Pennant Stitch: Beginner-friendly and Reversible Knit Stitch

by Janice Jones, Certified Knitting Instructor (CYC)  Published March 12, 2026

The Pennant stitch creates an interesting geometric design that resembles little pennants or flags all facing in the same direction and separated by columns of stockinette stitch.  It's an easy design worked entirely in knits and purls and is reversible.

The pennant knit stitch creates a lovely textured pattern by working knit and purl stitches in the shape of pennants.

Pattern Notes

  • Skill level: Easy
  • Stitch multiple: 6
  • Row repeat: 8
  • Reversible: Yes
  • Worked flat: Yes
  • Worked in the round: Yes
  • Fabric behavior: Lies flat
  • Techniques used: Knit and purl only

Why You’ll Love This Stitch

The Pennant Stitch is a great choice if you want to try a beginner-friendly new stitch. It creates a texture that resembles little pennants flying in the wind, using only knit and purl stitches.  Because it is reversible and lies flat, it works especially well for projects where both sides of the fabric will show, such as blankets and scarves.  This is a nice stitch to try when you want, and an easy pattern that you can also memorize.

Skills Needed

How to make the knit stitch

How to make the purl stitch

How to cast on using the long-tail cast-on method

How to bind off in pattern

How to read a written knitting pattern

How to work from a knitting chart

How to weave in ends

How to block

Supplies for a Practice Swatch

To practice the Pennant stitch, you should gather

  • Yarn (solid color shows the stitch definition best) in a #3, 4, or 5 weight yarn
  • Needles (sizes based on the yarn you choose, US 6 (4.0 mm), US 7 (4.5mm) US 8 (5.0 mm or US 9 (5.5 mm)
  • Scissors
  • Tapestry Needle
  • Stitch markers (optional for marking of stitch multiples)

Abbreviations

k - knit

p - purl

RS - right side

WS - wrong side

rep - repeat

*     * - Work the instructions contained in the two asterisks the total of times indicated.

Written Instructions for the Pennant Stitch Working Flat

Cast On: Multiples of 6 Stitches.  For a practice swatch, CO 24 sts

Row 1 (RS): *K1, P5; rep from * to end of row.
Row 2 (WS):  *K4, P2; rep from * to end of row.
Row 3: *K3, P3; rep from * to end of row.
Row 4: *K2, P4; rep from * to end of row.
Row 5: *K5, P1; rep from * to end of row.
Row 6: *K2, P4; rep from * to end of row.
Row 7: *K3, P3; rep from * to end of row.
Row 8: *K4, P2; rep from * to end of row

Repeat these instructions for the pattern.

Chart Instructions for Working Flat

The pennant knit stitch instructions represented in chart form with a key below the chart

Written Instructions for Working in the Round

Cast On: Multiples of 6 Stitches

Round 1: *K1, P5; rep from * around.
Round 2: *K2, P4; rep from * around.
Round 3: *K3, P3; rep from * around.
Round 4: *K4, P2; rep from * around
Round 5: *K5, P1; rep from * around.
Round 6: *K4, P2; rep from * around.
Round 7: *K3, P3; rep from * around.
Round 8: *K2, P4; rep from * around.

Repeat rounds 1 – 8 for the pattern.

Troubleshooting and Beginner Tips

The Pennant Shapes Are Hard to See

If the triangular shapes are not showing clearly, the yarn may be hiding the texture. Pennant stitch relies on the contrast between knit and purl stitches to create its small flag-like shapes. Very dark, fuzzy, or highly variegated yarns can make the pattern harder to see.

Solution:
Try practicing with a smooth, light-colored yarn. Solid or lightly heathered yarns usually show textured stitch patterns best.

My Fabric Looks Uneven

Because the pattern alternates knit and purl stitches, beginners sometimes notice that the knit stitches look slightly larger than the purl stitches.

Solution:
This usually improves with practice. Try relaxing your hands and maintaining even tension when switching between knit and purl stitches. Sometimes, a slight tug on the yarn when working a purl stitch after a knit stitch can help with this tension problem.  Blocking your finished swatch can also help even out the stitches.

I Keep Losing My Place in the Pattern

Pennant stitch patterns often use several rows before the full design becomes visible, so it can be easy to lose track of which row you are on.

Solution:

Helpful tools include:

  • a row counter
  • placing a sticky note or ruler under the current row of the pattern
  • marking off each completed row on a printed pattern

These simple tools can make longer stitch repeats much easier to manage.

The Edges of the Fabric Look Uneven

When working textured stitch patterns without a border, the edges may appear slightly uneven.  First, the very last and very first stitch on the row is called a selvage stitch, and it will always look a little wonky, not because of anything you did.  This stitch only attaches on one side, so it doesn't have the benefit of being attached on both sides.  If the next stitch or the next-to-last stitch on the row (called edge stitches) is oversized or uneven, there can be a tension problem.  Review the article on tension for more tips.

Solution:
For projects such as scarves or blankets, consider adding a border of garter stitch or seed stitch. This frames the pennant pattern and keeps the edges neat, so you don't need to worry about the edges.  Generally, a border of about 4 stitches works best.

Best Yarns for This Stitch

Since the pennant stitch requires good stitch definition to see each individual pennant shape, a smooth, light-colored yarn works best.  You may want to choose a wool, wool blend, cotton, or acrylic and see which one works best for you.

Project Ideas

This stitch is a great choice for a variety of different types of patterns:

  • Scarves
  • Cowls
  • Dishcloths
  • Placemats
  • Coaster Sets
  • Pillow Covers
  • Blankets

Frequently Asked Questions About the Pennant Stitch

What is the pennant knit stitch?

The pennant knit stitch is a textured stitch pattern that creates small triangular shapes that resemble rows of tiny flags or pennants. The pattern is usually created using a combination of knit stitches, purl stitches, and shaping stitches that gradually shift the stitches across the row to form the triangular design. The result is a fabric with an interesting geometric texture.

Is the pennant stitch suitable for beginners?

Confident beginners can usually learn the pennant stitch without much difficulty. While the pattern may look complex at first, most versions rely on basic knitting skills such as knit and purl stitches. As long as you keep track of the row repeat, the pattern becomes easier after a few repeats.

What projects work well with the pennant stitch?

The pennant stitch works well for projects where texture is the main focus. Some good options include:

  • scarves
  • blankets and throws
  • washcloths or dishcloths
  • textured sweater panels
  • pillow covers

The geometric design adds visual interest while still being comfortable and flexible enough for wearable items.

Conclusion

If you love geometric patterns but don't enjoy knitting the long row repeats of many geometric patterns, then the Pennant stitch is a good choice.  With only knits and purls, this stitch pattern is great for new knitters.  Since it is reversible, a project such as a scarf or pillow cover is an ideal way to improve your knitting and create something beautiful at the same time.

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