Learn how to knit the bamboo stitch – an easy two row pattern repeat – in this simple, quick tutorial.

The bamboo stitch is a wonderfully textured stitch that is so easy a beginner knitter can knit it. This simple two row repeat only involves the knit stitch, the purl stitch, and a yarn over.

This photo and video tutorial will walk you through each step of the bamboo stitch pattern. This stitch looks like rows of bamboo, hence its name!

In this article...

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Tips for Working the Bamboo Stitch

Before we begin the tutorial, let’s take a minute to look at what you’ll need and some tips for working this bamboo pattern.

What You’ll Need

Yarn: Any weight yarn will work for this knitting pattern. I am using Scheepjes Chunky Monkey (bulky #5)

Needles: Use a knitting needle size appropriate for the yarn used. If you are unsure, check the yarn label for the size they recommend for that particular yarn. Size shown here is 10.5 US.

Notions: Yarn needle, scissors

Tips

When working the first yarn over, you may get a little stuck. Here’s how you do it:

Bring the yarn behind your needle and then wrap around clockwise. (See the video tutorial’s tips section if you have any trouble!)

Make sure you are always slipping the yarn overs over the two knitted stitches.

Ready? Let’s begin!

Bamboo Stitch on Flat Needles

Cast on any multiple of 2.

Row One

Step One: Yarn over

Step Two: Knit the next 2 sts

Step Three: Pass the yo over the 2 knit stitches

Repeat steps 1-3 across the row.

Row Two

Purl each stitch across.

Repeat rows one and two to desired length.

Bamboo Stitch in the Round

Cast on any multiple of two on double pointed needles or circular needles.

Round One: Work same as bamboo stitch on flat needles.

Round Two: Knit.

Repeat rounds one and two to desired length.

Bamboo Stitch Practice Swatch

Abbreviations
Knit Stitch (k)
Purl Stitch (p)
Yarn Over (yo)

Instructions

Cast on 28 sts.

Rows 1-4: Knit

Row 5: K4, *yo, k2, pass first st over 2; repeat from * to last 4 sts, k4.

Row 6: K4, p to last 4 sts, k4.

Rows 7-36: Repeat rows 5-6.

Rows 37-40: Knit.

Bind off knitwise.

Common Questions about the Bamboo Stitch

How do you knit a bamboo stitch?

This is a very easy knitting stitch that is a simple two row repeat. You simply yarn over, knit two stitches, then pass the yo over the two knit stitches. Repeat for the first row. On the next row, you simply use the purl stitch across.

Does bamboo stitch curl?

This stitch does have somewhat of a curl to it, so if you are planning on using it for a flat item such as a blanket, dishcloth or scarf, you might want to do a border of garter stitch (don’t use Stockinette stitch because it also curls).

Is bamboo stitch reversible?

This is not one of the reversible knitting stitches. The front of this stitch looks very different from the back, so you cannot reverse it. However, don’t let that keep you from using this wonderful stitch for a flat item. The back may not look like the front, but it is still a nice tetured stitch pattern on the back.

Yield: Easy Two Row Repeat

How to Knit the Bamboo Stitch (Easy Tutorial)

Learn how to knit the bamboo stitch – an easy two row pattern repeat – in this simple, quick tutorial.

Active Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Difficulty Easy

Materials

Yarn of your choice.

Tools

Knitting needles appropriate for yarn choice, yarn needle, scissors.

Instructions

Row 1:

Yarn over.
Knit the next 2 sts.
Slip the yo over the 2 knitted stitches.
Repeat steps 1-3 across the row.

Row 2:

Purl each stitch across.

Repeat rows 1-2 for pattern.

How to Knit the Bamboo Stitch (Easy Tutorial)