Bumpy Knit Stitch Pattern: How-to Tutorial, Tips and Suggestions

Bumpy Knit Stitch Pattern, by Janice Jones 

This is yet another beginner-friendly pattern that requires the knowledge of only knits and purls.  It's a reversible knit stitch pattern because it looks identical on both sides.   

It is a simple 4-row repeat worked on an odd number of stitches, created by alternating knit and purl stitches.

If you look closely, you'll see a few rows of one-by-one ribbing, interrupted by a row or two of bumps, thus the name. It lies flat but still creates a stretchy, textured fabric that can be used for a wide variety of projects.

Consider this stitch pattern when making scarves, cowls, fingerless gloves, bags, or pillow covers.  It would also be an excellent choice for a blanket as it is reversible.

How to Work the Bumpy Knit Stitch Pattern

Bumpy Knit Stitch

Skill Level

From the Craft Yarn Council, the symbol used to determine the skill level required to finish the project.

This is a basic level stitch pattern which can be mastered by knitting beginners

The bumpy knit stitch swatch is worked in an acrylic worsted weight yarn in the color teal.

Skills Needed for This Tutorial

How to work a Knit Stitch

How to make a purl stitch

How to Cast on

How to Bind off

How to Weave in End

How to Block (optional)

Abbreviations Used in the Directions

K = knit

P = Purl

st = stitch

CO = Cast on

BO = Bind off

*   *  = Repeat the instructions between the astericks, the number of times indicated in the pattern.

Directions for Working the Bumpy Knit Stitch Patter

4-row repeat          Odd # stitch pattern 

Knit and Purl Stitch     Reversible Stitch Pattern

CO an odd number of st.

Row 1:  *P1, K1,  Repeat from *, to last st. End with P1.

Row 2:  K1, *P1, K1,  Repeat from * to the end.

Row 3:  *P1, K1. Repeat from * ending with P1.

Row 4:   P1, *K1, P1, Repeat from * to the end.

These four rows create the pattern. Repeat them until you reach your desired length.   When finished, BO in pattern. Weave in ends.  Block if desired.  

Remember BO in pattern means you bind off the purl stitches and bind off the knit stitches.

This is a reversible pattern meaning that the front and back sides (right and wrong sides) are identical.

RS of the Bumpy Knit Stitch fabricThe Bumpy Knit Stitch (Shown is the right side of the fabric.)
Wrong side showing of the bumpy knit stitchThe Bumpy Knit Stitch (Shown is the wrong side of the fabric.)

Practice Swatch

If you would like to practice this knit pattern, grab your yarn and needles and join me now.

  • I am using the Lion Brand, Limited Edition, Premium, 100% Acrylic Yarn, CYC #4, in color Grey (150 BG)
  • US #8 (5.0 mm) knitting needles.  
  • Scissors
  • Tapestry Needle

I cast on 23 stitches.

Row 1: *P1, K1, Repeat from *, to last st. End with P1.

Row 2: K1, *P1, K1, Repeat from * to the end.

Row 3: *P1, K1. Repeat from * ending with P1.

Row 4: P1, *K1, P1, Repeat from * to the end.

Continue working rows one to four for the pattern until you reach your desired length.  Next, bind off in pattern and weave in ends.

What can we make with a bumpy knit stitch pattern?

  • Scarf
  • Cowl
  • Mittens or fingerless gloves
  • Pillow cover
  • Blanket
  • Shawl
  • Dish or Face Wash
  • Table runner or Placemat

Bumpy Knit Stitch Pattern:  Pin for Future Reference

Bumpy Knit Stitch Pattern Pin ImageHow to Make the Bumpy Knit Stitch Pattern: Pin Image

If you found this stitch pattern helpful, You might want to check out some more available on this site.

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Thank you

Thank you for visiting my website.  I hope you will return often for all your knitting and crocheting questions.  Happy Knitting to all you Smart Knitters and Crocheters,

Janice