60+ Knit and Purl Stitches: The Ultimate Guide

Knit and Purl Stitches   by Janice Jones    Last updated March 24, 2026

A collage of small knit and purl stitch swatchesIndex of Knit and Purl Stitches

What are Knit and Purl Stitches?

Knit and purl stitches are the foundation of all knitting. Once you understand how they work together, you can create everything from simple textures to complex patterns.

Quick Picks

Basic Stitches

Rib Stitch Patterns

Check and Basketweave Patterns

Geometric and Textured Designs

Brocade and Diamond Patterns

Diagonal and Zig-Zag Patterns

Basic Stitches

Mastering the fundamental building blocks of knitting starts here with the most iconic textures, from the reversible ridges of Garter stitch to the classic 'V' shape of Stockinette.

Garter stitch pattern worked in beige yarn, thumbnail imageGarter Stitch Pattern

Made on a multiple of any number of stitches, this is entirely knit.

Knit moss stitch pattern worked in blueMoss Knit Stitch

This knit-and-purl stitch is worked over a 4-row repeat that lies flat.

Stockinette stitch closeup worked in blue yarnStockinette Stitch

Stockinette Stitch is a basic stitch worked on a 2-row repeat of knit-and-purl stitches.

Purl stitch swatch also known as reverse stockinette worked in white yarnReverse Stockinette

The reverse side of the stockinette stitch creates a series of little purl bumps called reverse stockinette.

Knit seed stitch worked in white close up viewSeed Stitch

When you alternate a knit and a purl stitch across the row, you end up with the seed stitch.  

a 2x2 rib stitch worked in blue and thumbprint as 350-234 image2x2 Ribbing

Basic rib stitches, including 2 x 2 ribbing, also called k2, p2 ribbing, are common for cuffs and hems on clothing.

1 x 1 Rib worked in white yarn, close up view1x1 Ribbing

The 1 by 1 rib creates a stretchy fabric perfect for cuffs, brims, and hems on hats and sweaters.

Rib Stitch Patterns

Ribbing adds essential stretch and vertical structure to your projects, making these knit-and-purl combinations perfect for form-fitting cuffs, necklines, and sweaters.

Right side showing of the beaded rib stitch swatch, thumbnailThe Beaded Knit Rib Stitch

The Beaded Knit Rib Stitch tutorial will walk you through creating this 2-row repeat that lies flat.

Broken rib swatch worked in white yarn (right side)Broken Rib knit Stitch

Broken Rib knit Stitch is a knit and purl stitch that is also used as a rib stitch. It is reversible.

Thumbnail image of the chevron rib knit stitch swatch worked in orange yarn.Chevron Rib Stitch
A thumbnail image of the diagonal rib stitchDiagonal Rib Stitch
Thumbnail image of the Diagonal spiral rib stitch worked in pink Diagonal Spiral Rib Stitch
Farrow Knit Rib Stitch, Thumbnail image 350-234pxFarrow Rib Knit Stitch
Fisherman's rib worked in pinkFisherman's Rib Stitch
Interrupted Rib Knit Stitch, Thumbnail image, 350-234pxInterrupted Rib Knit Stitch
Mistake rib knit stitch thumb 350 x 234 px.Mistake Rib Knit Stitch
Roman knit rib stitch thumbnail 350-234pxRoman Knit Rib Stitch
Knit Iron Stitch worked in dark pinkIron Stitch
Thermal knit stitch pattern thumbnail image 359-234pxThermal Knit Stitch Pattern
Ridged rib knit stitch pattern thumbnail 350-234pxRidged Rib Stitch Pattern
Thumbnail of the seeded rib worked in whiteSeeded Rib Knit Stitch
Knit sand stitch pattern worked in greenSand Stitch
Twin Rib Knit Stitch ThumbnailTwin Rib Stitch
Twisted rib stitch pattern thumbnail, 350-234pxTwisted Rib Knit Stitch

For more rib stitches, visit the full collection of knit rib stitches.

