How to Knit the Pyramid Stitch

Inside: Learn how to knit the pyramid stitch pattern with my easy to follow written instructions, chart and tutorial videos. Includes free blanket square pattern in 2 common sizes.

How many ways can you combine knits and purls to create unique stitch patterns?

Thousands? Millions?

There are nearly limitless stitch patterns that use just knits and purls and I’ve got one of them for you today.

The pyramid stitch pattern uses only knits and purls to create rows of interlocking triangles. This beautiful design looks great in a variety of projects. From washcloths to sweaters to blankets the texture of this stitch will make your project shine.

The pyramid stitch is fully reversible so both sides of your project look great. You can also work this stitch as either a flat panel or in the round.

To teach how to knit the pyramid stitch, I designed the Pyramid Square blanket pattern. It’s free right here on the blog. It includes written row instructions, knitting chart and tutorial videos for both right and left handed knitters.

As a bonus for you, I also have the instructions and chart for knitting this stitch in the round. I don’t have videos for those at this time.

Are you ready to learn how to knit the pyramid stitch?

Pyramid Square

By Kristen Mangus

MATERIALS

(Materials list may contain affiliate links to products I used to make this project. Using these links cost you nothing, but helps support GKK.) 

Yarn
Medium (#4) worsted weight yarn
Red Heart Super Saver in Light Blue used in sample.

Needles
US 7 (4.5 mm) needles
Knitters Pride Karbonz circular needles used in samples.

Stitch marker
Tapestry needle

ABBREVIATIONS
K = Knit
P = Purl
Rep = Repeat
RS = Right side
St(s) = Stitch(es)
WS = Wrong side

New to knitting? I’ve got a How to Knit Beginner Video Series to teach you ALL the basics.

GAUGE
18 sts x 27.5 rows in 4” in pyramid stitch

SKILL LEVEL Easy

MEASUREMENTS 

Option 1: 7” x 9” (18 cm x 23 cm)
Option 2: 12” x 12” (30.5 cm x 30.5 cm)

NOTES

I’ve included two square sizes in this pattern that are commonly used to make blankets.   

The pyramid stitch pattern is a multiple of 8+1 stitches and uses a 16 row repeat. 

If there is a + sign after the multiple for a stitch pattern that means there is an extra step to figure out your cast on. For example, if a stitch pattern tells you to cast on a multiple of 6+1. That means, first, you need to find a multiple of 6 that will give you the correct size project. If your gauge gives you 5 sts/in and you want about a 7″ washcloth you need the closest multiple of 6: 36 stitches. Then you need to ADD 1 more stitch to that, so your actual cast on would be 37 stitches for the project.

INSTRUCTIONS

Cast on 33 (57).

Row 1 (RS): *P1, k7. Rep from * to last st. P1.

Row 2: *K1, p7. Rep from * to last st. K1.

Row 3: P2. *K5, p3. Rep from * to last 7 sts. K5, p2.

Row 4: K2. *P5, k3. Rep from * to last 7 sts. P5, k2.

Row 5: P3. *K3, p5. Rep from * to last 6 sts. K3, p3.

Row 6: K3. *P3, k5. Rep from * to last 6 sts. P3, k3.

Row 7: P4. *K1, p7. Rep from * to last 5 sts. K1, p4.

Row 8: K4. *P1, k7. Rep from * to last 5 sts. P1, k4.

Row 9: K4. *P1, k7. Rep from * to last 5 sts. P1, k4.

Row 10: P4. *K1, p7. Rep from * to last 5 sts. K1, p4.

Row 11: K3. *P3, k5. Rep from * to last 6 sts. P3, k3.

Row 12: P3. *K3, p5. Rep from * to last 6 sts. K3, p3.

Row 13: K2. *P5, k3. Rep from * to last 7 sts. P5, k2.

Row 14: P2. *K5, p3. Rep from * to last 7 sts. K5, p2.

Row 15: *K1, p7. Rep from * to last st. K1.

Row 16: *P1, k7. Rep from * to last st. P1.

Rep Rows 1-16 until piece measures 9” (12”) or until desired length ending on a Row 8 or 16.

Bind off and weave in tails.  Block, if desired.

CHART

The pyramid stitch knitting chart shows 3 full pattern repeats across and 2 full row repeats.  The area in the red rectangle shows 1 stitch pattern repeat.

Loom Knit Linen Stitch (Flat Panel) Video Tutorial

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The following videos walk you through the entire stitch pattern row by row. You may find fid the following timestamps helpful:

00:00:00 Intro
00:01:43 Setup/Cast on info
00:03:05 Row 1 (RS)
00:05:56 Mark RS row
00:06:23 Row 2 WS
00:07:34 Row 3
00:09:41 Row 4
00:11:29 Row 5
00:13:02 Row 6
00:14:28 Row 7
00:16:00 Row 8
00:16:58 Halfway on row repeat
00:17:49 Row 9
00:19:18 Row 10
00:20:17 Row 11
00:21:35 Row 12
00:22:49 Row 13
00:23:59Row 14
00:25:00 Row 15
00:25:58 Row 16
00:26:56 Repeating and bind off instructions

Right handed

Left handed

PIN IT!

BONUS: How to Knit the Pyramid Stitch in the Round

While I do not have videos showing this stitch pattern in the round at this time. I thought you’d like to have the written instructions and chart in case you want to incorporate it into a hat or other project.

INSTRUCTIONS

Cast on a multiple of 8.

Rep Rnds 1-16 until desired length ending after a Rnd 8 or 16. Bind off and weave in ends.

CHART

The following knitting chart show 3 full stitch repeats and 2 full row repeats of the pyramid stitch. One single repeat is outlined in red on the chart.