How to Knit the Three and One Stitch (Video + Written Pattern)

The three and one stitch is a slipped-stitch texture on a garter base. Every fourth stitch is slipped, so it stretches over two rows and sits proud of the garter bumps. The slipped stitches shift by two every other pair of rows, which gives a staggered, brick-like look.

It makes a thick, flat fabric with almost no curl, good for blankets, bags and potholders. It's listed as intermediate because of the yarn-in-front and yarn-in-back changes, but the stitches are all knits and slips.

The one thing that makes it work: the yarn position on the slip. Back on Rows 1 and 3, front on Rows 2 and 4. That keeps the float on the wrong side both times, so the slipped stitch shows as a clean, elongated V on the right side.

Watch: Three and One Stitch Video Tutorial

Watch where the yarn goes before each slip. The slip itself is the same every time; only the yarn position changes between the odd and even rows.

What You Need

The swatch is written for worsted (medium) weight yarn on US 9 needles. Slipped stitches compress the fabric, so a medium weight keeps it from getting stiff. A smooth, light-colored yarn shows the elongated stitches best while you're learning.

Abbreviations used: CO (cast on), K (knit), Sl 1 wyib (slip one stitch purlwise with the yarn held in back), Sl 1 wyif (slip one stitch purlwise with the yarn held in front). The pattern lists a multiple of 4 + 2 and the swatch casts on 31 stitches; work the cast on as written for the swatch.

Three and One Stitch Written Pattern

Size: 6"x6"
Gauge: Stockinette - 4" = 20 Stitches | 12 Rows
Yarn: Medium Weight Yarn - DGY Worsted Weight Recycled Silk
Knitting Needle Size: US 9 (or size to achieve gauge)

Stitches Worked Over a Multiple of 4 + 2

Abbreviations: CO - Cast On; Sl 1 wyib - slip 1 with yarn in back; Sl 1 wyif - slip 1 with yarn in front

CO 31 stitches

Row 1: Knit 3, *sl 1wyib, knit 3, repeat from * to end

Row 2: Knit 3 *sl 1 wyif, knit 3, repeat from * to end

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

Row 4: Knit 1, *sl 1 wyif, knit 3, repeat from * to last 2 stitches, sl 1 wyif, knit 1

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. Row 1 is the right side: knit 3, then slip the next stitch purlwise with the yarn in back, knit 3, and so on. The slipped stitch is not worked; it just moves to the right needle.
2. Row 2 is the wrong side. Knit 3, bring the yarn to the front, slip the same stitch purlwise, take the yarn back and knit 3. Yarn in front on the wrong side keeps the float on the wrong side.
3. Rows 3 and 4 move the slipped stitches over by two. Knit 1, slip 1, knit 3 across, ending slip 1, knit 1. The new slipped stitches sit between the old ones.
4. Repeat the four rows. Each repeat adds one row of elongated stitches offset from the last, and the garter ground fills in between them.

Tips and Common Mistakes

• Always slip purlwise unless told otherwise, or the slipped stitch twists and the V looks crooked.
• Don't pull the yarn tight behind a slipped stitch. The float needs enough slack to span the stitch, or the fabric puckers and loses its stretch.
• The right side is the side where the slipped stitches look like smooth Vs. The wrong side shows the short floats, so keep a marker on the right side.
• Count after Rows 3 and 4. The edges change from knit 3 to knit 1, and it's easy to end with the wrong stitch count.

What to Make With the Three and One Stitch

This is a blanket stitch first. It lies flat, doesn't need a border to stop curling, and hides uneven tension. Worsted or bulky yarn makes a dense throw; see our how to knit a blanket guide for sizing and borders.

It also suits tote bags and pillow covers in worsted weight, potholders in a cotton or wool worsted, and a thick scarf in bulky yarn. In sport or DK weight it makes a firm fabric for a clutch.

Related Stitches

• Knit Garter Stitch — the base this pattern is built on
• Slip Stitch Honeycomb — another slipped-stitch texture with offset rows
• Slip Stitch Ribbing — slipped stitches arranged in columns instead of bricks
• Browse every knit stitch tutorial

Yarn for This Stitch

A smooth worsted weight yarn is the right choice here: it keeps the fabric soft despite the slipped-stitch compression and makes the elongated stitches easy to read. Darn Good Yarn's recycled silk, hand-dyed by artisans in India, comes in weights from lace through super bulky, so you can size the fabric up for a thick throw or down for a bag.

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.

Three and One Stitch FAQ

Is the three and one stitch reversible?
No. The right side shows smooth elongated stitches; the wrong side shows short floats on a garter ground. Both sides lie flat, so the back is tidy but different.

Does it curl?
Very little. The garter base and the slipped stitches both resist curling, which is why this stitch works for blankets without a border.

Is it beginner-friendly?
Mostly. If you can knit and slip a stitch, the only new skill is moving the yarn before each slip.