Grid Stitch

This stitch is a lucky combination of garter stitch and ribbing, and it gives us the best of both stitch patterns.

The natural tendency of ribbing to contract keeps the garter ridges from stretching out, while the garter ridges tame the ribbing and make it stay flat.

The play of vertical ribs and horizontal ridges forms a neat texture that resembles a grid.

This texture looks almost the same on both sides, doesn’t curl at the edges, and is amazingly easy to knit. All it takes is 2 stitches and 4 rows or rounds.

If you are looking for a simple but not boring stitch pattern for your next scarf, shawl, cowl, blanket, or sweater, grid stitch is a great option to consider.

Let’s see how we can knit this stitch back and forth and in the round.

THIS STITCH IN A NUTSHELL

• Level of difficulty – Easy
• Reversible? Almost
• Textured? Yes
• Best for – Scarves, shawls, cowls, blankets, hats, sweaters, cardigans
• Stitch multiple – 2 stitches
• Row multiple – 4 rows / rounds

VIDEO TUTORIAL
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WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS

HOW TO KNIT GRID STITCH BACK AND FORTH

The pattern repeat is made of two stitches, but when we add this stitch pattern to a project worked flat, it is best to add an extra stitch to make the pattern symmetrical.

That’s why we cast on an odd number of stitches (multiple of 2 stitches + 1 stitch for symmetry).

Since this pattern doesn’t have any yarn overs and slipped stitches, we don’t have to add selvedge stitches. But if you make a scarf, a blanket, or some other project with visible side edges, selvedges or borders will make a huge difference.

Use simple slip-stitch selvedges, like Silesian selvedges, or go for a more decorative treatment, like brioche selvedges. Or, better yet, choose from twelve options described in the “Neat Side Edges” book.

To keep the pattern instructions simple, I won’t add selvedges to my swatch. I’ll just show you how this lovely grid texture is formed row by row. And you can add whatever edging you like.

Row 1 (right side): knit all stitches.

Row 2 (wrong side): knit all stitches.

Row 3 (right side): [ knit 1, purl 1 ], repeat the brackets to the last stitch, knit 1.

Row 4 (wrong side): [ purl 1, knit 1 ], repeat the brackets to the last stitch, purl 1.

Repeat these 4 rows over and over again, and you’ll see how the vertical ribs paired with garter ridges form a grid on both sides of the fabric.

As you see from the pattern instructions, the logic behind this stitch is very simple – we work two rows in a 1×1 ribbing pattern and two rows in garter stitch. Easy as pie!

HOW TO KNIT GRID STITCH IN THE ROUND

There is no need to worry about symmetry when we add this stitch pattern to a seamless project.

We simply cast on an even number of stitches and arrange them on the needles, using any kind of setup that allows us to work in the round – double-pointed needles, two circular needles, or one circular needle (with or without using the magic loop method).

Join stitches in a circle and place a marker to mark the beginning of the round.

Round 1: knit all stitches.

Round 2: purl all stitches.

Round 3: [ knit 1, purl 1 ], repeat the brackets to the end of the round.

Round 4: [ knit 1, purl 1 ], repeat the brackets to the end of the round.

Repeat these 4 rounds until your project is as long as you want it to be.

To give your project a nice framing, bind off stitches after you work row / round 2.

Because it has such a distinct texture, this pattern looks best when we use a smooth yarn in a solid colour.

It will definitely add some enigma to loosely knit projects made with hairy yarns, like mohair, but it will be lost in projects worked with highly textured yarns like boucle.

Of course, the best way to know how this stitch will look with the yarn you plan to use for your project is to make a swatch. It doesn’t take long but saves you from many unpleasant surprises.

CHART

If you are not sure how to read a knitting chart, here’s a guide for beginners that explains what knitting charts mean, how to understand the symbols, why there is a red frame in a chart, and how to read lace, cable, or any other knitting chart when knitting back and forth or in the round.

GIVE IT A TRY!

Take any yarn and needles and cast on 9 stitches.

Follow instructions for rows 1 – 4 until you make 12 rows.

Look at the texture of your swatch. See how flat and moderately elastic it is, and notice how vertical ribs and horizontal ridges work together to form a grid.

Turn the swatch over and see that the texture is almost identical on both sides – perfect for reversible projects like scarves, shawls, and blankets.

What is the first project that comes to mind? When you submit your choice to the fully anonymous poll below, you will see what other knitters picked.

PATTERN CARD

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