25 Reversible Knit Stitch Patterns: How to Create Fabric The Same on Both Sides

Why Choose Reversible Knit Stitch Patterns?

Not only do reversible knit stitch patterns create fabrics with a consistent appearance, but they also add an extra layer of polish and professionalism to your knitting projects especially where you want the public and nonpublic side of the fabric to show..

Best Projects for Reversible Stitches

• Scarves, Cowls, and Shawls
• Blankets and Throws
• Washcloths, Placemats, Coasters, Potholders
• Accessories such as headbands, fingerless gloves

Exploring Reversible Knit Stitch Patterns for Beginner Knitters

If your knitting skills are at the easy or beginner stage, have no fear, these stitch patterns are an excellent choice for learning different stitches and creating some lovely textured patterns.

For the best results as you work through these reversible stitches, I recommend using either worsted-weight or chunky yarn.  (CYC #4 – 6)

Choose solid colored yarns or experiment with different colors and yarn brands. Practicing these textured patterns makes you a more confident knitter, and as a bonus, you learn more about different yarns.  

Whenever there is a slight difference, I provide photographs of both sides of the work.  The best news is that the following free-knit patterns require a simple combination of knits and purls.

Don't worry if many row repeats make you crazy. Many of the stitches below represent a two-row repeat pattern.

Abbreviations  and Skill You Will Need for These Patterns 

k = knit

p = purl

co = cast on

bo = bind off

K1B = knit one below (see how-to-directions with the Fisherman's Rib Pattern.

YO = Yarn over

YO 2x = Yarn over twice.  (See Drop Stitch for more explanations)

k2tog = knit two together

kfb = Knit front and back (knit increase)

k2togk1 = k2tog, but do not slip the stitches off the needle, then knit the first stitch again, then finally, slip both stitches off the needle.

wyif = with yarn in front.

wyib = with yarn in back.

*   *  =  Work the stitches between the two astericks the given number of times or across the row.  See the pattern for exact instructions.

25 Reversible Knit Stitch Patterns -  Instructions

Reversible Knit Stitch Patterns
Table of Contents

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1. Garter Stitch

The garter stitch pattern is often overlooked as a reversible knit stitch, but it indeed looks the same on both the public and private side.

The garter stitch pattern is created by knitting every row.

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2. Close Checks

This pattern reminds me a little of the basketweave stitch becuase it consists of little boxes of stitches.  Stockinette stitches alternate between reverse stockinette stitches to create a geometric pattern.

Cast On: Multiples of 6 + 3

Row 1: P3, *k3, p3; rep from * to end of row.
Row 2: K3, *p3, k3; rep from * to end of row.
Row 3: P3, *k3, p3; rep from * to end of row.
Row 4: K3, *p3, k3; rep from * to end of row.
Row 5: K3, *p3, k3; rep from * to end of row.
Row 6: P3, *k3, p3; rep from * to end of row.
Row 7: K3, *p3, k3; rep from * to end of row.
Row 8: P3, *k3, p3; rep from * to end of row.

Continue this pattern until you reach your desired length.  Bind off in pattern and weave in ends.

More information about the Close Check Pattern and free pattern.

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3. Mock Cable

This is a great pattern that resembles a real cable stitch without the need for cable needles.  There is one twist to make on row two that creates the look of a cable.  The best news is that it is easy, far easier than creating real cables.

It's not exactly reversible but it looks great on both sides.  One side looks like small cables and the opposite side looks like ribs.

This is worked on multiples of 4 + 2 sts with a 4-row repeat.

For this sample swatch, I cast on 18 stitches.

Row 1 (WS):  K2, *P2, K2, repeat from * to end of row.

Row 2:  P2, *K2tog, but leave both stitches on the left needle. Next, knit the first stitch on the left needle again and slide both stitches off needle, p2 rep from * to end of row.

Row 3:  K2, *P2, K2, repeat from * to end of row.

Row 4:  P2, *K2, P2, repeat from * to end of row.

Repeat these 4 rows until desired length.  Bind off on row 4.

