Slip Stitch Knitting Pattern How To: Trellis Double Slip Stitch

The Trellis Double Slip Stitch is a slip stitch knitting pattern that adds a lovely, subtle texture to a knit fabric. You can learn how to knit it in a jiffy! Imagine this Trellis Double Slip Stitch knit in place of stockinette for a crew neck or cardigan – adorable! Adding simple slip stitch knitting patterns to basics you love will give old favorites brand new life. Once you start trying different stitch patterns, you’ll be addicted.

I’ve written out this stitch pattern in both the traditional way and with step-by-step photos to illustrate that pesky knitting terminology that everyone is magically supposed to know.  It’s so easy to follow these instructions, so don’t be scared. Dive in and try something new!

My suggestion when trying any new stitch is to make a full swatch (6 x 6 inches) so you can really get a feel for the pattern, how it will drape, and understand its true gauge. Note, I created a border around each swatch with three to four rows of garter stitch on the bottom and top and with 3 stitches of garter stitch on either side.

This is what the wrong side of Trellis Double Slip Stitch looks like.

Trellis Double Slip Stitch Knitting Pattern

To design this slip stitch knitting pattern, you slip two stitches and carry the working yarn behind the work and then shift the pattern over for the next repeat.

Note: Cast on a multiple of 6 stitches plus 1 more over an 8 row repeat.
When slipping stitches, slip them purl-wise.
wyib: with yarn in back
wyif: with yarn in front

Row 1: Knit.
Row 2: Purl.
Row 3: Knit 1, *slip 2 stitches wyib, knit 4, repeat from * to end.
Row 4: *Purl 4, slip 2 stitches wyif, repeat from * until 1 stitch remains, purl 1.
Row 5: Knit.
Row 6: Purl.
Row 7: *Knit 4, slip 2 stitches wyib, repeat from * until 1 stitch remains, knit 1.
Row 8: Purl 1,*slip 2 stitches wyif, purl 4, repeat from * to end.
Repeat rows 1-8 to form the pattern.

Below, I show detailed photos and descriptive instructions to illustrate how the stitch works. These are not meant to replace the instructions above but to highlight specific aspects of it.

Slip one stitch purl-wise, bringing the right needle in front of the left needle as you slip the stitch from the left needle to the right.

Repeat, slipping the next stitch purl-wise as well.

Knit the next stitch carrying the working yarn behind the work. It is okay if this carried yarn tightens the fabric a bit, as it will emphasize the raised slip stitches. The pattern calls for knitting four stitches in between each set of slipped stitches. Repeat this across the entire row.

On the opposite side (wrong side), repeat the slip stitch process with the same slipped stitches from the prior row.

After slipping those two stitches, carry the yarn across the stitches and purl four stitches before you get to the next set of slipped stitches. Repeat this across the entire row.  Knit and purl the next two rows. Then, the pattern shifts so the slipped stitches occur in between the ones slipped below giving the trellis pattern. That’s all there is to it!

Yay! Congratulations on trying a new stitch. If you’d like to try others, here is a tutorial for the Linen Stitch (left) and for the Lacy Diagonal Scallop Stitch (bottom).  These pass over and slipped stitch knitting patterns will give you lots to play with. Happy knitting!!

This post was created for MarthaStewart.com by Anne Weil of Flax & Twine as a Contributor. It was published there on November 15, 2015.  Have fun exploring my profile and work there.