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 a 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.
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.