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4. Condo Stitch

This is a rather unusual stitch because it is worked as if you were making the garter stitch pattern. However, two vastly different-sized needles are used, making the stitches in one row larger than the next.

I had my doubts about this one but after working up a swatch, I realized that this would make an excellent choice for a beginner who has mastered the garter stitch pattern.  It creates a very drapy fabric, perfect for a quick scarf or shawl.

Use any weight yarn and two sizes of needles. The smallest needle should be the suggested needle size for the yarn. So, for example, if you are practicing this stitch with worsted weight (number 4) yarn, start with a size 7 or 8. Then choose a larger needle to make the second row.

CO any number of stitches with larger needles.

For the swatch, I used a US number 7 (4.5 mm) and a number US 15 (10 mm) needles.

Knit one row.
Switch to the smaller needles and knit one row.

Give a little tug at your work to stretch the stitches as you work.

Continue to knit every row, alternating needle sizes. When you reach your desired length, bind off and weave in ends.

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5. Horizontal Welts Knit Pattern

Here's another popular rib stitch that is stretchy but stretchy in a vertical way as opposed to traditional ribs that stretch horizontally.   

It is very beginner-friendly because all you need to know is how to make purl and knit stitches.  It's also a 6-row repeat which is easy to memorize.  This pattern is also very similar to the purl ridge knit pattern.

Cast On any number of stitches. 

Rows 1:  Knit

Row 2:  Purl

Row 3:  Knit

Row 4:  Knit

Row 5:  Purl

Row 6:  Knit

Repeat these 6 rows until you reach your desired length. Bind off and weave in ends.

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6. Fisherman's Rib Stitch Pattern

The Fisherman's Rib Knit Stitch Pattern is a classic ribbing technique that creates a thicker, double-knit texture.

Like the basic 1x1 rib, this stitch variation requires intermediate skills but yields a beautifully textured fabric.

This rib stitch requires intermediate skills due to a new technique called Knit One below (KIB). 

The Fisherman's Rib Knit Stitch Pattern can be used for flat and in-the-round projects. Its stretchy texture is great for blankets, scarves, and warm hats.

If you are worried about the yarn used for this stitch, you may need up to 35% more yarn than a stockinette stitch project.

Keep that in mind if you want a more economical stitch for your next project.

Knitted Flat on Straight Needles:
New Abbreviation:  K1B = Knit one below.

This is a two-row repeat.

This pattern can begin with several different setup rows.

The stitch pattern below calls for one knit row before beginning your fisherman’s rib pattern.

Alternately, you can create a row of purl stitches, or if you prefer, create that first setup row of K1, P1 across the row. Your choice.

Cast On an Odd Number of Stitches
If you like to add a selvage stitch, add two more stitches to your cast-on method. Many people prefer to slip the first selvage stitch purlwise, which will create a cleaner selvage side. I've added this slip stitch to the directions below

1. First Row: Sl1p, Knit across. (setup row)
2. Row 1: (RS) Sl1p wyib, *k1b, p1*, to last 2 sts, k1b, k1.

3. Row 2: (WS) Sl1p wyif, *p1, k1b* to last two sts, p2.

Repeat rows 2 and 3 until you reach your desired length.

Bind off in pattern and weave in ends.

How to K1B? To knit one below, with yarn in the back, rather than inserting your needle into the stitch on your left needle, you will insert the right needle into the stitch directly below the stitch on the needle. 

It helps to pull your work down just a little to find the little V below the stitch on the needle.  Insert your needle into the little V.

Then, you make a knit stitch normally (wrapping the yarn around the needle, pulling through, and sliding the old stitch off the needle.

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7. Seeded Rib Stitch Knitting Pattern

The Seeded Rib Stitch Pattern is an easy-level project that produces thick, textured rows. It is created by combining simple knits and purls, resulting in a visually appealing fabric. This is a reversible knit stitch pattern that is perfect for various knitting projects.

