The King Charles Brocade Stitch is a regal and textured knitting pattern that creates an elegant, symmetrical design featuring ribbed columns and raised motifs. This 12-row repeat stitch forms a rich, embossed surface reminiscent of royal brocades, making it ideal for decorative pieces. Some knit stitches come with a bit of history.
From the book, A Treasury of Knitting Patterns, by Barbara G. Walker, she writes,
“This elegant version of Diamond Brocade carries a historical footnote of a rather gruesome nature. It is one of the patterns in a vest worn by King Charles I of England on the day of his execution in 1649. This vest, a marvelous piece of master knitting of the period, was worked in blue silk. It was preserved in the London Museum.” (p. 31)
Easy. While it uses only knit and purl stitches, a 12-row repeat may be a little intimidating for absolute beginners.
K = knit
P = purl
RS = right side
WS = Wrong side
St(s) = stitch, stitches
Rep = repeat
** Repeat the instructions between the two asterisks
Cast on a multiple of 12 stitches, plus 1.
Row 1 (RS): K1, *P1, K9, P1, K1; rep from * to end
Row 2 (WS): K1, P1, K1, *P7, (K1, P1) twice, K1; rep from * to last 10 sts, P7, K1, P1, K1
Row 3: (K1, P1) twice, *K5, (P1, K1) 3 times, P1; rep from * to last 9 sts, K5, (P1, K1) twice
Row 4: P2, *K1, P1, K1, P3; rep from * to last 5 sts, K1, P1, K1, P2
Row 5: K3, *(P1, K1) 3 times, P1, K5; rep from * to last 10 sts, (P1, K1) 3 times, P1, K3
Row 6: P4, *(K1, P1) twice, K1, P7; rep from * to last 9 sts, (K1, P1) twice, K1, P4
Row 7: K5, *P1, K1, P1, K9; rep from * to last 8 sts, P1, K1, P1, K5
Row 8: Repeat Row 6
Row 9: Repeat Row 5
Row 10: Repeat Row 4
Row 11: Repeat Row 3
Row 12: Repeat Row 2
Repeat Rows 1–12 for pattern. Then, bind off and weave in ends. Block if needed.
Remember, read this chart from right to left from the lower right hand corner. The first row is the right side and the second row is the wrong side.
Is the King Charles Brocade stitch reversible?
No, it has a distinct right and wrong side, but looks good even on the wrong side.
Can beginners try this pattern?
Yes, but absolute beginners may find following the stitch pattern and row repeat a bit daunting. This pattern is best suited for confident beginners and beyond.
What yarn works best?
The details of this stitch look best when worked with a smooth, solid color yarn. Variegated yarns will distort the stitch pattern.
Does it require blocking?
Light blocking is always recommended to enhance the stitch definition and maintain the shape. The fabric does lie flat without blocking.
The King Charles Brocade is a stunning historical stitch that combines structure and elegance. With its refined appearance and simple construction, it’s a satisfying project for anyone looking to expand their stitch repertoire.