Three row mesh: a free knitting stitch pattern
The 2017 stitch pattern had me thinking about stitch patterns with three row repeats. There are some out there, but I don’t know why there’s not more. Anyway, here’s a stitch pattern I thought of because of 2017. It’s entirely possible that I’m not the first to come up with it.
It’s reversible, geometric, and it won’t curl because it’s got a garter stitch base to it. It should work well with some variegated yarn because of that. Added selvedges are unnecessary.
Notes:
- This is a stitch pattern such as might be found in a stitch dictionary. It is not a pattern for a finished object.
- I’ve shown two repeats in the chart, but if knitting flat, the second repeat is the same as the first three rows, just flipped over.
- Three row mesh is a multiple of 4 stitches and 3 rows.
- I’ve made a stitch map for it.
- Designers, please feel free to use this stitch in your patterns. I’d like credit but won’t be offended if people don’t give it.
- If you like my posts like this, please consider supporting me on Patreon or donating with my Paypal tip jar in the sidebar. Thanks!
Abbreviations:
- k: knit.
- k2tog: knit 2 stitches together as if they were 1. (Right-leaning decrease)
- p: purl.
- ssk: slip each of the next 2 stitches as if to knit, then knit them together through the back loop. (Left-leaning decrease)
- yo: yarnover.
Row 1: *k2tog, yo x 2, ssk; work from *.
Row 2: *k1, (k1, p1) in double yo, k1; work from *.
Row 3: knit.
Repeat as desired. There is no row 4.
Oooo, another maybe quick & easy mesh for curtain possibilities!
Likely!
I was just thinking I needed a pattern like this for a sub call.
Woohoo!
I’m new to knitting and I may be just not getting it but I’ve started the first row with a k2tog and I end up not having enough stitches for the ssk at the end of the row since k2tog is a decrease. I start with 4 stitches and tried with eight but I just end up with odd numbers. Am I not doing this right?
Hi,
I’m not certain what’s going wrong, exactly, since I’m not sitting right next to you.
k2tog and ssk each use up two stitches from the previous row, so if there are four stitches available for each repeat, there are definitely enough stitches there.
If you’ve cast on an exact multiple of four stitches: are you slipping the first stitch of the row by habit? That is one kind of stitch that’s called a selvedge stitch. If you’re doing that, it will remove one of the stitches that’s meant for the lace. None of my stitch patterns account for selvedge stitches of any sort.
If that’s not it, let me know, and I’ll see if I can help further!
Also, I’m sorry I didn’t see this before!
Heyy!!
I love the pattern!! I want to incorporate it into a project Im currently working on. I’m just wandering if it’s possible to work increases into this pattern??
Say for instance, that I needed to shape my piece, how could I work in increases while keeping the pattern correct??
Thanks again for the pattern!! 🙂
Hi! This is something that’s going to depend on multiple factors: how far apart the increases need to be horizontally, what rate of increase is needed, and so on. Figuring out what’s “correct” for your given situation is not something I can do, especially as I haven’t ever done increases for a three row repeat before.
Any increase method is going to be visible one way or another, but here’s a few ideas that will need swatching:
To knit a triangle add a yarnover on either side on every row 1; add a double yo on either side on every row 4. There will be little garter stitch sections on each side until you get enough stitches for another pattern repeat.
Try adding a double yo between repeats on a row 1, and then figure out what yarnover arrangement will look nice and will add enough stitches at that point when you get to row 4.
Alternatively, consider using lifted increases between repeats instead of yarnovers until you have enough stitches for a full repeat.
I hope this helps!
Hi Naomi!!
Thank you so much for the advice. I’m going to try it out and see how it goes. Wish me luck!!
Sure thing! And best of luck
I have since thought of another possibility:
Row 1: (selvedge stitches), double yo (stitch pattern to end of row) double yo (selvedge)
Rows 2 & 3: work as usual
Row 4: (selvedge stitches), k1, double yo, k1 (stitch pattern to end of row) k1, double yo, k1, (selvedge)
Rows 5 & 6: work as usual
row 7-9: normal stitch pattern, no increases
I’m not quite sure this is a good increase rate, but I think it ought to work
Good luck!