Multiple of 4 stitches plus 3 extra stitches

If you'd like to knit a sample, you'll need to cast on 11, 15, 19 or 23 stitches.  For the sample swatch pictured above, I cast on 23 stitches with number 4, I love this Yarn from Hobby Lobby.  I am using a number US 8 (5.0 mm) needles.

Row 1: Knit 3, * p1, k3; rep from * to the end of row.

Row 2: Knit 1, * p1, k3; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, p1, k1

Repeat these 2 rows for seed ribbing stitch.

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8. Irish Moss Stitch Knitting Pattern (aka Double Moss Stitch)

This is a popular vintage design known for its great texture and squishiness. This 4-Row Repeat Knit Stitch Pattern features a combination of knits and purls, creating a reversible fabric that is both easy to make and visually appealing. 

Knit Rows 1 and 2:  * K1, P1 * across the row.

Knit Rows 3 and 4: * P1, K1 * across the row

Repeat rows one through four until your work is the length you desire. Bind off when complete!

Learn more the Irish Moss Stitch

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9. Drop Stitch Garter Knitting Pattern

The Drop Stitch Garter Knitting Pattern is a unique stitch pattern that intentionally drops stitches to achieve a beautiful and breathable fabric.

While dropping a stitch is typically considered a mistake, in this case, it is done purposefully to create an eye-catching knit stitch pattern.

The Drop Stitch Garter Pattern is perfect for summer knitting projects and is one of the easiest reversible knit stitch patterns on this page.

Cast On: Any number of sts.

• Row 1 - 4:  Knit across row
• Row 5: *K1, YO 2x* K1.
• Row 6:  *K1, Drop 2,*  K1.

Repeat rows 1 to 6 for the pattern.

Row 5 may need a little explanation.  YO means yarn over.  In this case, you will do a yarn over twice. Work the pattern between the *  and * until the last stitch and then end with a K1.

Row 6 is where it gets interesting.  Start with a Knit 1.  Then drop the two stitches that you created in the previous row with the yarn overs.  Continue this pattern until the end of the row and the Knit the last stitch.

Dropping the yarn over stitches creates the long open spaces you see throught the swatch.  A good example of how you can use this is a scarf.  I found this free pattern and tutorial that you might find helpful.

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10. Box Stitch

This is a reversible knit stitch that is truly beginner friendly, just knits and purls with a four-row repeat.

To be honest, I don’t see “boxes” in this textured stitch pattern, but it is still lovely.

The pattern repeat is worked over four rows as follows:

Multiples of 4 plus 2

For the purposes of the swatch pictured, I cast on 22 stitches using Number 4, worsted weight yarn with US number 8 needles.

Row 1: k2, *p2, k2; rep from * to end of row.

Row 2: p2, *k2, p2; rep from * to end of row.

Row 3: Rep Row 2

Row 4: Rep Row 1

Continue in the pattern until your desired length has been achieved.  Bind off and weave in ends.

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11. Straight Lace Knitting Stitch Pattern

This pattern falls into the categories of lace stitches and reversible knit stitches, but it is still a very easy stitch that beginners can master.  There is no need to memorize row repeats as there is only one row to learn.

Consider this the perfect choice if you need a quick pattern that makes a lovely lace pattern for a shawl or scarf.

CO in multiples of 3

For this sample, I cast on 24 stitches using a number 4 acrylic yarn in color seafoam (Red Heart Soft)

Row 1: *K1, YO, K2TOG*

Repeat row 1, until desired length. Bind off in pattern and weave in ends.

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12. Grid Stitch

Here is yet one more very easy reversible knit stitch pattern that requires you know knits and purls only.

Cast on an even number of stitches.

Row 1: K1, *K1, P1*. Repeat from * to *, to last 2 st, ending with K1, K1.

Row 2: (RS): K1, *P1, K1*. Repeat from * to *, to last 2 st, ending with P1, K1.

Rows 3 and 4:  Knit across.

Continue working rows 1 to 4 until you reach your desired length.  Bind off, weave in ends.

Grid Stitch Knit Tutorial

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13. Seed Stitch

Seed stitch patterns are possible for both even and odd stitches.

