How to Knit the Dot Stitch (Video + Written Pattern)

The dot stitch is stockinette with a scatter of small purl bumps across the knit side. From a step back it reads like tiny polka dots set in a staggered grid,

It's a beginner stitch. The wrong-side rows are plain purl, so half of every repeat is a rest row.

The one thing that makes it work: each dot is a single purl stitch on a right-side row, and the dots shift two stitches sideways every other right-side row. That offset is what turns a few purl bumps into a pattern instead of a stripe.

Watch: Dot Stitch Video Tutorial

Watch where the yarn goes between the purl dot and the next knit stitch; bringing it back behind the needle before you knit is the step that keeps the dots clean.

What You Need

Yarn: the swatch is written for medium (worsted) weight yarn, which makes the dots easy to see while you learn. The stitch also works in sport or DK weight for lighter fabric. A smooth, light-colored yarn shows the dots best; dark or fuzzy yarn hides them.

Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm), or whatever size gives you the gauge listed in the pattern.

Stitch multiple: a multiple of 4 + 3. The swatch casts on 31.

Abbreviations (US terms): CO = cast on; K = knit; P = purl. The asterisks mark the section you repeat. See the knitting abbreviations guide if any term is new.

Dot Stitch Written Pattern

Size: 6"x6"

Gauge: Stockinette | 4" = 20 Stitches | 12 Rows

Yarn: Medium Weight Yarn

Knitting Needle Size: US 9 (or size to achieve gauge)

Stitches worked over a multiple of 4 + 3

Abbreviations: CO - Cast on

CO 31 stitches.

Row 1: Knit 1 *purl 1, knit 3* repeat from * to last 2 stitches, purl 1, knit 1

Row 2: Purl all stitches

Row 3: *Knit 3, purl 1* repeat from * to last 3 stitches, knit 3

Row 4: Purl all stitches

Repeat Rows 1 - 4 until piece measures 6” from cast on edge.

Fasten off, weave in ends, & block to 6x6” square.

Step-by-Step: How the Stitch Works

1. Cast on 31. A multiple of 4 plus 3 gives you a knit stitch at both edges on Row 1, so the dots sit inside the fabric.
2. Row 1 places the first line of dots. Knit 1, then bring the yarn forward, purl 1, take the yarn back, knit 3. Each purl 1 is a dot. Finish with purl 1, knit 1 so the row ends the way it began.
3. Row 2 is a rest row. Purl every stitch. On the knit side this row is plain stockinette, which gives the dots a smooth background.
4. Row 3 moves the dots over. Knit 3, purl 1 across, ending knit 3. The purl bumps now sit two stitches to the side of the Row 1 dots, so they fall in the gaps.
5. Row 4 is another purl row. Then start again at Row 1. Stacked up, the dots form a diagonal grid, two rows apart and offset by two stitches.

Tips and Common Mistakes

• After every purl dot, move the yarn to the back before you knit. If you forget, you'll make an accidental yarn over and your count will grow by one.
• The knit side is the right side. The purl side shows the same pattern as small knit V's on a bumpy ground, which looks fine but isn't what the video shows.
• Row 1 should end purl 1, knit 1 and Row 3 should end knit 3; if not, you've missed a dot.
• The edges curl a little; a garter or seed stitch border, or blocking, keeps it flat.
• Keep the purl dots a touch snug; a loose purl spreads sideways and looks like a smudge.

What to Make With the Dot Stitch

Dot stitch works where plain stockinette feels too plain:

• Baby blanket in sport or DK weight; the dots show up well in a solid color. Our guide on how to knit a blanket covers sizing and borders.
• Scarf or cowl in worsted weight, with a garter border to stop the curl.
• Hat body above a ribbed brim, where the dots add interest without bulk.

Related Stitches

• Knit Seed Stitch — the same knit-purl idea with a dot on every stitch instead of every fourth.
• Knit Moss Stitch — a two-row version of seed stitch with a slightly larger texture.
• Knit Stockinette Stitch — the background fabric that dot stitch is built on.
• Knit Garter Stitch — the easiest flat border for a dot stitch piece.
• Browse every knit stitch tutorial — the full Stitch Learning Center index.

Yarn for This Stitch

Darn Good Twist Sport Weight Silk Yarn gives a light, drapey fabric where every dot shows, and the sport weight yarn collection has other options in the same range. For the swatch as written, pick something from the worsted weight collection.

If you'd like a new skein to practice on every month, Yarn of the Month sends three hand-dyed skeins with a knit and crochet pattern written for them, $29 a month plus shipping.

Dot Stitch FAQ

Is the dot stitch reversible?
Not exactly. The knit side shows purl dots on a smooth background; the purl side shows knit dots on a bumpy background. Pick a right side before you seam.

Does the dot stitch curl?
A little, because the base fabric is stockinette. It curls less than plain stockinette, and a garter or seed stitch border plus blocking will flatten it.

What's the difference between dot stitch and seed stitch?
Seed stitch alternates knit and purl on every stitch, so it's slow and very textured. Dot stitch has three knits between each purl and plain purl rows between, so it's faster and flatter.