * K5, P1, K1, P1; rep from * around.
Round 8: * K5, P1, K1, P1; rep from * around.
Round 9: * P4, K1, P1, K1, P1; rep from * around.
Round 10: * P4, K1, P1, K1, P1; rep from * around.
Round 11: * K3, P1, K1, P1, K2; rep from * around.
Round 12: * K3, P1, K1, P1, K2; rep from * around.
Round 13: * P2, K1, P1, K1, P3; rep from * around.
Round 14: * P2, K1, P1, K1, P; rep from * around.
Round 15: * K1, P1, K1, P1, K4; rep from * around.
Round 16: * K1, P1, K1, P1, K4; rep from * around.

Repeat rounds 1 – 16 for the pattern.

Troubleshooting and Beginner Tips

Losing Track of Your Progress

Sometimes, beginners get intimidated by the row count in beginner patterns.  This stitch pattern requires a row repeat of 16, which can seem like a lot to beginners.  To make it easier, print out the pattern and use a ruler or sticky note to keep track of where you are.  You can also use tally marks on a slip of paper to mark the row complete.  Other methods include:

Row Counter

Magnetic pattern holder

Tension Problems

Sometimes problems between knit and purl stitches can cause the fabric to look less than stellar.  The knit stitches sometimes look larger than they should.  If you find that your knits and purls are not the same size, you are not alone.  Check out my tension article to get some tips on how to improve this problem

Project Ideas

This stitch pattern is ideal for any project where you need both sides to look the same, such as:

  • Washcloths
  • Blankets of all sizes
  • Scarves
  • Cowls

It can also work well in larger projects, such as sweaters or vests, where you want to add an additional interesting panel.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Diagonal Zig Zag Knit Stitch

What is the diagonal zig-zag knit stitch?

The diagonal zig-zag knit stitch is a textured stitch pattern that creates slanted lines forming a repeating zig-zag design across the fabric. It is typically created using combinations of knits and purls, which shift the stitches slightly to the left or right in each row.

Does the diagonal zig-zag stitch curl?

Because many versions include both knit and purl stitches, the diagonal zig-zag pattern generally lies fairly flat. However, like most knitted fabrics, it may still benefit from a border such as garter stitch or ribbing to prevent edge curling.

Is the diagonal zig-zag stitch suitable for beginners?

Yes, confident beginners can learn the diagonal zig-zag stitch. While it may look complex, the pattern usually relies on simple knitting techniques, such as knit and purl stitches and basic decreases, repeated over several rows.

What types of yarn work best for this stitch pattern?

Smooth, light-colored yarns show the diagonal zig-zag texture best. Highly textured yarns, such as boucle or fuzzy yarns, can hide the stitch pattern and make the zig-zag effect harder to see.

How can I keep track of the stitch and row repeat?

A few helpful strategies include:

  • Placing stitch markers between pattern repeats
  • Printing the pattern and checking off rows
  • Using a row counter 
  • Using a ruler on top of a paper pattern

These small tools can make learning textured stitch patterns much easier.

Last Words About the Diagonal Zig-Zag Stitch Pattern

The diagonal zig-zag knit stitch is a wonderful pattern to add to your knitting toolbox. Its flowing lines and textured fabric create visual interest without requiring complicated techniques, making it a satisfying stitch for both adventurous beginners and more experienced knitters.

Once you become familiar with the stitch repeat, the rhythm of the pattern is easy to remember, and the fabric grows quickly. The diagonal movement also gives finished projects a lively, modern look that stands out from more traditional stitch patterns.

Try using the diagonal zig-zag stitch for scarves, blankets, dishcloths, or textured sweater panels. With the right yarn and a little practice, this simple stitch pattern can turn an ordinary project into something truly special.

Most importantly, take your time and enjoy the process. Like many textured stitches, the pattern becomes easier with each repeat—and before long, those beautiful zig zag lines will start to appear almost effortlessly on your needles.

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