Pinwheel Stitch Knitting Pattern
(Step-by-Step Tutorial)

by Janice Jones Last updated May 15, 2026

Though it looks intricate, the Pinwheel Stitch uses only basic knits and purls, making it accessible for adventurous beginners ready to try longer stitch patterns. Its reversible quality and bold geometry make it a striking choice for scarves, afghans, and modern home decor.

Though it looks intricate, the Pinwheel Stitch uses only basic knits and purls, making it accessible for adventurous beginners ready to try longer stitch patterns. Its reversible quality and bold geometry make it a striking choice for scarves, afghans, and modern home decor.

The biggest challenge is keeping track of the 22-row repeat, so many knitters find a row counter or highlighter tape helpful.

How to Knit the Pinwheel Stitch

Skills Needed

• Casting on
• Knit Stitch
• Purl Stitch
• Reading a multi-row written pattern repeat
• Binding off

Abbreviations

K = Knit
P = Purl
RS = Right Side
WS = Wrong Side
Rep = Repeat

** = Repeat from * (for the number of times indicated by the pattern

Written Instructions for Working Flat on Straight Needles

Cast On: A multiple of 20 stitches  (20, 40, 60 etc.)

Row 1: *K10, p10; rep from * to end.
Row 2: *P1, k9, p9, k1; rep from * to end.
Row 3: *P2, k8, p8, K2; rep from * to end.
Row 4: *P3, k7, p7, k3; rep from * to end.
Row 5: *P4, k6, p6, k4; rep from * to end.
Row 6: *P5, k5; rep from * to end.
Row 7: *P6, k4, p4, k6; rep from * to end.
Row 8: *P7, k3, p3, k7; rep from * to end.
Row 9: *P8, k2, p2, k8; rep from * to end.
Row 10: *P9, k1, p1, k9; rep from * to end.
Row 11: *P10, k10; rep from * to end.
Row 12: *K10, p10; rep from * to end.
Row 13: *K9, p1, k1, p9; rep from * to end.
Row 14: *K8, p2, k2, p8; rep from * to end.
Row 15: *K7, p3, k3, p7; rep from * to end.
Row 16: *K6, p4, k4, p6; rep from * to end.
Row 17: *K5, p5; rep from * to end.
Row 18: *K4, p6, k6, p4; rep from * to end.
Row 19: *K3, p7, k7, p3; rep from * to end.
Row 20: *K2, p8, k8, p2; rep from * to end.
Row 21: *K1, p9, k9, p1; rep from * to end.
Row 22: *P10, k10; rep from * to end.
Repeat Rows 1–22 for the pattern.

Instructions For Working Flat in Chart Form

Learn more about how to master knit charts.

Written Instructions for Working in the Round on Circular Needles

Cast On: A multiple of 20 stitches.  Join to work in the round.  Be sure not to twist your stitches.  Place a stitch marker at the beginning of the round.
Round 1: *K10, p10; rep from * to end.
Round 2: *P1, k9, p9, k1; rep from * to end.
Round 3: *P2, k8, p8, k2; rep from * to end.
Round 4: *P3, k7, p7, k3; rep from * to end.
Round 5: *P4, k6, p6, k4; rep from * to end.
Round 6: *P5, k5; rep from * to end.
Round 7: *P6, k4, p4, k6; rep from * to end.
Round 8: *P7, k3, p3, k7; rep from * to end.
Round 9: *P8, k2, p2, k8; rep from * to end.
Round 10: *P9, k1, p1, k9; rep from * to end.
Round 11: *P10, k10; rep from * to end.
Round 12: *K10, p10; rep from * to end.
Round 13: *K9, p1, k1, p9; rep from * to end.
Round 14: *K8, p2, k2, p8; rep from * to end.
Round 15: *K7, p3, k3, p7; rep from * to end.
Round 16: *K6, p4, k4, p6; rep from * to end.
Round 17: *K5, p5; rep from * to end.
Round 18: *K4, p6, k6, p4; rep from * to end.
Round19: *K3, p7, k7, p3; rep from * to end.
Round 20: *K2, p8, k8, p2; rep from * to end.
Round 21: *K1, p9, k9, p1; rep from * to end.
Rounds 22: *P10, k10; rep from * to end.

