Paddy Stitch

If you are looking for an easy stitch to use as an all-over pattern on a knitted hat or a sweater, look no further. Paddy stitch is a simple, easy-to-remember stitch pattern that will add a beautiful texture to any project.

Thanks to a hint of brioche, the texture of this stitch pattern resembles beautiful rice terraces.

You can add this texture to any of your knits in four rows or rounds that are easy even for beginner knitters. If you can knit, purl, and make yarn overs, paddy stitch will be easy and fun for you.

Simply follow the written instructions or the chart below.

THIS STITCH IN A NUTSHELL

• Level of difficulty – Easy
• Reversible? No
• Textured? Yes
• Best for – Hats, sweaters, cardigans, blankets, socks, mittens
• Stitch multiple – 2 stitches
• Row multiple – 4 rows / rounds

VIDEO TUTORIAL
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WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS

HOW TO KNIT PADDY STITCH BACK AND FORTH

This stitch pattern is formed on an even number of stitches.

Because we add a yarn over at the end of row 1 of the pattern repeat, we need to anchor the yarn at the end of that row. That’s why we should add one selvedge stitch at each side of the work.

To keep the side edges nice and tidy, we’ll treat the first and the last stitches of each row as selvedges.

Any kind of slip-stitch selvedges will do. I’ll use my favourite Silesian selvedges method – knit the first stitch of every row through the back loop and slip the last stitch of every row purlwise with the yarn in front of the work.

Row 1 (right side): selvedge, [ knit 1, make a yarn over, slip 1 with yarn at back ], repeat the brackets to the last stitch, selvedge.

Row 2 (wrong side): selvedge,[ knit 2 together, purl 1 ], repeat the brackets to the last stitch, selvedge.

Row 3 (right side): selvedge, knit all stitches to the last stitch, selvedge.

Row 4 (wrong side): selvedge, purl all stitches to the last stitch, selvedge.

Repeat rows 1 – 4 to form the pattern.

HOW TO KNIT PADDY STITCH IN THE ROUND

To add this pattern to a seamless project, cast on an even number of stitches.

Arrange stitches for working in the round on 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 1, make a yarn over, slip 1 with yarn at back ], repeat the brackets to the end of the round.

Round 2: [ knit 1, purl 2 together ], repeat the brackets to the end of the round.

Round 3: knit all stitches.

Round 4: knit all stitches.

Repeat rounds 1 – 4 to form the pattern.

You can use this stitch pattern as an all-over stitch on a hat or a sweater. Or, add it to a part of your project that needs more texture..

Because this stitch pattern has a small pattern repeat, it merges easily with any stitch pattern that is based on repeating an even number of stitches, or the one that doesn’t have a repeat, like stockinette or garter stitch.

VARIATION

To create more space between the “paddy terrasses”, repeat rows / rounds 3 and 4 one or more times before you work rows / rounds 1 and 2 again.

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 medium-weight yarn in a light colour and needles in a size recommended for this yarn and cast on 10 stitches.

Follow instructions for Row 1, Row 2, Row 3 and Row 4 of the pattern until you make 12 rows.

Look at the texture of your swatch, stretch it to see how elastic it is, and notice the difference between the right and the wrong sides of the fabric.

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

PATTERN CARD

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