If you have an even number of stitches, you’ll follow this pattern:

Row 1: Knit 1, purl 1. Repeat the k1, p1 to the end of the row or round.

Row 2: Purl 1, knit 1. Repeat the p1, k1 again to the end of the row or round.

For patterns with an odd number of stitches to cast on, the stitch pattern is:

Row 1: K1, P 1, repeat to the last stitch and knit 1. Even if you end with K1, you will begin with K1 again on the following row or round.

Rows 2 and beyond: Repeat the same instructions for the remaining rows or rounds.

Learn more about the Seed Stitch or Go to the free Seed Stitch Dishcloth

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14. Hurdle Knit Stitch

The knit hurdle stitch consists of two rows of the garter stitch, and two rows of one by one ribbing, making it a 4-row repeat.
It is considered to be a reversible stitch because both the front and back sides look the same.

If you are wondering how it got it's name, the two rows of knit stitches form "hurdles" which look like obstacles or barriers that horses jump over or dogs in an agility course.

Directions:
Cast On: Multiples of 2
Row 1 (Right Side): Knit All
Row 2 (Wrong Side): Knit All
Row 3: * K1, P1 *
Row 4: * K1, P1 *
Learn more about the Knit Hurdle Stitch and Check out the Free Washcloth Pattern.

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15. Broken Rib Knit Stitch Pattern (AKA Ribbed Garter Stitch.)

This rib stitch is a variation of the 1 x 1 rib stitch.

Cast on multiples of 2, plus 1
Row 1: Knit across.
Row 2: *P1, K1*, P1.

More about the Broken Rib Knit Stitch and other Rib Stitches.

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16. Flying Geese 

Cast on a multiple of 12 sts.
Row 1: *K1, P5, K5, P1; rep from * to end.
Row 2: *K2, P4, K4, P2; rep from * to end.
Row 3: *K3, P3, K3, P3; rep from * to end.
Row 4: *K4, P2, K2, P4; rep from * to end.
Row 5: *K5, P1, K1, P5; rep from * to end.
Row 6: *K6, P6; rep from * to end.
Row 7: *K5, P1, K1, P5; rep from * to end.
Row 8: *K4, P2, K2, P4; rep from * to end.
Row 9: *K3, P3, K3, P3; rep from * to end.
Row 10: *K2, P4, K4, P2; rep from * to end.
Row 11: *K1, P5, K5, P1; rep from * to end.
Row 12: *P6, K6; rep from * to end.
Rep Rows 1 - 12.

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17. Parallelogram Stitch Pattern

Fifty years ago I took Geometry and at the time I probably knew exactly what a parallelogram was, but not today so I had to do a little research. But you don't need any fancy equations to know how beautiful this pattern truly is.

While this pattern requires knowledge of knits and purls, I don't consider this one to be a beginner-friendly pattern.  It requires concentration and completion of a 16-row repeat which makes it more challenging.

Cast On: Multiples of 12

Row 1 (Right Side): * K1, P5, K5, P1 *
Row 2 (Wrong Side): * K2, P4, K4, P2 *
Row 3: * K3, P3 *
Row 4: * K4, P2, K2, P4 *
Row 5: * K5, P1, K1, P5 *
Row 6: * K6, P6 *
Row 7: * K6, P6 *
Row 8: * K6, P6 *
Row 9: * P1, K5, P5, K1 *
Row 10: * P2, K4, P4, K2 *
Row 11: * P3, K3 *
Row 12: * P4, K2, P2, K4 *
Row 13: * P5, K1, P1, K5 *
Row 14: * P6, K6 *
Row 15: * P6, K6 *
Row 16: * P6, K6 *

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18. Pythagorean Triangle Stitch

And here's my encore for all your math lovers out there. Don't worry, I won't quiz you on the Pythagorean theorem, mainly because I'm a math idiot. But someone was very smart and created this design that creates alternating right-sided triangles.

Similar to the Parallelogram Stitch, it's not difficult as all you need to know is how to make knits and purls, but it's hard because it requires concentration, careful attention to counting and it is a 14-row repeat.

