The Caterpillar Stitch :: Knitting Stitch #173
Stitch Description
This knitting tutorial will help you learn how to knit the caterpillar stitch. This simple stitch adds a playful bit of texture to any project. Great for children’s garments and bags!
Video Tutorial
Abbreviations
Stitch Details
Stitch Characteristics
Pattern Instructions
Cast On: Multiples of 8 + 6
- Row 1: (right side) k4, p2, *k6, p2; rep from * to end
- Row 2: p1, k2, *p6, k2; rep from * to last 3 sts, p3
- Row 3: k2, p2, *k6, p2; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2
- Row 4: p3, k2, *p6, k2; rep from * to last st, p1
- Row 5: p2, *k6, p2; rep from * to last 4sts, k4
- Row 6: Purl.
Repeat rows 1 – 6 until you have reached your desired length.
Swatch Photos
Example of the caterpillar stitch Right Side (click for larger)
Example of Caterpillar stitch Wrong Side (click for larger)
Related Posts
About the Author
Johnny Vasquez
Johnny is the founder of New Stitch a Day and Head Honcho at Knitiversity.
Since 2011 he's helped millions of people become Fearless Knitters though his tutorials, patterns, classes, and books. When he's not knitting he likes to play his baritone ukulele, hangout at speakeasy bars, and discuss movies with friends. He currently lives in Estonia with his wife and 3 kids.
Making baby leggings. This will be cute.
Love the new site. Needs to have a print button for the pattern. I have to make copies of the whole page just to get the pattern. Still I love everything you do.!!!!
It’s on our list of things to add.
I like this stitch for the simplicity. Of course, I haven’t swatched it yet but if it will knit up square I can see it being substituted for any square that’s done in a plain ss (such as Mary Maxim’s lighthouse afghan).
When you say cast on multiples of 8+6 Do you mean multiples of 8 (say 4*8)+6
OR do you mean multiples of 8+6 (or 14)? say 4*14
It’s confusing and the difference could be quite a lot.
Hi Lauren!
A lot of people have this issue. It’s probably our most asked question. It means multiples of 8 (16, 24, 32, etc.) then add 6 at the end.
I like this stitch very much. It is clean and simple.
Love everything about your site. It’s been so informative.