Parallelogram Knit Stitch Pattern: Beginner-Friendly Tutorial

The Parallogram Knit Stitch Pattern  by Janice Jones
Published 11-13-2023

Fifty years ago I took Geometry and at the time I probably knew exactly what a parallelogram was, but not today so I had to do a little research. But you don't need any fancy equations to know how beautiful this pattern truly is.

If you are curious, a parallelogram is a geometric shape that has two pairs of parallel sides. There are many examples of parallelograms in nature and in our lives include floor tiles, solar panels and even pencil erasiers.  It's not surprising that this shape created with knitting is so popular.

While this pattern requires knowledge of knits and purls, I don't consider this one to be a beginner-friendly pattern. It requires concentration and completion of a 16-row repeat which makes it more challenging for the beginners, yet it is made entirely of knit and purl stitches.

Skill Level

I am rating this pattern an advanced beginner.

Skills Required to Create this Knit Pattern

• How to Cast On
• K= Knit
• P = Purl Stitch
• Bind off
• Weave-in Yarn Ends
• Keep track of where you are in a 16-row repeat

Abbreviations Used

k - knit

p - purl

CO - Cast on

BO - Bind off

*     * - Repeat instructions within the pair of astricks

Supplies Needed

• Yarn:  For the purposes of this tutorial, I am using Sugar n Cream 100% Cotton in Hot Pink
• Needles:  I am using Clover, Single Point #7 (4.5 mm)
• Scissors
• Yarn needle
• Row counter, optional

Notes About the Parallelogram Knit Stitch Pattern

• 16-row repeat
• 12 stitch repeat
• Made of only knits and purl stitches
• Reversible
• All instructions are written in US terms

Reversible Knit Stitch Patter

Both the right and wrong sides of the Parallelogram

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Reading Your Stitches

If you get lost within the pattern, you can often find your way by reading your stitches.

How to Make the Parallelogram Knit Stitch Pattern

Cast On: Multiples of 12

Row 1 (Right Side): * K1, P5, K5, P1 *
Row 2 (Wrong Side): * K2, P4, K4, P2 *
Row 3: * K3, P3 *
Row 4: * K4, P2, K2, P4 *
Row 5: * K5, P1, K1, P5 *
Row 6: * K6, P6 *
Row 7: * K6, P6 *
Row 8: * K6, P6 *
Row 9: * P1, K5, P5, K1 *
Row 10: * P2, K4, P4, K2 *
Row 11: * P3, K3 *
Row 12: * P4, K2, P2, K4 *
Row 13: * P5, K1, P1, K5 *
Row 14: * P6, K6 *
Row 15: * P6, K6 *
Row 16: * P6, K6 *

Alter the Stitch Pattern to Create a Facecloth

For the purposes of this tutorial, I added 6 stitches, 3 or either side of the stitch multiple for use as a garter stitch border.  If you want to add these extra stitches, Cast on 30 stitches. 

Add three knit stitches on either side of the directions below.  I also added four rows of the garter stitch at the beginning and end of the project.  This is what it looks like.

Parallelogram Knit Stitch Pattern Facecloth

CO 30 stitches.

Rows 1 to 4 Set up rows.  Knit across. Then work the stitch pattern. 

Row 1 (Right Side): K3, * K1, P5, K5, P1 * to last 3 sts. K3.
Row 2 (Wrong Side): K3, * K2, P4, K4, P2 * to last 3 sts. K3.
Row 3: K3, * K3, P3 * to last 3 sts.  K3.
Row 4: K3, * K4, P2, K2, P4 * to last 3 sts.  K3.
Row 5: K3, * K5, P1, K1, P5 * to last 3 sts.  K3.
Row 6: K3, * K6, P6 * to last 3 sts.  K3.
Row 7: K3, * K6, P6 * to last 3 sts.  K3.
Row 8: K3, * K6, P6 * to last 3 sts.  K3.
Row 9: K3, * P1, K5, P5, K1 * to last 3 sts.  K3.
Row 10: K3, * P2, K4, P4, K2 * to last 3 sts.  K3.
Row 11: K3, * P3, K3 * to last 3 sts.  K3.
Row 12: K3, * P4, K2, P2, K4 * to last 3 sts.  K3.
Row 13: K3, * P5, K1, P1, K5 * to last 3 sts.  K3.
Row 14: K3, * P6, K6 * to last 3 sts.  K3.
Row 15: K3, * P6, K6 * to last 3 sts.  K3.
Row 16: K 3, * P6, K6 * to last 3 sts.  K3.

Repeat the stitch pattern until you reach your desired length, minus 1/2 inch.  Work four rows of knit garter stitch pattern, then bind off and weave in ends.

Knit Parallelogram Knit Stitch Pattern Chart

It is likely that you won't need a chart to knit from since the written directions are easy and straight-forward.

However, it is always a good idea to learn how to read charts because as you grow as a knitter, patterns become more complex and charts are a good way to understand what to do.

Learn more about reading knitting charts.

Prallelogram Knit Stitch Pattern: Pin for Future Reference

If you found this stitch tutorial helpful, check out these other stitches:

Disclosure:   This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase from one of these links I will get a small  commission.

Hi, there, I'm Janice, the voice behind this website and avid knitter and crochet enthusiast. I want to share my passion with you and help you learn how to knit or crochet, smarter.

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