Cast on a multiple of 12 stitches.

Row 1: * Knit 6, purl 6; repeat from * to end.
Row 2: * Purl 1, knit 5, purl 5, knit 1; repeat from * to end.
Row 3: * Purl 2, knit 4, purl 4, knit 2; repeat from * to end.
Row 4: * Purl 3, knit 3, purl 3, knit 3; repeat from * to end.
Row 5: * Purl 4, knit 2, purl 2, knit 4; repeat from * to end.
Row 6: * Purl 5, knit 1, purl 1, knit 5; repeat from * to end.
Row 7: * Purl 6, knit 6; repeat from * to end.
Row 8: * Knit 6, purl 6; repeat from * to end.
Row 9: * Knit 5, purl 1, knit 1, purl 5; repeat from * to end.
Row 10: * Knit 4, purl 2, knit 2, purl 4; repeat from * to end.
Row 11: * Knit 3, purl 3, knit 3, purl 3; repeat from * to end.
Row 12: * Knit 2, purl 4, knit 4, purl 2; repeat from * to end.
Row 13: * Knit 1, purl 5, knit 5, purl 1; repeat from * to end.
Row 14: * Purl 6, knit 6; repeat from * to end.
Repeat Rows 1 - 14.

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19. Iron Knit Stitch

This pattern is not completely reversible, the front and back both display a stretchy rib stitch where one side looks more like a 1 x 1 and the other side looks like a 2 x 1 rib.

Cast on a multiple of 4 sts, plus 1

Row1: *k1, p3* repeat across row to last stitch k1.
Row 2: p1, *k1, p1* repeat across row.

Repeat Rows 1-2 until you have reached your desired length.

20. Waved Welt Stitch Pattern

In crochet, we see many variations of wavy, ripple, chevron stitches, but not so in knitting.

But this pattern is one of several that is considered to be a welt stitch.  According to Wikipedia, welting is the opposite of ribbing. 

As a rib is a vertical column of knits and purls, welting is a series of horizontal rows of knits and purls.

This one is done in multiples of 8 + 1 and a 8-row-repeat.

Row 1 (RS): *P1, K7, Repeat from * to *, to last st, P1.
Row 2: K2, *P5, K3, Repeat from * to last 7 st, P5, K2.
Row 3: *K3, P5, Repeat from * to last 6 st, K3, P3.
Row 4: K4, *P1, K7, Repeat from *  to last 5 st, P1, K4.
Row 5: *K1, P7, Repeat from * to last st, K1.
Row 6: P2, *K5, P3, Repeat from * to last 7 st, K5, P2.
Row 7: K3, *P3, K5, Repeat from * to last 6 st, P3, K3.
Row 8: P4, *K1, P7, Repeat from * to last 5 st, K1, P4.

Repeat these 8 rows until you reach your desired length.

21. Pique Rib Stitch

The Pique Rib stitch is  super easy to do, and very beginner-friendly.  Like most of the stitches on this page, it only requires you to know how to work knit and purl stitches. 

You might decide that you've already worked this stitch because it is very similar to the Broken Rib and Grid stitches, with just some small changes.

Although it's not entirely reversible, both the right and wrong sides look great, just a little different.  The wrong side looks like the Broken Rib Stitch.

I love this stitch because it lays flat, even without blocking, so it's perfect for making scarves, cowls, blankets, and dishcloths.

To make the Pique Rib Stitch, you will cast on in multiples of 3 + 2.  For the swatch shown, I cast on 23 stitches.  (3 x 7 = 21 +2 = 23 stitches.

Hint:  The odd rows are the right side and the even rows are the wrong side, just in case you want to know right from wrong.

Row 1:  (RS) *K2, P1* to last two stitches, then K2

Row 2: (WS) P2, *K1, P2* to end of row.

Row 3: *K2, P1* to last two stitches, then K2

Row 4:  K across.

These four rows make up the pattern. Repeat them until you reach your desired length.

BO knitwise after a row 3 (WS).