Repeat Rounds 1–22 for the pattern.

Common Problems with the Pinwheel Stitch

My pattern does not look like pinwheels

The Pinwheel Stitch develops slowly over all 22 rows of the repeat. If your knitting looks uneven at first, continue working through the full repeat before judging the pattern. The geometric shapes become much more obvious after several repeats.

I keep losing my place in the pattern

Because this stitch uses a long 22-row repeat, it is easy to accidentally repeat or skip a row.

• Use a row counter to keep track of each row.
• Place a checkmark beside each completed row on a printed pattern.
• Highlight the current row with removable tape or a sticky note.
• Count your stitches after each repeat to catch mistakes early.

The stitch pattern looks uneven

Uneven tension is common when switching frequently between knit and purl sections. Most stitches will relax and even out after blocking.

• Try not to pull purl stitches too tightly.
• Use smooth yarn with good stitch definition.
• Wash and block your swatch before evaluating the final texture.

The edges of my fabric look messy

The Pinwheel Stitch does not naturally create decorative selvedges. If you are using the stitch for scarves or blankets, consider adding a border.

• Add 2 to 4 garter stitches at each edge.
• Slip the first stitch of every row for a cleaner edge.
• Block the finished project to smooth the sides.

I accidentally lost track of where the pinwheel repeat starts

This stitch repeats in groups of 20 stitches. If the pattern suddenly looks incorrect, count your stitches carefully to make sure no stitches were added or dropped.

• Place stitch markers between repeats for larger projects.
• Check whether your knit and purl sections are gradually shifting as expected.
• If the pattern no longer lines up, carefully tink back to the mistake.

My in-the-round version looks different from the flat version

When working in the round, every round is viewed from the right side. Be sure you are following the round instructions exactly rather than adapting the flat instructions yourself.

• Double-check that you did not accidentally reverse any knit and purl sections.
• Place a marker at the beginning of the round.
• Check your stitch count after every few rounds.

What Projects Can I Use the Knit Pinwheel Stitch Pattern For?

The Pinwheel Stitch is ideal for:

• Scarves (their reversible nature makes both sides attractive)
• Baby blankets and afghans
• Cushion and pillow covers
• Table runners or placemats
• Modern knitwear designs where geometric texture is needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Do You Enjoy the History of Knit Stitch Patterns?

I've always been fascinated by the names used in knitting and crochet, so I'm always on the hunt for origins.  At first glance, this stitch reminds me of my days making quilts, but it's only a hunch.  

Unlike classic cables or lace motifs with deep historical roots, the Pinwheel Stitch is a modern textured pattern that likely emerged in the late 20th century. It reflects the growing popularity of geometric and optical effects in knitting, where simple stitch combinations produce movement and dimension.

The stitch mimics the rotation of a child's pinwheel toy through its gradual knit-purl transitions. While not formally attributed to any one designer or era, it’s a popular inclusion in contemporary knitting dictionaries and swatch collections. Its rise in popularity is due to its striking visual impact, reversibility, and simplicity—perfect for knitters who enjoy meditative knitting with dramatic results.

Last Words

While the pinwheel pattern requires only knowledge of knits and purls, the biggest hurdle for beginners is following the 22-row repeat.  It requires many rows to complete the pinwheel's entire shape.  Those who love geometric patterns may also like these other knit and purl stitch patterns available on Smart Knit Crochet:

Pin Now, Knit Later

More Patterns with Geometric Designs

Disclosure:    This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Janice Jones is a Certified Knitting and Crochet Instructor who creates beginner-friendly patterns and tutorials, backed by a 389-page library of practical knitting and crochet content.

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