The knit cross stitch is a pattern that I have been wanting to try for awhile now. I’ve seen it called both a Knit Cross Stitch or a Knit Basket Weave. It has a fun woven look to it and makes for a dense knit fabric. The first time I read a pattern with this stitch it kinda left me scratching my head. It is not that hard but it did take me a few minutes of playing with it to figure it out. I thought others would appreciate a knit cross stitch tutorial.
I won this very pretty Bamboo yarn from Kitty Grrlz on a blog giveaway. I only have one skein of this colorway and needed a small project to use with it. It is so shiny, silky and smooth. The stitch definition is great and it lended itself well to trying out this knit cross stitch pattern.
So I made a skinny scarf with it. The pattern is easy to memorize but you do need to pay attention while knitting. I can’t knit this one without looking at it.
Knit Cross Stitch Scarf Pattern Materials
Size 8 needles
DK Weight Yarn
Knit Cross Stitch Scarf Pattern Directions
Cast on 19 sts. (If you increase… keep in mind you need an odd number of stitches for the pattern to work – the purls and knits need to be offset).
Gauge is not overly important here. What is important is comfortably matching your yarn to needles. I used larger needles than I normally would for the DK weight yarn I had. Slightly looser stitches makes it easier to work this pattern.
You can add more stitches to make a wider scarf, just remember to that you need an odd number to offset the backside of the pattern.
Slip the first stitch as if to knit, knit 18.
(All even rows) Slip the first stitch as if to knit. Bring yarn to front. (Purl the second stitch on your needle. Do not remove it from your needle. Purl the first stitch on your needle. Remove both stitches.) Repeat purl pattern to last 2 sts. Purl 1, knit1.
(All odd rows) Slip the first stitch as if to knit. (Knit the second stitch on your needle by knitting into the back of the stitch. Do not remove it from your needle. Knit the first stitch on your needle. Remove both stitches.) Repeat knit pattern to last 2 sts. Knit 2.
Repeat until you get the length you want. Bind off on a knit row.
TIP… if you are a tight gauge knitter loosen up! The knits stitches especially will be tricky if you are knitting tight.
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Knit Cross Stitch Tutorial
Knit Cross Stitch Tutorial :: Knit Side Images
Knit the second stitch on your needle by knitting into the back of the stitch. Do not remove it from your needle.
Knit the first stitch on your needle.
Remove both stitches.
Knit Cross Stitch Tutorial :: Purl Side Images
Purl the second stitch on your needle. Do not remove it from your needle.
Purl the first stitch on your needle.
Remove both stitches.
What a pretty stitch. I love the yarn too. I have never worked with bamboo. Can’t wait to give this a try.
This pattern is done in a tighter gauge in a wool yarn in an old knitting book I have had for many years, Stitches, Patterns, and Projects for Knitting by Wanda Bonano. It’s pictured on p. 87 and the pattern is on p. 86.
I love that you used the shiny yarn and a looser gauge for your scarf. It totally shows off the pattern and the yarn to their best.
In the book, the tighter gauge in the wool yarn produce a neat woven look fabric that looks sturdy. Great for a jacket, but it would be a completely different animal from your lovely ribbon-like scarf.
I have given up trying this pattern, the instructions of which is in my Reader’s Digest Knitting Book. Your instruction is simple and easy to follow. I was able to do it just by the written instructions. I did not realize you had the pictures. The pictures verify the instructions. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
i can see why this would leave you scratching your head…without your visual i think i’d be in trouble. i’ll most definately have to be “present” while stitching this one. thanks again for an introduction to something new, can’t wait to try it out 🙂
I tried this last night after seeing your picture- and once I got a handle on the pattern, I was able to truck right along. Mine doesn’t look as beautiful as yours- I think that the beautiful bamboo yarn really shows off the pattern well. I used a wool blend in purples and blues. Bamboo Yarn might have to go on the holiday wish list! Thanks for your clear directions and pictures, if it weren’t for that, I wouldn’t be brave enough to dig through the pattern notes to figure it out on my own.
Glad the photos helped. Yeah that bamboo yarn is lovely… great for stitch definition. I will be interested to see how well it hold ups over time.
Oh my! Those needles are devine!
This is so eye-catching. I love the vibrancy of the colors and the stitch pattern. Thanks for sharing this!
I love this pattern and it looks great with the handpainted silk/merino yarn I am using. I cast on only 15 stitches because I wanted my yarn to last for a longer scarf, but the side edges are curling. Do you know if it will stay flat once I block it, or do I need to do some sort of edging along both sides? Thanks!
I did not have a problem with my edges curling on either one that I made. The bottom wanted to a bit but was fine with blocking. Make sure you size up a needle or two from the size recommended by the yarn manufacturer. If you stitches are too tight that might be causing some of the curling.
I absolutely love this stitch!! I’ve never seen it before, but it looks so good!! I just bought this 100% extrafine Merino Wool to make a scarf for my 13 year old niece, but I couldn’t come up with a cool pattern, but this one is great!! Very well explained!! And the pictures helped a lot! Thank you so much for sharing this pattern with us!!
Hi!
i love de cross stich. Thanks for the tutorial.
Bit i have a question: it’s possible to do the cross stich on a circular needles?
how i must to do it?
Thanks for all!
how could the pattern be done on circular needles?
Thank you for sharing a nice stitch pattern.
I have to say though that I think the yarn is gross ! it looks cheap and nasty and would never touch my needles !
LOL – this yarn was far from cheap… over $20 a skein (if I remember correctly). It is merino wool and bamboo that was hand dyed and hand spun. It is truly luxurious and silky soft. The woman who hand makes the yarn is not currently selling any skeins otherwise I would highly recommend it. Not sure what is on your needles, but I’m happy to have had the chance to work with this yarn. Good luck with your project.
Do you have a hat pattern using this stitch?
Thank you for your interest in this pattern. We do not have a hat pattern at this time. This was more of a tutorial to teach the stitch.