Stitch Description
The caterpillar stitch is a simple knit and purl pattern that creates a fabric with short diagonal lines. This subtle texture looks like little caterpillars working their way across the fabric. It’s an easy stitch to make and looks great on larger projects where you want some visual interest without it calling attention to itself.
Try the caterpillar stitch in a blanket, washcloth, or even a hat.
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)
Example of Caterpillar stitch (Wrong Side)
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).
[…] This video 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! […]
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.