Check and Basketweave Patterns

Create a woven, fabric-like appearance using simple blocks of knits and purls to produce sophisticated textures like the thick, warm Basketweave or the crisp Grid stitch.

Close-up view of one variation of the basketweave stitch.Visit the Basketweave Stitch Pattern tutorial to see two variations of this common stitch.
Box knit stitch (also known as the double moss stitch is an easy knit and purl stitch worked over a row repeat of 4.Box Check Stitch (aka double moss stitch) is an easy 4-row knit-and-purl stitch.
Knit close check pattern worked in greenClose Check Knit Stitch
A thumbnail image of the double basket stitch knitting.Double Basket Stitch
Grid stitch closeup 350x234pxGrid Stitch
Horizontal Knit Welt Stitch worked in a deep purl yarn 350px-234-pxHorizontal Welt Stitch
Knit waffle stitch Waffle Stitch
The knit shingle stitch, made with knit and purl stitches creates a highly textured fabricShingle Stitch
Simple Checker is a decorative pattern that uses just knit and purl stitches and is also reversibleSimple Checker (Checkerboard)
A thumbnail checkerboard garter stitch knit stitch patternGarter Checkerboard Stitch

Geometric and Textured Designs

Inject a sense of movement and modern style into your knitting with these patterns that use shifted stitches to create striking diagonal lines and reversible chevrons.

Thumbnail image of the double alternate andalou knit stitch in yellowDouble Alternate Andalou Stitch
A thumbnail image of the Double Andalusian knit stitch worked in blue yarnDouble Andalusian Knit Stitch
Andalusian knit stitch worked in white, a knit and purl stitch that is not reversible.View the Andalusian Stitch Tutorial, instructions, and chart for this 4-row repeat that is not reversible.
The bamboo rib knit stitch pattern worked in a green 100% wool, thumbnail 350-234 px Bamboo Rib Knit Stitch Pattern Tutorial, instructions, and chart for this 12-row ribbing stitch that is not reversible.
Knit drop stitch pattern Drop Stitch Garter Knit Stitch
Thumbnail photo of the Knit Flag Stitch worked in orange yarnFlag Stitch Knit Pattern
Knit bumpy stitch pattern worked in tealThe Bumpy Stitch tutorial shows you how to create this easy knit-and-purl stitch, a reversible 4-row repeat.
The knit Flying Geese pattern worked in dark tealFlying Geese Knit Stitch
The knit hurdle stitch pattern made with pink yarn.Hurdle Stitch
Thumbnail image of the knit pyramid stitch worked in tealPyramid Knit Stitch
Thumbnail photo of the pinwheel knit stitch patternPinwheel Knit Stitch
The pythagorean knit stitch thumbnailPythagorean Knit Stitch Pattern
Purl ridge knit pattern thumb size 350-234Purl Ridge Knit Pattern
tumbling moss stitch pattern worked on a stitch multiple of 10 and a row repeat of 2oTumbling Moss Block Stitch
Thumbnail of the Knit Tile Stitch worked in blueTile Knit Stitch

Brocade and Diamond Patterns

These intricate-looking designs use strategic knit and purl placements to create elegant, raised diamond shapes and formal brocade textures that look much more complex than they are to knit.

A thumbnail photo of the King Charles BrocadeKing Charles Brocade
Diamond brocade knit stitch pattern worked in purple thumbnail imageDiamond Brocade Stitch
A swatch of the giant diamond worked in blue yarn, thumb imageGiant Diamonds

Diagonal and Zig-Zag Patterns

Explore a world of unique surface interests, from the pebbled look of Sand stitch to the thermal warmth of Waffle stitch, to give your blankets and accessories a truly professional finish.