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22. Bumpy Knit Stitch

This is yet another beginner-friendly pattern that requires the knowledge of only knits and purls.  It's not a true example of the reversible knit stitch patterns on this page because the front and back sides are slightly different.  That is why I've added it to this collection of reversible knit stitches.

It is a simple 4-row repeat that is worked on an odd number of stitches.

CO an odd number of st.

Row 1:  *P1, K1*. Repeat from * to *, ending with P1.

Row 2:  K1, *P1, K1*. Repeat from * to *, to the end.

Row 3:  *P1, K1*. Repeat from * to *, ending with P1.

Row 4:   P1, *K1, P1*. Repeat from * to *, to the end.

These four rows create the pattern. Repeat them until you reach your desired length.   When finished, BO in pattern.

Remember BO in pattern means you bind off the purl stitches and bind off the knit stitches.

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23. Linen Stitch

The Knit Linen Stitch is not entirely reversible but both sides look very good.  

Cast on an Even Number of Stitches

In this pattern, all slip stitches are made purlwise.

Row 1 (RS):  *K1, sl1 wyif; rep from* to end of row.

Row 2 (WS):  *P1, sl1 wyib; rep from * to end of row.

Continue this 2-row repeat until your desired length is obtained.  Bind off, weave in ends.

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24. Sand Stitch

Multiples of 2 + 1 or an odd number of stitches

Row 1: P across

Row 2: K1, *P1, K1,* to end of row

Repeat rows 1 and 2 for the pattern

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25. Basketweave Knit Stitch

The pattern is worked over a multiple of 8 stitches plus five.  So for the one I just made, I cast on 24 (8x3) + 5 for a total of 29 stitches.

Rows 1 and 5 (RS): Knit.

Rows 2 and 4: K5, * p3, k5; rep from * to end of row.

Row 3: P5, * k3, p5; rep from * to end of row.

Row 6 and 8: K1, p3, * k5, p3; rep from * to last st, k1.

Row 7: P1, k3, * p5, k3; rep from * to last st, k1.

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Getting Started with Reversible Knit Stitch Patterns: Knitting Techniques

Reversible knit stitches cover a wide range of patterns and techniques, each with its own unique characteristics and level of difficulty.

While some patterns may require more advanced techniques, many reversible knit stitches, such as knit and purl, can be achieved using basic knitting stitches.

If you are new to knitting, consider practicing basic stitches such as the garter pattern,  before attempting more intricate patterns.

Tips for Achieving Success with Reversible Knitting Stitch Pattern Fabrics

To ensure that your reversible knit stitches create beautifully balanced fabrics, here are some helpful tips:

1. Maintain consistent tension: Consistent tension is crucial for achieving an even and balanced fabric. Pay attention to the tightness of your stitches to ensure they are uniform throughout the project. Sometimes tension problems occur between knit and purl stitches.  I'm very guilt of this one.
   
   
2. Block your finished project: Blocking gently shapes and stretches the knitted fabric to its desired dimensions. It helps even out the stitches and enhances the overall appearance of the fabric.
   
   
3. Experiment with different yarn weights and fiber types: Different yarn weights and fiber types can significantly impact the look and feel of your reversible knit fabric. Try experimenting with various yarn options to achieve different textures and effects.

Conclusion: Learn to Love the Versatility of Reversible Knit Stitch Patterns

Reversible knit stitch patterns offer endless possibilities for creating beautifully versatile fabrics. Whether you want to add texture, depth, or visual interest to your knitting projects, incorporating reversible knit stitches can elevate your creations to a new level.

Don't be afraid to explore different stitch patterns, experiment with yarn choices, and try out diferent yarn weights. Remember the old adage, practice makes perfect.

Reversible Knit Stitch Patterns:  Pin for Future Use

References and More Information on Reversible Knit Stitches

Knitting for Charity

Condo Stitch Scarf Knitting Pattern 

Bromefields.com

Disclosure:   This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase from one of these links I will get a commission.

Hi, there, I'm Janice, the voice behind this website and avid knitter and crochet enthusiast. I want to share my passion with you and help you learn how to knit or crochet, smarter.

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