How to Make the Knit Hurdle Stitch

by Janice Jones Last Updated May 16, 2026

Reading Time:  4 minutes

The knit hurdle stitch is a simple, beginner-friendly stitch pattern. The hurdle stitch combines garter stitch with ribbing. The garter stitch rows create the raised horizontal ridges, while the rib rows add stretch and texture between them.

Download your free PDF tutorial or keep reading.

The knit hurdle stitch is a beginner-friendly knitting stitch that uses only knit and purl stitches.I used a 100% cotton yarn to create this swatch.

Many knit stitches are named based on their appearance. In this case, the two rows of knit stitches form the "hurdles," which resemble the obstacles or barriers that horses jump over or dogs jump in an agility course.

Knit Hurdle Stitch
At a Glance

  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Multiple: Even number of stitches
  • Row Repeat: 4 rows
  • Techniques Used: Knit stitch and purl stitches
  • Characteristics: Reversible, textured, flat-laying fabric
  • Best For: Dishcloths, scarves, blankets, placemats, and beginner practice projects

How to Knit the Hurdle Stitch

Skills Needed

How to Cast On

Knit Stitch

Purl Stitch

Bind off

Weave in Ends

Abbreviations

Here are the abbreviations that I used.

CO = Cast On

K = knit

P = purl

sts = stitches

BO = Bind Off

RS = Right Side

WS = Wrong Side

*   * Repeat the instructions between the two asterisks for the number of times indicated.

Written Instructions for Working Flat on Straight Needles

  1. Cast on an even number of stitches.
  2. Row 1 and 2:  Knit all sts.
  3. Row 3:  *K 1, p1; rep from* across the row.
  4. Row 4:  *K 1, p1; rep from* across the row.

Repeat rows 1 through 4  until you reach your desired length.  Bind off and weave in ends.

Instructions for Working Flat in Chart Form

A knitting chart showing how to knit the hurdle stitchThe Knit Hurdle Stitch Instructions in Chart form.

Written Instructions for Working in the Round

Cast on an even number of stitches.  Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist stitches.  Place a stitch marker to indicate where the round begins.

Round 1: Knit around.
Round 2: Purl around.
Round 3: *K1, p1; rep from * around.
Round 4: *K1, p1; rep from * around.

Ever Wonder Why the Pattern is Different for "In the Round" Knitting?

When working in the round, whether on circular needles or double-pointed needles, every round is worked from the right side of the fabric. This means that the right side is always facing you.  Because of this, Round 2 must be purled to create the garter stitch ridges that appear automatically when working flat.

Uses for the Hurdle Stitch

Since this pattern is reversible, this stitch is useful for many projects:

  • Knit dishcloths or face cloths (See the free pattern below)
  • Blankets
  • Rugs
  • Placemats
  • Pillows
  • Scarves and Cowls

Troubleshooting and Mistakes to Avoid

I try to add this section to all of my stitch pattern pages because I know how easy it is to get off-track. Don't worry, though, everyone makes mistakes, even professional knitters, and the only way we get better at our hobby is to practice and learn from our mistakes.

Accidentally creating the seed stitch

This is easier to do than you might think because two of the rows in this stitch pattern are the 1 x 1 rib pattern, and two rows are the garter stitch. Keep track of your rows by using a scrap piece of paper and a pencil to jot down tally marks until you feel confident to continue.

Forgetting the second garter row

If you remember from learning how to make the garter stitch pattern, two rows are needed to create one garter ridge. These two rows create this ridge that gives the Hurdle stitch its unique texture. Again, the best way to keep track of your rows, especially in the beginning, is to use scrap paper and a pencil. (I always keep a post-it note pad in my knitting bag for this exact reason.)

Losing the 1x1 rib sequence

One little trick that will help you memorize this stitch pattern is: 2 rows of garter stitch 2 rows of 1 x 1 ribbing Look at the photo below. As you can see, each knit stitch is followed by a purl stitch. We can still use this photo to identify stitches for your 1x1 rib. If you see that the next stitch on the needle is a purl stitch, then you will use it to make a purl stitch. If the next stitch is a knit stitch, make a knit stitch.

The knit seed stitch on the needles marked up with identifications of the knit and purl stitchesThis is a photo of the seed stitch, but it is useful because you can begin to identify the way purl stitches look different from knit stitches. When making the Hurdle stitch (or 1x1 rib), always knit the knits and purl the purls.

Casting on an odd number of Stitches

This can happen very easily if you forget to count your stitches carefully. If this does happen and you don't want to rip it out and start again, just be sure that you always knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches.

Directions for Making a 7" Facecloth

Close up shot of the hurdle knit stitch knitted with pink 100% cotton yarn.

Supplies Needed for Making a Dishcloth

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For the purposes of this tutorial, I used the following supplies:

Finished Measurements

The finished dishcloth/facecloth measures  7 inches by 7 inches (17.8 by 17.8 cm).

To make this project larger, add 6 stitches for every inch you want to add.  So, for example, if you want an 8-inch cloth, CO 44 sts. instead of the 38 inches suggested below.

Skill Level

From the Craft Yarn Council, the symbol used to determine the skill level required to finish the project.

Instructions

CO 38 stitches

Row 1 and 2:  K all sts.

Row 3:  *K 1, P1* across the row

Row 4:  *K 1, P1* across the row

Repeat rows 1 through 4  until you reach your desired length.  To create a dishcloth/facecloth, the finished project size is 7 inches square. BO after row 1 knit all stitches.

Weave in ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What projects are best suited for the knit hurdle stitch?

The knit hurdle stitch is versatile and can be used for various projects, such as dishcloths, face cloths, blankets, rugs, placemats, pillows, scarves, and cowls.

What skills do I need to know before attempting the knit hurdle stitch?

To work the knit hurdle stitch, you should be familiar with casting on, knit stitch, purl stitch, binding off, and weaving in ends.

What is the difference between a hurdle stitch and a rib stitch?

The hurdle stitch requires a four-row repeat, with two rows of garter stitch separating the rib stitch pattern.  Those two rows of garter pattern create the "hurdle" that separates the rib and gives it the classic name, Hurdle.

Is the hurdle stitch good for beginners?

Yes, this is a great stitch pattern for beginners who have learned the knit and the purl stitch.  Two rows are entirely in the garter stitch pattern, and the other two are in a similar 1 x 1 rib stitch pattern. Since it is only a 4-row repeat, it is easy to memorize, so beginners can concentrate on their knitting without having to check the pattern frequently.

Is the hurdle stitch reversible?

Yes, the hurdle stitch is reversible, making it an ideal choice for projects where both sides show.  (scarves, cowls, dishcloths, and towels)

Does hurdle stitch curl?

The hurdle stitch generally lies flat, unlike the stockinette stitch.  However, it is always a good idea to block the final project lightly to give it the most professional-looking appearance.

More Stitch Tutorials For You

Last Words

If you are ready to move beyond basic garter stitch but still want something relaxing and beginner-friendly, the knit hurdle stitch is an excellent next step. It creates beautiful texture without complicated techniques and works well for practical projects like dishcloths, scarves, and blankets.

Once you memorize the simple 4-row repeat, this becomes one of those comforting stitch patterns you can knit almost without thinking.

Free Downloadable PDF

Would you like a free pdf of this knit hurdle stitch tutorial?  Click to get your free copy.

Knit Hurdle Stitch Tutorial:  Pin for Future Reference

The Knit Hurdle Stitch created in a pink, 100% cotton yarn, pin image