How to Make the Knit Hurdle Stitch

by Janice Jones     |Published 12-20-2022

The knit hurdle stitch is a beginner-friendly pattern of stitches that consists of two rows of the garter stitch, and two rows of one by one ribbing.  

It is considered to be a reversible stitch because both the front and back sides look the same.

If you can make knit and purl stitches, you can master this pattern quickly and create a variety of objects that are perfect for this stitch. 

As is the case with many knit and crochet stitches, the names are derived from how the pattern appears.  In this case, the two rows of knit stitches form the "hurdles" which look the obstacles or barriers that horses jump over or dogs  in an agility course.

The knit hurdle stitch is a beginner friendly knitting stitch that uses only knit and crochet stitches

What Projects Can You Use the Knit Hurdle Stitch?

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

  • Knit dishcloths or face cloths
  • Blankets
  • Rugs
  • Placemats
  • Pillows

How is the Knit Hurdle Stitch Pattern Created?

Cast On: Multiples of 2

Row 1 (Right Side): Knit All

Row 2 (Wrong Side): Knit All

Row 3: * K1, P1 *

Row 4: * K1, P1 *

Knit Hurdle Stitch Tutorial

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

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

  • 100% Lily Sugar 'n Cream 100% Cotton, worsted weight yarn
  • US size 7 (4.5 mm) straight knitting needles
  • Scissors
  • Tapestry Needle to weave in ends.

For this tutorial, you can use any type of yarn and corresponding needles, but if you want to follow along with these instructions, in the end you will have created a lovely 100% cotton face cloth or dishcloth.

Knit Hurdle Stitch Tutorial and Free Beginner-friendly Dishcloth pattern

This pattern and tutorial uses US terms.

Here are the abbreviations that I used.

CO = Cast On

K =knit

P=purl

sts = stitches

BO = Bind Off

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.

Directions for Making a 7" Facecloth

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.

Knit Hurdle Stitch Tutorial:  Pin for Future Reference

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

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