How to Make the Knit Hurdle Stitch

by Janice Jones 

Reading Time:  4 minutes

The knit hurdle stitch is a simple, beginner-friendly stitch pattern. It consists of two rows of the garter stitch pattern and two rows of one-by-one rib stitch pattern. It is an excellent choice for any project where you need a fabric with a thick texture, even edges, and a flat lay, even without a border.

If you are just getting started with knitting, don't feel like you need to limit yourself to the garter or stockinette stitch patterns.  Here's one for you.

As is the case with many knit and crochet stitches, the names are derived from how the pattern appears. In this case, the two rows of knit stitches form the "hurdles," which look a bit like the obstacles or barriers that horses jump over or dogs in an agility course.

What do you think?

What's so Special About the Knit Hurdle Stitch?

• Beginner-friendly: The knit hurdle stitch is easy to learn and execute, making it an excellent choice for beginner knitters who have mastered the basic knit and purl stitches.
• Reversible: Unlike many other knitting stitches, the knit hurdle stitch creates a fabric that looks identical on both sides. This makes it ideal for projects where both sides of the work will be visible, such as scarves, blankets, or dishcloths.
• Thick texture: The combination of garter stitch and 1x1 rib stitch creates a thick, textured fabric that is both visually appealing and functional. This texture adds depth and interest to the finished project.
• Even edges: The knit hurdle stitch naturally creates even edges without the need for additional border stitches. This can save time and effort when working on projects that require a neat, tidy edge such as scarves.
• Flat lay: Despite its textured appearance, the knit hurdle stitch produces a fabric that lies flat without curling or rolling at the edges. This is particularly useful for projects like dishcloths, placemats, or blankets, where a flat surface is desirable.

What Projects Can You Use the Knit Hurdle Stitch?

Since this pattern is reversible, this stitch is useful for many projects:

• Knit dishcloths or face cloths
• Blankets
• Rugs
• Placemats
• Pillows
• Scarves and Cowls
  

How is the Knit Hurdle Stitch Pattern Created?

You can use circular needles or flat knitting to make this stitch pattern.

The hurdle knit stitch pattern is worked on an even number of stitches and is a four-row repeat pattern. Think of the first two of the four-row repeat as a simple garter stitch.

Skills Needed

How to Cast On

Knit Stitch

Purl Stitch

Bind off

Weave in Ends

Knit Hurdle Stitch Instructions

You can use any yarn and corresponding needles for this tutorial, but if you follow these instructions, you will eventually create a lovely 100% cotton facecloth or dishcloth.

This pattern and tutorial use US terms.

Abbreviations

This pattern and tutorial uses U.S. terms.

Here are the abbreviations that I used.

CO = Cast On

K = knit

P = purl

sts = stitches

BO = Bind Off

RS = Right Side

WS = Wrong Side

*   * Repeat the instructions between the two asterisks for the number of times indicated.

Swatch Instructions

Cast on an even number of stitches.

Row 1 and 2:  K all sts.

Row 3:  *K 1, P1* across the row

Row 4:  *K 1, P1* across the row

Repeat rows 1 through 4  until you reach your desired length.  To create a dishcloth/facecloth, the finished project size is 7 inches square. BO after row 1 knit all stitches.

Directions for Making a 7" Facecloth

Supplies Needed

For the purposes of this tutorial, I used the following supplies:

• 100% Lily Sugar 'n Cream 100% Cotton, worsted weight yarn
• US size 8 (5.0 mm) straight knitting needles
• Scissors
• Tapestry Needle to weave in ends.

Finished Measurements

The finished dishcloth / facecloth measures  7 inches by 7 inches (17.8 by 17.8 cm).

To make this project larger, add 6 stitches for every inch you want to add.  So for example if you want an 8 inch cloth, CO 44 sts. instead of the 38 inches suggested below.

Skill Level

Instructions

CO 38 stitches

Row 1 and 2:  K all sts.

Row 3:  *K 1, P1* across the row

Row 4:  *K 1, P1* across the row

Repeat rows 1 through 4  until you reach your desired length.  To create a dishcloth/facecloth, the finished project size is 7 inches square. BO after row 1 knit all stitches.

Weave in ends.

How to Read a Knit Stitch Chart

For basic stitch patterns, written instructions are generally enough, but it is always a good idea to become familiar with knitting charts. This is how the chart would look for the Hurdle Stitch.

Remember, you start reading at the lower right edge where you see the number one. This is the first row and is also the right side. The second row (wrong side) is worked from the left to the right.

The key at the side of the chart tells you how to identify how to read each stitch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last Words

The knit Hurdle Stitch is an ideal pattern for beginning knitters because it only requires one to know how to create knit and purl stitches.  Other skills needed are how to cast on and bind off.  Since it lies flat and is reversible, it is perfect for any project needing those attributes including scarves, dishcloths and blankets.  

It looks like a rib stitch and it does have a one by one rib component.  Chose this stitch for your next knitting creation.

Happy Knitting, Smart Knitter

Janice

Knit Hurdle Stitch Tutorial:  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.

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