Bee Stitch
About this stitch
A 2-st × 4-row repeat that traps small "bee" tufts in stockinette. Row 1 (RS): k1, *k1 below, k1; rep. Row 2: purl. Rows 3–4: shift one stitch.
Knit-purl textures are unfussy, fully reversible across most pattern repeats, and use the same yardage as plain stockinette — ideal for blankets, pillows, scarves, and the body of a worsted-weight pullover where a quiet texture beats a flat ground.
Further reading A primer on swatching Textured Knit-Purl for accurate gauge.
Stitch chart
Read RS rows right-to-left, WS rows left-to-right. The bottom-right cell is row 1, stitch 1.
Row-by-row written instructions
- Cast on a multiple of 2 sts + 1.
- Follow the chart, reading RS rows right-to-left and WS rows left-to-right.
- On WS rows, work the stitches as they appear — knit the knits and purl the purls — unless the chart indicates otherwise.
- Repeat the 4-row pattern for length.
Abbreviations used
- k knit
- p purl
- sl slip purlwise
- wyif with yarn in front
- MB make bobble
Knitter's tips
- Knit-purl textures hide gauge variations; they are very forgiving for a first all-over pattern.
- Block lightly by steaming — aggressive wet-blocking can flatten the texture.
Editor's pick Why every knitter should keep a swatch journal.
Recommended materials
This stitch is most flattering in Worsted-weight yarn on 7 (4.5 mm) needles, at a working gauge near 20 stitches and 28 rows over four inches in stockinette. Open the yarn weight reference or the needle conversion chart for substitutions.