It’s nice to have a big stitch library to choose from, don’t you think? Whenever you see a new stitch that you like you can add it to your growing list. That way when you need the perfect stitch for your new knitting project you will have plenty to choose from!
Reversible knitting stitches are among the most versatile. Since both sides of the work are identical, you don’t have to worry about the wrong side looking bad. As an added bonus, you don’t have to keep track of which side is which.
Reversible knitting stitches can be used for any knitting project you can think of! Of course, they are most popular for projects where both sides of the work will be visible. When you make a throw pillow, you don’t care what the back of the work looks like, because it will be hidden. But when you make a blanket or a scarf suddenly you do care what the back of the work looks like!
I think that knitting projects that use reversible knitting stitches just look more polished and professional. This is a great trick to use if you are relatively new to knitting and you are wondering how to make your knitting projects look better.
You might think that reversible knitting stitches are difficult, but they’re really no more difficult than any other type of knitting stitch. This list does include a handful of knitting stitch techniques that call for more advanced techniques, but the majority of them can be made with the basics – like knit stitch and purl stitch.
As with all our free knitting round-ups, we’ve made sure to include a good variety of stitch patterns to choose from! Today we are featuring some reversible knitting stitches that are solid and some that are lacey. Some are smooth, while others are textured. There’s also a wide range in the number of row repeats. Really, we’ve got a little something for everyone today, so why don’t you scroll down and see for yourself?
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25 Must Learn Reversible Knitting Stitches
1. Diagonal Chevron Zig Zag
If you know how to knit and purl, then you can recreate this delightful diagonal chevron zig zag design. This stitch pattern has a 16 row repeat and is available in written, charted, and video formats. It’s actually pretty easy once you get the hang of it, and you’ll soon be knitting away on your own without needing to reference the pattern.
Designer: Stufflebean Yarn
Yarn: (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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2. Mock Cable Pattern
Beginner knitters and cable needle haters will love this easy mock cable pattern. There’s no fancy stitches and it’s an easy 6 row repeat. This is one of those stitch patterns that looks tricky, but is actually really easy. I know that it’s hard to believe, but you can recreate this reversible knitting stitch pattern using just knit and purl stitches.
Designer: Knitting on the Net
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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3. Irish Moss Stitch
Did you know that there are different variations of the moss stitch? The irish moss stitch creates an interesting surface with an easy to remember 4 row repeat. The free reversible knitting stitch tutorial is available in both video and written formats. The tutorial calls for just knit and purl stitches, so it’s totally beginner-friendly.
Designer: Wool and the Gang
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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4. Sea Foam Stitch
Of course, not all of these reversible knitting stitches are so easy. The sea foam stitch is a combination of knit stitches, yarn overs, and dropped stitches. The resulting surface is a fun mix of lace and texture. I particularly like the diamond lattice that the knit stitches form as they frame the little window panes of dropped stitches.
Designer: New Stitch a Day
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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5. Flying Geese Stitch
The Flying Geese Stitch has a lot going on. There’s diagonal lines as well as vertical lines. And if you look closely you will see that some stitches seem to be going left and right, while other stitches appear to be going up and down. The overall effect is nothing short of spectacular, and you can easily recreate it with just knit and purl stitches.
Designer: KnitPurlStitches
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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6. Diagonal Spiral Rib
The Diagonal Spiral Rib stitch features dramatic depth and delightful diagonal lines. It looks like a complicated bit of cable work, but it’s actually all just knit and purl stitches. Despite the 16 row repeat, it’s a fairly easy stitch pattern to memorize since it has a very predictable style. Instructions are given for both working flat and working in the round.
Designer: Stufflebean Yarn
Yarn: Cascade Yarns Cascade 128 Superwash (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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7. The Rick Rib Stitch
In my research I found that reversible knitting stitches were more commonly solid. Here’s one of the rare lace stitches I found – the Rick Rib Stitch. This knitting technique involves knit and purl stitches along with slip stitches and yarn overs. Lace stitches tend to have excellent drape and they can make your projects feel a little bit fancier.