A thumbnail image of the cut diagonals worked in purple.Cut Diagonals
Diagonal seed stitch thumbnail image worked in greenDiagonal Seed Stitch
The diagonal zig zag stitch is a reversible, knit and purl stitch worked on a stitch multiple of 8 and row count of 16Diagonal Zig-Zag Stitch
A thumbnail of the seed stitch chevron knit stitch.Seed Stitch Chevron Stitch
Waved welt stitch worked in green yarnWaved Welt
Thumbnail version of the little pyramid knit stitch pattern Little Pyramids Stitch Pattern
Seersucker knit stitch pattern worked in a thumbnail size 350-234 pxSeersucker Knit Stitch Pattern
The wrong side is showing of a swatch worked with the wide chevron zig zag stitchWide Zig Zag Chevron Stitch

What are Knit and Purl Stitches

Knit and purl stitches are the two basic building blocks of all knitting. Every stitch pattern you see—no matter how simple or complex—is created by combining these two stitches in different ways.

  • Knit stitch (K): Creates a smooth, flat surface often called the “right side” of the fabric
  • Purl stitch (P): Forms a raised bump, adding texture and dimension

When you alternate knit and purl stitches, you can create a wide variety of patterns:

  • Stockinette stitch: Knit on one side, purl on the other (smooth front, bumpy back)
  • Garter stitch: Knit every row (or purl every row) for a ridged, reversible fabric
  • Ribbing: Alternating knits and purls in the same row for stretch (like K1, P1 or K2, P2)

The real magic happens when you start combining these stitches in repeating patterns. With just knit and purl, you can create texture, stretch, structure, and even decorative designs as you see on this page.

How to Choose the Right Knit and Purl Stitch

With so many stitch patterns created from knit and purl combinations, it can feel overwhelming to decide where to start. The best stitch for your project depends on what you want your finished piece to look and feel like.

If you’re a beginner, Start with simple, easy-to-read patterns:

Garter stitch
Stockinette stitch
Basic ribbing (K1, P1 or K2, P2)

These stitches help you learn how knit and purl stitches behave and make it easier to spot mistakes.

If you want something reversible:

Choose stitches that look good on both sides:

  • Garter stitch
  • Ribbing patterns
  • Seed stitch or moss stitch

These are perfect for scarves, dishcloths, and blankets where both sides are visible. Visit our collection of reversible stitches.

If you want texture:

Look for patterns that mix knits and purls in interesting ways:

Basketweave patterns
Andalusian stitch
Double moss stitch

These stitches add depth and visual interest without being too complicated.

If you need your fabric to stretch:

Ribbing is your best choice:

K1, P1 rib
K2, P2 rib

Great for cuffs, hats, and anything that needs to stretch and hold its shape.  Visit the complete collection of rib stitches.

Frequently Asked Questions About Knit and Purl Stitches

What is the main difference between a knit stitch and a purl stitch?

The primary difference is visual and structural. A knit stitch looks like a small "V," and the yarn sits at the back of the work. A purl stitch looks like a small horizontal bar or "purl bump," and the yarn sits at the front of the work. Essentially, a purl is the backside of a knit stitch.

Can I create any knitting pattern using only knit and purl stitches?

You can create many knitting patterns using only knit and purl stitches.  By combining these two fundamental stitches in different sequences, you can create a huge variety of textures. Common examples include Garter stitch (all knits), Stockinette stitch (alternating rows), and Ribbing (alternating stitches within the same row).  However, there are many other patterns that require additional techniques to make the fabric.

Why does my knitting curl at the edges when using knit and purl?

This is a common characteristic of Stockinette stitch (one row knit, one row purl). Because knit stitches are slightly taller than purl stitches, the fabric naturally curls. To prevent this, you can add a border of Garter stitch or Seed stitch, which uses a balanced mix of both stitches to keep the fabric flat.

Why do people love knit and purl stitches?

Knitters, especially those just getting started, love these stitch patterns because they can turn their knowledge of knit and purl stitches into a beautiful, textured fabric without needing to learn more advanced techniques.

Last Words About Knit and Purl Stitches




Knit and Purl Stitches:  Endless Possibilities Await You When You Combine the Knit and Purl Stitches

Thumbnail images of knit and purl stitches in a collage worked into a pin imageKnit and Purl Stitches

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