The hurdle stitch is a wonderful textured stitch pattern that is easy enough for beginners – you only use knits and purls!
When you are starting out knitting it can be challenging to find basic stitch patterns that are easy enough for a beginner but look great. The hurdle stitch is one that you will want to put on your list of must-makes!
With just basic knit and purl stitches you can create this gorgeous stitch pattern that looks like the hurdles you see in track and field or in horse jumping. These give the fabric texture and interest. And, a huge bonus is that it’s reversible!!
Today we are going to look into everything you need to know to knit the hurdle stitch, including how to work it flat and in the round and even how to knit the hurdle stitch on the diagonal!
Hurdle Stitch Video Tutorial
Learn how to knit the hurdle stitch flat, in the round and on the diagonal in this easy video tutorial.
How to Knit Hurdle Stitch
What You’ll Need
Yarn: You can knit this stitch with any yarn.
Knitting Needles: Any size appropriate for your yarn. If you are unsure what size needles to use check the recommendation on the yarn label.
Notions: Scissors, yarn needle
Stitch Abbreviations
Knit Stitch (k)
Purl Stitch (p)
Stitch Notes
This is a 4-row repeat knit stitch pattern that is easy to memorize. It’s a reversible pattern where the stitch pattern combines two rows of a rib stitch pattern and rows of the garter stitch.
Knitting Flat
Cast on any even number of stitches on straight needles.
Row 1: Knit
Row 2: Knit
Row 3: *K1, p1; repeat from * to end.
Row 4: *K1, p1; repeat from * to end.
Repeat rows 1-4 for the hurdle stitch knitting pattern.
Hurdle Stitch in the Round
Cast on any even number of stitches on dpn’s or a circular needle.
Round 1: Knit
Round 2: Purl
Round 3: *K1, p1; repeat from * to end.
Round 4: *K1, p1; repeat from * to end.
Repeat rows 1-4 for the hurdle stitch pattern.
Hurdle Pattern on the Diagonal
You can knit this stitch just like garter stitch on the diagonal, it just takes a little tweaking. Please see the video tutorial if you need help with this stitch!
Stitch Abbreviations
Knit Front and Back (kfb)
Knit 2 Together (k2tog)
Slip Slip Knit (ssk)
Here’s how you do it:
Cast on 2 sts.
Increase:
Row 1: Kfb in both sts – 4 sts.
Row 2: Knit
Row 3: Kfb, k1, p1, kfb – 6 sts.
Row 4: *K1, p1; repeat from * to end.
Row 5: Kfb, knit to last st, kfb – 8 sts.
Row 6: Knit
Row 7: Kfb, *k1, p1; repeat from * to last st, kfb – 10 sts.
Row 8: *K1, p1; repeat from * to end.
Repeat rows 5-8 to desired length, ending with row 8.
Decrease
Row 1: Ssk, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog.
Row 2: Knit.
Row 3: Ssk, *k1, p1; repeat to last 2 sts, k2tog.
Row 4: *P1, k1; repeat from * to end.
Repeat rows 1-4 until there are 2 sts on knitting needle.
For last row, k2tog and fasten off last stitch.
It can be used for a reversible scarf or blanket since the stitch looks the same on both sides of your work – there are no wrong sides here!
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Did you know you can also work the hurdle stitch in loom knitting? It can be worked on a round loom or flat loom with different numbers of pegs. Watch for loom knitting tutorials coming soon.
