How to Knit the Fleck Stitch: Beginner-Friendly Tutorial

Knit the Fleck Stitch   by Janice Jones   

The fleck knit stitch is an easy, beginner-friendly stitch pattern that can add texture and interest to any project. Made with basic knitting stitches, the knit and purl stitches appear as little seed stitches on a stockinette stitch background.

Fleck knit stitch pattern worked in an off white cotton yarn.Knit the Fleck Stitch Pattern

Practicing this knit pattern is a great way to improve your tension between knit and purl stitches and, at the same time, create something beautiful.

The pattern is not reversible, so the right side of the work does not look like the wrong side. It's best worked with smooth, worsted weight or bulky yarn where you can see the stitches easily.

It's a four-row repeat, but two are simple rows of purls and one row of knits. So, there is only one row you need to learn.

Skill Level

From the Craft Yarn Council, the symbol used to determine the skill level required to finish the project.Basic or Beginner Level Based on the Craft Yarn Council

Abbreviations and Skills You Will Need for the Fleck Knit Stitch

K = Knit Stitch

P = Purl Stitch

CO - Cast On

BO - Bind off

RS - Right Side

Weave-in Yarn Ends

* * Repeat the instructions between the asterisks

Supplies Needed

You may use any size yarn and needles for this practice swatch. Do be sure to match the needle size to the yarn you choose.

  • Yarn (I'm using a worsted-weight acrylic yarn for this tutorial)
  • Knitting Needles:  Size 7 (4.5 mm)
  • Tapestry Needle
  • Scissors

How to Create the Knit Fleck Stitch

Multiples of 2 + 1 (Meaning that you would cast on a multiple of 2 (2 x 12) = 24 plus one more = 25.

For this tutorial, I cast on 25 stitches.

  • Row 1: (RS) Knit
  • Row 2: Purl
  • Row 3: k1, *p1, k1; rep from * to end
  • Row 4: Purl

Notes on the Knit Fleck Stitch

  • Row Repeat: 4-Row Repeat
  • Stitch Repeats: Multiples of 2 + 1, meaning that you will cast on a multiple of 2 stitches, such as 20, plus 1 st.
  • Blocking will make this fabric look professional.
  • Not Reversible: Here is the way this stitch appears on the front and back side

Learn to Read a Stitch Chart

This beginner-level stitch doesn’t require a knitting chart, but if you learn how to use one now, it will be much easier when you attach more complicated stitch patterns.

This is a very simple chart.  For more information on knitting charts, check out the knit chart tutorial.

Knit the Fleck Stitch Pattern:  Knit Chart

Fleck stitch pattern worked in a chart formFleck Stitch Pattern, Knit Chart

Ready for a Fleck Stitch Project?

Here's a useful little project that you can make with the fleck stitch.

Fleck stitch coaster set in fall colorsThis coaster set, using the fleck stitch, was created with an Autumn theme, but you may prefer to change your color scheme to match the season or holiday. Free Fleck Stitch Coaster Set

Knit the Fleck Stitch Pattern:  Pin Now, Knit Later

A swatch of the knit fleck stitch still on the needles in a pin imageFleck Stitch Tutorial, Pin for Future Reference

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