Designer: New Stitch a Day
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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8. Broken Rib Stitch
If the thought of a double digit row repeat makes you break out in hives, then maybe this stitch tutorial will be more your style. The Broken Rib Stitch has a one row repeat when worked in rows, and a two row repeat when worked in the round. As an added bonus, this stitch pattern doesn’t have the tendency to curl up.
Designer: So Wooly
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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9. Long Raindrop Stitch
I love the unique look of the Long Raindrop Stitch. You can make this stitch pattern using just knit and purl stitches. It’s technically an 8 row repeat but rows 1-4 are the same and rows 5-8 are also the same. You’ll be able to commit the predictable pattern to memory in no time, and then it’s all cruise control from there!
Designer: Infiniti Crafting Co
Yarn: Cascade Yarns Cascade 128 Superwash (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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10. Close Check Stitch
Can you see the checkerboard that forms in the Close Check Stitch? The stitch pattern alternates between sections of stockinette stitch and reverse stockinette stitch. It’s an 8 row repeat but it’s another one that’s quite easy to commit to memory – especially since it’s all just knit and purl stitches.
Designer: All Free Knitting
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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11. Double Stockinette Stitch
The Double Stockinette Stitch is sure to be your new knitting BFF. Not only is it wonderfully squishy and elastic, but there’s also no purling involved and the work does not curl. And unlike regular stockinette stitch, it’s completely reversible! What’s not to love?! This easy stitch pattern onlys calls for two techniques: knit stitches and slip stitches.
Designer: Don’t Be Such a Square
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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12. Parallelogram Stitch
I just love looking at the parallelogram stitch. First you notice the namesake shapes, then you notice the columns the shapes create, and then you begin to see arrowhead and chevron designs appear right before your very eyes! I think it’s wonderful that so many reversible knitting stitches can be created using just knit and purl stitches.
Designer: Crea Crafts
Yarn: Cascade Yarns Cascade 128 Superwash (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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13. Checked Rose Stitch
You’ll need two colors of yarn to knit the Checked Rose Stitch. The colors swap places on the wrong side, but the Checked Rose Stitch is otherwise reversible. You can’t really tell by looking at it, but this stitch is actually part of the brioche family. The stitch pattern has a 6 row repeat and can only be worked in back and forth rows.
Designer: New Stitch a Day
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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14. Garter Stitch
To many knitters, including the garter stitch on a list of reversible knitting stitches might seem a bit obvious. But it is the foundation for so many other stitches and it’s absolutely something that beginner knitters should get to know inside and out. Learn how to recreate this stretchy and textured stitch by following along with this very detailed tutorial.
Designer: Love.Life.Yarn
Yarn: Patons Wool Roving (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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15. Chevron Zig Zag
Chevrons of all kinds are just one of those things that always look amazing. They also appear quite challenging to the untrained eye, so choosing a chevron stitch pattern is an easy way to elevate your next knitting project. You can recreate this stitch pattern using just knit and purl stitches. You get to choose between charted and written instructions.
Designer: CLYDKNITS
Yarn: Cascade Yarns Cascade 128 Superwash (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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16. Indian Cross Stitch
The Indian Cross Stitch features lovely wavy lines, interspersed bits of lace work, and attractively crossed strands of yarn. The stitch pattern utilizes elongated stitches and crosses them to achieve this unique look. The 12 row repeat may sound intimidating, but 8 of the 12 rows are just knit stitches.
Designer: New Stitch a Day
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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17. Double Moss Stitch
Remember when I said that there’s different types of moss stitches? Well, here’s another one to add to your repertoire! The Double Moss Stitch is also known as the checkerboard stitch. It’s made with just knit and purl stitches. This tutorial features written instructions for working both in rows and in rounds.
Designer: Life is Cozy
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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18. Pennant Pleating Stitch
I’m getting argyle vibes from this geometric Pennant Pleating Stitch, and I’m totally digging it! Look at the stitch pattern and see how many different shapes pop out at you. I can identify triangles, diamonds, hourglasses, and hexagons. This stitch pattern calls for only knit and purl stitches. It has an 8 row repeat.
