One of the first stitches a person would master when learning to knit is the Stockinette, also known as the Jersey stitch.
Although simple, the V-shaped pattern on the right side of fabric is clean and distinct, giving finished projects a pleasing aesthetic. Even though this is probably the best-known stitch used for knitting, there are still some things a person should know to ensure every project is a huge success. Along with providing tips, we wanted to share information on variations of this popular stitch.
Stockinette Overview
This particular knitting stitch is performed by working the knit stitch, flat stitch, or k-tbl stitch, also referred to as the e-wrap stitch on each of the rows. These are all good options but the easiest is the k-tbl or e-wrap stitch. For this stitch, yarn would be moved across two rakes and every other peg by going in a back and forth motion. By doing this, stitches are produced on both sides of the fabric.
If wanted, an individual could choose to work a project consisting of a combination of knit and twisted knit stitches. To accomplish this, the pegs would be wrapped straight. This variance is also easy and creates a nice appearance. Sometimes the zigzag stitch gets confused with the Stockinette since they share a number of similarities. However, the primary difference between the two is that the row of stitches slants to one side of the other.
Although commonly used in knitting, there are some special instructions that go along with the Stockinette stitch. For instance, if fabric does not have a single or double rib, it will curl. The problem of curling could also be eliminated by using the garter stitch or one similar. Of course if wanted, an individual could allow the natural curl to enhance the finished project by not using a border stitch.
Now, if someone preferred to use the wrap method of the Stockinette, there would be a change in gauge. Keep in mind that the gauge is going to be larger when using the e-wrap variation whereas the wrap method that produces a straight design would have a much smaller gauge. Below we listed four Stockinette variations to include information on gauge.
Box Wrap
For this, the pattern box would be wrapped loosely to prevent a problem of knitting off due to tightness. To work the stitches a straight and diagonal wrap would be used. To get started, the pegs would be wrapped working back and forth across the knitting and in a very specific order:
- Left to Right – 2, 4, 5, 7, 10, 12, 13, 15, 18, 20, 21, 23
- Right to Left – 24, 22, 19, 17, 16, 14, 11, 9, 8, 6, 3, 1
For this variation, two pegs located on the same side would be wrapped, followed by starting on the other side. Then, one peg at a time would be knitted. With the Box Wrap method, stitches pull tight, creating dense fabric. Initially, fabric at the opening of the board looks nothing like the Stockinette stitch but it will once it is bound off.
Box E-Wrap
The second method we wanted to mention is created by wrapping the pattern box loosely, again to prevent a problem with knit off from the fabric becoming too tight. For twisted stitches, the pegs would be wrapped in a very precise order.
- Left to Right – 2, 4, 5, 7, 10, 12, 13, 15, 18, 20, 21, 23
- Right to Left – 24, 22, 19, 17, 16, 14, 11, 9, 8, 6, 3, 1
Then working on the same side, two pegs would be wrapped. When done, two pegs on the opposite side would be wrapped. This variation is also accomplished by working in a back and forth motion with the following peg order being used. Gauge of the Box E-Wrap method is identical to that used for the Box Wrap.
Diagonal Wrap Method
The third method for creating the Stockinette stitch is known as the Diagonal Wrap. Using a diagonal wrap for working knit stitches produces a clean but interesting design. The appropriate order of pegs worked in a back and forth motion is as follows:
- Left to Right – 2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 11, 14, 15, 18, 19, 22, 23
- Right to Left – 24, 21, 20, 17, 16, 13, 12, 9, 8, 5, 4, 1
In this case, every other peg would be wrapped according to the above-mentioned order. The Diagonal Wrap method creates a middle gauge and produces evenly spaced stitches.
Figure Eight Wrap
Among the four variance of the Stockinette stitch, this tends to be the favorite. Once finished, the design is that of a figure eight, thus the name. Also referred to as the E-Wrap method, a twisted Stockinette is produced by wrapping the pegs in a back and forth motion and using the following order.
- Left to Right – 2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 11, 14, 15, 18, 19, 22, 23
- Right to Left – 24, 21, 20, 17, 16, 13, 12, 9, 8, 5, 4, 1
Still considered an easy method great for beginners, the outcome is a somewhat fancier stitch. Producing a larger gauge and twisted knit, this makes the perfect choice for scarf and shawl projects. It might take a little more practice to master this particular method of the Stockinette stitch but it would be time well spent.