Close Check Knitting Stitch Pattern:  Tips and Tutorial

Close Check Knitting Stitch Pattern  by Janice Jones  

This pattern reminds me a little of the basketweave stitch becuase it consists of little boxes of stitches.  Stockinette stitches alternate between reverse stockinette stitches to create a geometric pattern. 

The thing I love about this stitch is that it creates a fabric that would be good for making a cowl, scarf, pillow cover or even a blanket.

It is accomplished by working on a multiple of 6 plus 3 and is an 8 row repeat.  But, it's still beginner-friendly because all you need to know is knit and purl stitches.

Close Check Knitting Stitch Pattern Directions

Showing is a swatch of the close check knit stitch worked in teal with worsted weight yarnClose Check Knitting Stitch Pattern

To practice this stitch, you will need:

  • Yarn of your choice.  I am using Lily Sugar'n Cream 100% Cotton Yarn 
  • Needles to match your favorite yarn.  I am using a size US 8 (5.0 mm) needles
  • Scissors
  • Tapestry needle

Practice Swatch/Useful Washcloth

The close check washclorth worked in 100% cotton without a border.

I decided to create a bright green washcloth while practicing this pattern.  It's your choice, you can make a small swatch or use the directions below to make a dishcloth/washcloth.

Cast On: Multiples of 6 + 3

Skill Level

Beginner/Easy

Finished Size

7 inches by 7 inches

Directions

For this tutorial, I cast on 33 stitches using the long-tail cast on method (6 x 5) + 3 = 33.  This is large enough to create a washcloth, if you want a project to complete while learning this stitch.

Row 1: P3, *k3, p3; rep from * to end of row.
Row 2: K3, *p3, k3; rep from * to end of row.
Row 3: P3, *k3, p3; rep from * to end of row.
Row 4: K3, *p3, k3; rep from * to end of row.
Row 5: K3, *p3, k3; rep from * to end of row.
Row 6: P3, *k3, p3; rep from * to end of row.
Row 7: K3, *p3, k3; rep from * to end of row.
Row 8: P3, *k3, p3; rep from * to end of row.

Continue this pattern until you reach your desired length.  Bind off in pattern and weave in ends.

Crochet Border (Optional)

If you would like to add a little border, a simple crochet border using single crochet and half double crochet stitches adds about another inch to the washcloth.

Directions for Crochet Border

A washcloth made with the close check knit pattern and a crocheted border

To make this border, you will need to know a little about crochet.

How to make the single crochet stitch

How to make the half double crochet stitch

How to make a slip stitch

Make a slip stitch using a contrasting cotton yarn.  Attach with a 4.5 mm (7) crochet hook in any corner of the washcloth.

Work one single crochet stitch in each knit stitch around the perimeter.  When you reach a corner, work two single crochet stitches, one chain and then two more single crochet in the same corner space. Slip stitch to connect last stitch to the first one you made.

You can end there, or add an additional round of half double crochet.  To add this round, chain 3.  Work one half double crochet stitch, one chain and two more half double crochet stitches into the same corner space.  Work one half double crochet in each stitch around working two half double crochet, one chain, two more half double crochet in each corner.  Fasten off and work in ends.

Pin for Future Reference

A swatch of the close knit stitch pattern worked in green on a pin image

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About Janice

Hi, I’m Janice, the voice behind Smart-Knit-Crocheting. I love to knit and crochet and even more, I love teaching others what I know.

Though I learned to knit and crochet as a child, I didn’t get serious about these amazing hobbies until I retired. I’m a certified knit and crochet instructor through the Craft Yarn Council and am working on becoming a Master Hand Knitter through The Knitting Guild Association.

I’m currently living with my husband of over 50 years and our 7 Shih Tzu dogs.

I love hearing from you, so please drop me a line and let me know what you’re working on, whether you love knitting or crocheting more, and if you have any questions. Please visit my about me page for more information.


Happy Crocheting