Knits & Purls

Caterpillar Stitch

The Caterpillar Knitting Stitch Pattern

About this Stitch Pattern

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.

[VIDEO] Stitch Pattern Tutorial

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Techniques Used In This Stitch Pattern

K
Knit Stitch
P
Purl Stitch

Stitch Pattern Details

Skill Level

Easy

Row Count

6

Stitch Repeat

Multiples of 8 + 6

Stitch 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.

Stitch Pattern Swatch Photos

Stitch Pattern Characteristics

All-Over Pattern | diagonal | subtle | textured

9 thoughts on “Caterpillar Stitch”

  2. darlamunson@yahoo.com says:

    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.!!!!

  3. GardenCityGranny says:

    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).

  4. Pingback: How to Knit the Caterpillar Stitch | Fiber Arts | Scoop.it

  5. Lauren Gessler says:

    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.

    • Johnny Vasquez says:

      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.

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