Are you looking to expand your knitting skills? The Purl Ridge Stitch is a simple textured pattern requiring regular knitting needles and a few simple skills. The stitch pattern is perfect for beginners to seasoned knitters. It creates a series of raised ridges across your fabric, like textured horizontal stripes, giving it a unique look and feel. It is an exciting design if you are looking for projects that are not reversible—for example, a knitted sweater or cardigan, socks, hats, pillow covers, etc. But, even if you go ahead with a dishcloth or placemat, you can work the pattern and make sure to display the front side of the pattern. The ridges only show up on the front of the knitting pattern, while the wrong side looks like the wrong side (WS) of the stockinette.
Knitting the Purl Ridge Stitch Pattern
The purl ridge stitch has a lot in common with stockinette. The stitch pattern tends to curl. Blocking is a necessity for the stitch pattern to bloom. In fact, it would be more appropriate to say that it is an exciting twist of regular stockinette as it works similarly but has more texture. Like most knitting patterns, you must work both the knit and purl stitches. Whether you knit it flat or in the round, purl ridge stitch has more knit than purl stitches, which is a plus for most knitters.
Now, to get started, gather your supplies. Straight needles or circulars are great if you are knitting back and forth. For projects, knit in the round, double pointed knitting needles and circulars are ideal tools. Make sure to keep essential knitting accessories such as stitch markers, a pair of scissors, finishing needles, etc. You can work the stitch pattern with any yarn, but it's best not to work with fingering yarn or bulky yarn. Make sure to work with the correct needle size and yarn weight.
Here's how to knit the Purl Ridge Stitch:
Abbreviations:
k: knit
p: purl
Pattern:
Cast on: Start by casting on any number of stitches. You can choose any number of stitches depending on the width of your project. For example, you could cast on 30 stitches on your circular knitting needles with any of your preferred methods.
Purl Ridge Stitch Pattern knit back and forth:
Row 1: knit all stitches.
Row 2: purl all stitches.
Row 3 & 4: knit all stitches.
Repeat Rows 1-4: Continue repeating Rows 1-4 until your project reaches the desired length.
If you want to prevent the curling effect for a project knit back and forth, you can add a garter or seed stitch border.
Purl Ridge Stitch Pattern knit in the round
Rounds 1-3: knit all stitches
Round 4: purl all stitches
Repeat rounds 1-4.
That's it! The Purl Ridge Stitch is a straightforward pattern that adds visual interest to your knitting projects. Experiment with different yarn weights and knitting needle sizes for different looks and textures.
Tips and Tricks to Work Purl Ridge Stitch Patterns
● If you are thinking of experimenting with the stitch pattern, make sure to space the rows or rounds of purl stitches so that the textures stand out.
● Keeping count of stitches becomes difficult in the purl ridge stitch pattern so keep a pen and paper handy. You can also use a row counter to keep count.
● Always block your knitted project, as the stitch pattern has the same curling characteristic as the stockinette.
Crafting becomes fun when you have comfortable tools. The Lantern Moon Collection offers smooth, ebony wood knitting needles and crochet hooks. Handcrafted by skilled artisans, the tools and accessories are prized by makers.
Happy knitting!