Little Pyramid Knit Stitch:  Beginner Tutorial

By Janice Jones, Certified Knitting and Crochet Instructor (CYC),  December 2025

The little pyramid knit stitch is a textured knitting pattern that creates small, raised pyramid-shaped bumps across the fabric. This stitch is worked using a simple combination of knit and purl stitches, making it accessible to adventurous beginners while still interesting enough for experienced knitters.

Because the pyramids are small and evenly spaced, this stitch adds subtle texture without overwhelming the fabric. It works exceptionally well for scarves, baby blankets, dishcloths, and other projects that call for visual interest paired with a soft, flexible fabric.

If you’re building a stitch library or looking for a textured pattern that’s easy to memorize, the little pyramid knit stitch is an excellent addition to your knitting toolbox.

little pyramids knit stitch pattern swatchLittle Pyramids Knit Stitch Pattern

Skill Level

  • Beginner to Easy Intermediate
  • Requires knowledge of knit and purl stitches

Skills Needed to Knit this Stitch Pattern

Materials Needed for a Practice Swatch

  • Yarn: Smooth, light-colored yarn (texture shows best)
  • Needles: Appropriate size for your yarn (list example)
  • Scissors
  • Yarn needle for weaving in ends
  • Optional: Stitch markers for pattern repeats

Stitch Pattern Notes

Little Pyramid Knit Stitch Pattern (Written Instructions)

Abbreviations

k – knit

p – purl

*     *  Work the instructions between the two asterisks the number of times indicated on the pattern

Written Instructions (Flat)

Cast on a multiple of 6 stitches plus 5 additional stitches.

Row 1 (RS): K5, * p1, k5; rep from * to end.
Row 2: K1, * p3, k3; rep from * to last 4 stitches, p3, k1.
Row 3: P2, * k1, p5; rep from * to last 3 stitches, k1, p2.
Row 4: P2, * k1, p5; rep from * to last 3 stitches, k1, p2.
Row 5: K1, * p3, k3; rep from * to last 4 stitches, p3, k1.
Row 6: K5, * p1, k5; rep from * to end.

Repeat Rows 1–6 for the pattern.

Little Pyramids Knit Stitch Working Flat in Chart Form

The little pyramid knit stitch pattern instructions in chart form.Little Pyramids Knit Stitch Pattern

How to Knit the Little Pyramid Stitch in the Round

When working the Little Pyramid Knit Stitch in the round, the edge stitches used in the flat version are removed. The pattern becomes a simple 6-stitch, 6-round repeat.

Written Instructions (in the round)

Round 1:  *K5, p1; repeat from * to end.

Round 2: *K3, p3; repeat from * to end.

Round 3:  *P2, k2, p2; repeat from * to end.

Round 4:  *P2, k2, p2; repeat from * to end.

Round 5:  *K3, p3; repeat from * to end.

Round 6:  *K5, p1; repeat from * to end.

Repeat Rounds 1–6

Best Projects for the Little Pyramid Knit Stitch

  • Scarves
  • Cowls
  • Baby blankets
  • Knit washcloths
  • Pillow covers

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the little pyramid knit stitch beginner-friendly?

Yes. The little pyramid knit stitch is suitable for confident beginners who already know how to knit and purl. While the texture looks complex, the pattern is made entirely of basic stitches worked in a repeating sequence.

Why does the flat version use a multiple of 6 plus 5 stitches?

When worked flat, the extra 5 stitches act as edge padding. They balance the pattern so the pyramid shapes are centered and complete on both sides of the fabric. These edge stitches are only needed for flat knitting.

Why is the stitch multiple different when working in the round?

When knitting in the round, there are no edges, so the extra stitches are removed.

The little pyramid knit stitch becomes a simple multiple of 6 stitches, and each round repeats evenly, with no partial pattern sections.

Does the little pyramid knit stitch use more yarn?

Yes, slightly. Textured stitches like the little pyramid knit stitch use more yarn than stockinette stitch, but less than heavily cabled or bobbled patterns.

What yarn works best for this stitch?

Smooth, light-colored yarns show the pyramid texture best.

Avoid fuzzy or highly variegated yarns, as they can hide stitch definition.

Little Pyramids Pin for Future Reference

Little pyramid knit stitch swatch and chart on a pin imageLittle Pyramid Knit Stitch Pattern

Last Words

The little pyramid knit stitch is an excellent way to add texture and visual interest to your knitting without moving beyond basic knit and purl stitches. Its small, raised pyramid shapes create a fabric that feels structured yet flexible, making it suitable for both decorative and practical projects.

Whether you work this stitch flat or in the round, the repeating pattern is easy to memorize and rewarding to knit. Once you understand how the stitch repeat works—and why the stitch count changes between flat knitting and circular knitting—you’ll find this pattern relaxing and intuitive.

If you enjoy textured stitches like this one, consider exploring other knit-and-purl patterns in your stitch library. The little pyramid knit stitch pairs beautifully with simple borders and works especially well in scarves, cowls, and baby items where subtle texture really shines.

Happy knitting—and don’t forget to save this stitch for your next project! 🧶