How to Knit Stamen Stitch
Stamen Stitch is a super easy 4 row repeat that uses just knit stitches alongside slipped stitches to create a sturdy but squishy fabric. It lays completely flat with no curling which makes it perfect for projects such as dishcloths, scarves or even a blanket.
Stamen Stitch is worked in a very similar way to Garter Slip Stitch, but the fabric it produces is drastically different - proving how versatile knitting can be in creating different textures whilst still using the same 2 stitches.
Stamen stitch is perfect for a beginner knitter who is looking to learn a new stitch as it introduces slipping stitches as a technique instead of just using the more traditional combination of knit and purl stitches.
Stamen Stitch isn't a reversible pattern. It has a very definite right and wrong side. That being said, the reverse isn't messy in anyway, it just looks like garter stitch rather than having the visual and textual interest that the front does. Take a look a the photo below to see what I mean.
If you are someone that needs a video to follow along to, then I've linked my YouTube Tutorial at the end of the pattern. Those of you who haven't slipped stitches before will probably find it useful before diving into knitting this stitch.
written pattern
stitches used:
- K - Knit
- P - Purl
- Sl1p wyib - Slip one Purl wise with the yarn at the back.
Repeat Rows:
Cast On: Any ODD number of stitches (aka a multiple of 2+1).
Row 1 (RS): K all stitches.
Row 2 (WS): K1, *sl1p wyib, k1* repeat from *to* until end of row
Row 3: K all stitches.
Row 4: *sl1p wyib, k1* repeat from *to* until one stitch remains, sl1p wyib.
Repeat rows 1-4 until your project is the desired size. Cast off knit wise on any wrong side row.