Designer: Knitting Science
Yarn: Cascade Yarns Cascade 128 Superwash (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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19. Fancy Slip Stitch Rib
Upgrade your rib stitch skills to the next level with the aptly named Fancy Slip Stitch Rib. This stitch pattern is a combination of knit, purl and slip stitches. Your favorite part about this stitch pattern will likely be the easy peasy 2 row repeat. You can learn how to make this attractive stitch by following along with either the written or the video pattern.
Designer: New Stitch a Day
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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20. Reversible Cables
One thing I hate about knitting cables is just how ghastly the wrong side of the work looks. That’s why this technique for reversible knitting cables is nothing short of revolutionary! While this tutorial is probably not a great choice for beginners, it is easier than it looks. I find the video tutorial to be especially helpful.
Designer: Knit Crochet Blog
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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21. Hurdle Stitch
As far as reversible knitting stitches go, you can’t go wrong with the Hurdle Stitch. The subtle texture and solid fabric make this stitch well suited to any number of different knitting projects. The 4 row repeat is a combination of garter stitch and rib stitch. Learn how to knit the Hurdle Stitch with the video and written tutorial.
Designer: Love.Life.Yarn
Yarn: Lion Brand Color Made Easy (Bulky Weight #5)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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22. The Roman Stripe Stitch
Pockets of lace dance with rows of texture in the unique Roman Stripe Stitch. This stitch technique involves knit and purl stitches along with knit 2 togethers and yarn overs, so it’s best for knitters with at least a few projects under their belt. The written and video tutorials will walk you through the 7 row pattern repeat.
Designer: New Stitch a Day
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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23. Herringbone Lace Rib
I love to find reversible knitting stitches that have some lace in them. These versatile stitches are excellent choices for garments because of their unparalleled drape and the extra bit of polish that lace work gives any project. This stitch tutorial calls for knit and purl stitches along with purl 2 togethers and yarn overs.
Designer: We Are Knitters
Yarn: Pima Cotton (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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24. Waffle Stitch
The Waffle Stitch is a popular stitch that’s easy to remember. The fabric is quite thick, so it’s good for warm and cozy projects like throws. The waffle stitch isn’t 100% reversible (i.e. exactly identical) but the two sides do look very similar, and they’re both attractive in their own way. If you’ve never tried the waffle stitch before, you simply must!
Designer: Meghan Makes Do
Yarn: Cascade Yarns Cascade 128 Superwash (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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25. Garter Lace Stitch
Upgrade your basic garter stitch with the lovely Garter Lace Stitch. The holes from the lace work in this stitch pattern are quite small, so it’s still well suited to cold weather projects. The stitch is done by making knit stitches, purling two stitches together, and by changing the position of the working yarn.
Designer: New Stitch a Day
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Common Questions about Reversible Knitting Stitches
A reversible knit stitch is created when both sides of the work look identical. Many stitch patterns have a definite right and wrong side, but a reversible knitting stitch looks the same on both sides.
In this post, we’ve covered 25 stitches that look the same on both sides, such as garter stitch, k1p1 or k2p2 rib, the waffle stitch, the hurdle stitch and other great knitting stitch patterns.
When you want to create an item such as a scarf or blanket where both sides of the work will be seen, you might want to work a reversible knit stitch so that both sides look the same.
Did you find any new favorite reversible knitting stitches? I hope you found the perfect stitch for your next project! Tell me in the comments below which of these reversible knitting stitches caught your eye. Oh, and please comment with any of your favorite reversible knitting stitches that we missed!
Don’t forget, sharing is caring! Send this free knitting pattern round-up to all your knitting friends so they can join in on the fun too! Bookmark this page or save the link to your Pinterest board for amazing knitting patterns.
I’ll see you next week for another free knitting pattern round-up. Make sure to follow the blog so you never miss a post. <3
Happy Knitting!
Amanda
It would be nice if you did more color work. Or create color work w what you have posted here.