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How to Knit the Whelk Stitch Pattern
(Step-by-Step Guide)

by Janice Jones

The Whelk Stitch is a textured, slightly raised pattern that creates a rippling effect, which reminds me of the grooves found in sea whelks.

A whelk shell on a black backgroundKnobbed whelk shells (Busycon carica) by Pete, licensed under CC BY‑SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Sea whelks are spiral-shelled marine snails found in the cold and temperate waters of the North Atlantic, especially along the coastlines of Europe and North America. Their distinctive ridged shells inspire the wave-like design of this stitch.

Right side showing of the knit whelk stitch worked in a cream colored yarn.Knit Whelk Stitch

It’s an excellent stitch for scarves, blankets, or anything where you want visual interest and dimension. For anyone wanting to add more knitting stitches with slip stitches to their “bag of tricks,” this is an easy one to master.

Skill Level

Per the Craft Yarn Council, this project level is intermediate

Intermediate – You’ll need to be comfortable with slip stitches and managing yarn position (wyif and wyib).

Materials Needed

  • Yarn of your choice (smooth worsted or DK weight shows the texture best) For this tutorial I am using a worsted weight (CYC #4) 100% wool
  • Knitting needles suited to your yarn (I used a size US 7 (4.5 mm) needles
  • Tapestry needle (for weaving in ends)
  • Scissors

Abbreviation Guide

  • K = Knit
  • P = Purl
  • Sl 1 purlwise = Slip one stitch as if to purl
  • WYIF = With yarn in front
  • WYIB = With yarn in back
  • Rep from * = Repeat from the asterisk across the row
  • CO= Cast on

Skills You Will Need to Do This Stitch

About this Pattern

  • This is not a reversible stitch.
  • It is a slip stitch knitting pattern.
  • It is worked on a 4-row repeat.
  • It is made using a stitch multiple of 4 + 3.
  • It does tend to curl a little, but blocking should take care of that.
  • The fabric is stretchy, but not as elastic as other rib stitches.
Wrong side showing of the knit whelk stitch worked in a cream color.Wrong Side Showing of the Knit Whelk Stitch

Stitch Pattern Instructions Working Flat

Cast On: Multiples of 4 + 3

For the swatch, I cast on 23 stitches (4x5) + 3 = 23.

Row 1 (RS): K3, *sl 1 purlwise, k3; rep from * to end.

Row 2: K3, *wyif, sl 1 purlwise, wyib, k3; rep from * to end.

Row 3: K1, *sl 1 purlwise, k3; rep from * to last two sts, sl 1 purlwise, k1.

Row 4: P1, sl 1 purlwise, *p3, sl 1 purlwise; rep from * to last st, p1.

Repeat rows 1 – 4 until you have reached your desired length. Then, bind off and weave in ends.  Block.

Instructions for Working in the Round

When knitting in the round, you’re always working on the right side of your project, so wrong-side rows from the flat pattern need to be converted to their right-side equivalents.

Multiple: Cast on a multiple of 4 stitches.

Round 1: *K3, sl 1 purlwise; rep from * to end.
Round 2: *K3, wyif, sl 1 purlwise, wyib; rep from * to end.
Round 3: *K3, sl 1 purlwise; rep from * to end.
Round 4: *K3, sl 1 purlwise; rep from * to end.

Repeat Rounds 1–4 until your project reaches the desired length.

Tips

  • Keep your tension even when slipping stitches, so the texture doesn’t distort. I found that out the hard way, and yes, I could still use a little practice, so the ridges formed as a result of slipping stitches are a little less messy.
  • A solid color yarn works best to showcase the stitch definition. Unless you are an experienced knitter, I recommend using a DK (#3) or worsted-weight (#4) yarn.
  • Block your finished piece lightly to even out the curling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of project is best for the Whelk Stitch?

The Whelk Stitch is great for textured scarves, blankets, pillow covers, and even as statement panels on sweaters. Its raised design creates a cozy, dimensional fabric.

Is the Whelk Stitch reversible?

No, the Whelk Stitch is not fully reversible. The right side has the characteristic rippling texture, while the wrong side resembles the reverse side of stockinette.

What kind of yarn works best for the Whelk Stitch?

Smooth, solid-colored yarns (like worsted or DK weight) work best to highlight the texture. Avoid highly variegated yarns, as they can obscure the stitch definition.

Can beginners knit the Whelk Stitch?

This pattern is suitable for confident beginners who are comfortable with slipping stitches and managing yarn positions (that means where you hold your yarn, in front or in back)

Why do I need to slip stitches purlwise?

Slipping stitches purlwise keeps them untwisted. If you were to slip knitwise, your stitches will be twisted, giving the fabric an entirely different look.  

Would You Like a Free PDF of this Stitch

Download a free pdf of the knit whelk stitch pattern.

Knit Whelk Stitch Pattern
Pin for Future Reference

Knit Whelk Stitch on a Pin ImageKnit Whelk Stitch Pin Image

Last Words

The Whelk Stitch adds sea-inspired texture to any project. Easy repeats and slipped stitches create rippling ridges, perfect for scarves, blankets, and more.

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