Long Raindrop Knit Stitch

The long raindrop knit stitch is a beginner-friendly knit pattern that may also be perfect for intermediate and advanced knitters who just need a mindless (aka don’t want to think about it) project that is very satisfying.

Have you ever gotten into a rut with your knitting or crocheting? You know the feeling when you don’t know what to do next, but anxious to get those needles in your hands?

Maybe, you see some excellent information out there, but your skills may just not be up to the challenge. Or maybe nothing sounds like much fun to make.

The opposite is also true, especially this time of year when you begin to have information overload. There are too many options, and when that happens, the brain shuts down just to preserve your sanity.

I’m telling you all of this because I, too, was feeling overwhelmed and felt I needed to slow down.

In my mind, that is perfectly normal and beneficial. That’s when I stumbled on the long raindrop knit stitch pattern. I don’t know why it took me so long to discover it.

The long raindrop stitch is reversible and can be completed over an eight-row repeat, making it a straightforward pattern to work on and remember.

It’s basically a one-by-one rib stitch broken up every four rows. I love it because it gives me practice with my rib tension, which I still struggle with (more about that in a moment), and it’s so easy that I can watch my favorite Netflix programs without concentrating on my knitting.

Ready to get started?

Skill Level

Basic

Supplies Needed

• Yarn: If you are just starting out with knitting, I recommend you get some light-colored, smooth worsted-weight yarn. This way, you will be able to see your stitches easily and thus know if you have made a mistake.
• Knitting Needles: Needles should match the type of yarn you choose. If using a worsted-weight (CYC #4), I recommend a set of US 7 to 9 (4.5 – 5.5 mm) needles
• Scissors for cutting the yarn
• Yarn Needle for weaving in the ends.
• Stitch marker (optional) for marking the four-row repeats.

Notes

• The instructions are written in U.S. terminology.
• Stitch multiple of 2
• It is an 8-row repeat, but don’t let that scare you, it’s very repetitive.
• Reversible and lays flat
• Made up of simple knits and purls

Skills to Know

• How to cast on (Long Tail Cast on Method)
• Knit stitch
• Purl Stitch
• Bind off
• Weave in ends
• Block if desired

Abbreviations

CO: Cast on

K: Knit

P: Purl

BO: Bind off

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

Swatch Instructions: Working Flat or in the Round

Cast on a multiple of 2 or an even number of stitches.

Row 1 (RS): * K1, P1, repeat from * across the row.
Row 2 (WS): * K1, P1, repeat from * across the row
Row 3: * K1, P1, repeat from * across the row
Row 4: * K1, P1, repeat from * across the row
Row 5: * P1, K1, repeat from * across the row
Row 6: * P1, K1, repeat from * across the row
Row 7: * P1, K1, repeat from * across the row
Row 8: * P1, K1, repeat from * across the row

The instructions above are the same whether you are working flat or in a round.

What can you make with the Long Raindrop Knit Stitch Pattern?

• This pattern is perfect for making various items, including: 
• Scarves
• Cowls
• Fingerless gloves, mittens, or gloves
• Blankets

Tips and Tricks: Losing Track of Your Progress

This is a common problem that beginners make, especially when faced with an 8-row repeat. There are several ways to remedy this issue.

First, place a stitch marker in the first stitch of the first row.  Work that row and then three more for a total of four rows.  Place another stitch marker at the beginning of row 5.  If you must put your knitting down, it will be easy to see the stitch markers and know where you are.

Second, you knit the knits and purl the purls in this pattern.  The photo below shows how to recognize a purl and a knit stitch on the needle.

Third, if you get confused about which row you are on, count the rows by counting the little Vs up the column of stitches.

Tips and Tricks:  Tension Problems in the Knit Stitch Before the Purl Stitch

As I mentioned earlier, I’ve struggled to get the tension right for the one-by-one ribbing. My knit stitches always seem to be larger than my purl stitches. If this is not a problem, feel free to skip this section.

Transition Tension

Tension issues caused by the transition between knits and purls can leave the knit stitches large and wonky, creating a fabric that is less than ideal.  This is more evident in a two by two rib because you can see the second larger row of knit stitches very plainly.

This can occur in any stitch pattern where you must switch between the two stitches, such as ribbing, seed stitch, and even cables.

Cause

This occurs because of how we knit and purl and the extra amount of yarn needed to purl after a knit.

As you recall, when you make a knit stitch, the yarn is in the back of the work.

To make a purl stitch, we need to bring the yarn to the front and then wrap it around the right-hand needle tip.

This motion of bringing the yarn to the front and wrapping the yarn in a 360-degree circle creates extra yarn, which eases into the previous knit stitch, creating a larger knit stitch.

Fixes

To fix, after the knit stitch, bring your yarn to the front of the work and insert the tip of the right needle into the next purl stitch.

Before actually making the purl stitch, tug at the yarn to tighten it up, then make the stitch.

Another way you can do this is to make the purl stitch, then move the yarn to the back of the work, and then pull the yarn to tighten.

Last Words

I hope you enjoyed this and other knit stitch patterns on this site.  The Long Raindrop Knit Stitch may seem daunting because it is an 8-row repeat, but just remember that only two rows are different. 

With many projects that you can make with this stitch pattern, this could be your new go-to pattern for a long time to come.

Long Raindrop Knit Stitch:  Pin Now

The Long Raindrop Knit Stitch:  Pin Now, Knit Later

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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