An Alternative to the Stockinette that Knitters Should Know

Today, I’m sharing an alternative to the Stockinette (Stocking) stitch we knitters should know.

Why?

The answer is pretty simple: Because it’s nice to have options!

We all love the Stockinette stitch, but maybe, 2 main reasons make us think of an alternative:

1) It curls! Yep, the classic Stockinette stitch doesn’t lay flat, no matter what you do.

Of course, you can always block the garment…

2) It could be a bit boring if you have to knit a big piece.

I know sometimes you want to knit and watch your favorite TV show, so it’s better to be free of counting or paying attention to your knit work.

However, variety is the spice of life… Sometimes we need a little sparkle ;)!

Last but not least, it has no texture to it. Nothing, nada, niente, 0!

So, after playing a little bit with this lovely pattern I shared with you some weeks ago, I came across this one.

This alternative to the Stockinette stitch passes the exam:

First, it has some texture to it (it looks like a Brioche stitch, but it’s not stretchy, so it’s not a ribbing).

Second, it doesn’t curl (nevertheless, knit a swatch first. I tried it using both 100% Merino Superwash, and 100% wool yarn, and it lays flat.

Third, it’s not boring, although it’s not complicated!

It’s a two-row repeat pattern, that involves only 2 steps on each row, so you’ll memorize it quickly!

And fourth… there’s no need to purl! YEP!

Ok, enough chatting 🙂

Grab your needles, and your favorite fiber, and let’s get busy!

By the way, I made 2 swatches again; for the pale blue one, I used Merino Wool yarn (Superwash). The color is called “Ice Blue” I love it because it’s super smooth, fluff-free, and elastic, perfect for any kind of project #ad

For the grey one, I used 100% wool yarn (both are worsted weight, medium, or number 4).

Abbreviations

CO: Cast on

st: Stitch

RS: Right side of the work

K: Knit

wyif: With yarn in front

wyib: With yarn in back

sl1kw: Slip one stitch knitwise (pass the stitch onto the right-hand needle as if to knit)

sl1pw: Slip one stitch purlwise (pass the stitch onto the right-hand needle as if to purl)

k2tog: Knit two stitches together

BO: Bind off

WS: Wrong side of the work

Notes Before Starting:

The even rows form the right side of the work.

There are no edge/selvage stitches included.

An Alternative to the Stockinette Stitch (2-row-repeat pattern)

CO an even number of stitches.

Row 1 (WS): *wyif sl1kw, K1*. Repeat from * to *, to end

Row 2 (RS): wyif sl1pw, wyib k2tog, *K1, k2tog*. Repeat from * to *, to end.

These two rows create the pattern.

Repeat them until the desired length is reached.

When finished, BO after row 1 (facing the RS).

In the video tutorial, I’ll show you how to bind off.

This is the other side of the work:

Enjoy the video tutorial:

How to Knit an Alternative to the Stockinette Stitch

Thank you for watching, and don’t forget to share the L<3VE!

Hugs, and happy knitting 🙂

Carolina – So Woolly

PS: Looking for another No-Purling Stitch? Click here!