Double Andalusian Knit Stitch:  Tutorial for Beginners

The double Andalusian knit stitch is a beginner-friendly pattern created entirely of knits and purls with a four-row repeat. It is similar to the Andalusian knit stitch in that it is worked on a four-row repeat. The only difference is in the row that creates the pattern. The double Andalusian knit stitch is worked with a series of K2, P2, and the Andalusian stitch is created with a k1P1.

The fabric created has a lovely, delicate texture that would be a perfect substitution for the standard stockinette stitch pattern.

I was curious about the word Andalusian, so I did a quick search. Andalusian can refer to a horse breed from Spain, a Spanish dialect, or the area in Spain at the southernmost region of the Iberian peninsula. I was unable to discover whether this stitch originated in southern Spain. Incidentally, the name Andalusian is pronounced (an duh loo zhn).

Skill Level

Abbreviations

K – knit

P – Purl

* * - Repeat the instructions between the two asterisks for the number of times indicated on the pattern

CO – Cast On

RS – Right Side

WS - Wrong Side

Skills Needed

Knit Stitch

Purl Stitch

Cast on using the Longtail Cast On

Bind off

Weave in ends

Blocking Knitting Project (Optional)

Gauge swatches (Optional)

Notes

• All instructions on this page are written in US terms.
• The stitch pattern uses a 4-row repeat.
• When worked flat, the stitch multiple is 3 + 1.
• The only skills needed to create this fabric are knits and purls.
• It is not reversible.

Is this pattern reversible?

No.  The wrong side looks a little like the reverse stockinette stitch.

Supplies

• Yarn: For this tutorial, I used a worsted-weight, superwash merino wool with 4.5 mm (US 7) needles. You may use any yarn you have available with the corresponding needle size. For example, if you choose a worsted weight, CYC #4, you will want to use size 7 (4.5 mm) to 9 (5.5 mm) needles. A light-colored yarn is recommended for beginners.
• Knitting Needles
• Scissors
• Yarn or Tapestry Needle for weaving in ends

Written Instructions: Double Andalusian knitting stitch Pattern - Knit flat

Cast on a multiple of 3 stitches plus 1 extra stitch.  This means you multiply 3 times the number of stitches you want and then add one stitch.  An example is (3 x 8) + 1 = 25.  For a practice swatch, 25 stitches are a good number of stitches.

Rows 1 and 3 (rs): Knit

Row 2: (ws) Purl

Row 4: P 1, *K 2, p1 repeat from * to the end of row.

These four rows form the pattern. Repeat these four rows until you reach your desired length.  Bind off after row 1 using the standard bind-off.    Weave in ends and block if desired.

Double Andalusian Knit Stitch pattern - Knit in the round

This is worked over a multiple of 3 stitches.

Rounds 1 - 3:  Knit

Round 4: Purl 2, knit 1 around.

These four rounds create the Double Andalusian Knit Stitch Pattern, worked in the round.

Chart Instructions for Flat Knitting

It is not necessary to knit this stitch pattern using chart instructions.  However, it is always a good idea for beginners to understand how charts work so that when they delve deeper into knitting, charts will not seem so complicated. 

A Word About Gauge

Gauge in knitting is the number of stitches across a row and rows in a specific area, such as one or four inches. It is usually written for an area of a four-inch square (10 x 10 cm).

It's also known as tension in some parts of the world.  Getting the gauge right is necessary to make clothing you want to fit.  Here is an article that will help explain how to create and measure a gauge swatch. 

Understanding Gauge in Knitting.

Pro Tips

Tension: This is an excellent stitch for beginners to practice their knowledge of knit and purl stitches.  New knitters often find that their stitches don’t look as even as they would like.  This is a problem with tension. 

Tension problems can occur in different parts of the fabric, such as between rows, on the ends of each row, and between knit and purl stitches.  I’ve written a tutorial about tension, which might be helpful to you. Tension Concerns

Even row counts: If you cast on 25 stitches, you should continue having 25 stitches on your needles every row. If you end up with more or less, you have gone wrong at some point. If this happens, there are a couple of things you can do:

• Count your stitches after each row to catch mistakes immediately.
• Learn to read your stitches.
• Be sure you have not accidentally added stitches, which are normally done with yarn overs, or deleted stitches, which most likely happens if you have dropped a stitch. Fixing these problems is generally easy. 

What Can You Make with the Double Andalusian Knit Stitch?

With its subtle texture, this stitch is perfect for creating scarves, cowls, or blankets. It can also be used to make washcloths or pillow covers. When working in the round, this stitch pattern makes a great hat or beanie.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The double Andalusian stitch, a simple knit-and-purl combination, offers a subtle texture suitable for various projects like scarves, blankets, and hats.

Its four-row repeat is easy to memorize: knit rows 1 and 3, purl row 2, and *p1, k2* across row 4.

For beginners, practicing gauge swatches will help determine the correct needle size and yarn combination for the desired fabric drape.

Additionally, learning to read knitting charts can be beneficial for tackling more complex patterns in the future.

Pin for Future Reference

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.

Most Popular Pages