Slip-Stitch Two-Tone Stripe
About this stitch
Slip-Stitch Two-Tone Stripe is a 1-stitch × 4-row slip-stitch pattern in two colours. Only one colour is in use per row, making it far easier than stranded colourwork.
Use for hats, mittens, blankets, and the body of a worsted-weight pullover where dense, warm fabric is desired. Avoid for shawls — slip-stitch fabrics drape stiffly.
Further reading A primer on swatching Slip-Stitch & Mosaic 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 1 sts + 0 in MC.
- Follow the chart, working the indicated colour for each row pair.
- Slip stitches purlwise with yarn on WS.
- Block as a dense, structured fabric.
Abbreviations used
- k knit
- p purl
- sl slip purlwise
- wyib with yarn in back
- wyif with yarn in front
- MC main colour
- CC contrast colour
Knitter's tips
- Carry the unused colour up the side; do not weave in.
- Slip-stitch fabrics shrink in length 10–15% versus stockinette — swatch and check row gauge.
Editor's pick Why every knitter should keep a swatch journal.
Recommended materials
This stitch is most flattering in DK-weight yarn on 7 (4.5 mm) needles, at a working gauge near 22 stitches and 32 rows over four inches in stockinette. Open the yarn weight reference or the needle conversion chart for substitutions.