The Ladder Stitch is a beautiful knit stitch pattern that works wonderfully for shawls and summer garments. Add a little interest to any project by incorporating the ladder stitch into an edge.
I’ll walk you through how to create this fun knit stitch with my detailed step-by-step tutorial.
No time right now? Pin this ladder knit stitch pattern for later!
*This post contains affiliate links (only for products I love, use and spend my own money on obviously). This means I earn some yarn money if you make a purchase through one of these links (of course at no extra cost for you!), which I promise to use to create more awesome patterns like this one. All opinions are my own. See my full disclosure here.
What to make with the Ladder Stitch
The Ladder stitch is a fun open knit stitch. It works great as an accent stitch in summer garments, a beautiful shawl or a swimsuit cover-up.
Knit Stitch Bundle
This easy knit stitch is part of a fun stitch exploration. You can find all 10 stitches here.
Or grab the convenient PDF bundle with all stitch patterns here.
Before You Start
Materials
- 4.5 mm / US 7 knitting needles. I use circular needles for convenience, but you can use straight needles. Confused about all these types of knitting needles? Here’s a complete overview that will answer all your questions.
- Worsted weight Zeeman Royal yarn (100% acrylic, 241m / 254yd, 100g)
- Tapestry needle to weave in the ends
Because the yarn I used is not available everywhere, and I know how painful it is to try to find equivalent yarn which will give you the same effect I have selected a few equivalent yarns for you. I haven’t tried them out myself, but they look so pretty, check them out!
- Lion Brand Wool-Ease They have this yarn in about 20 colors, I’m sure you’ll fall in love with more than one.
- La Mia Just Wool
elann Wool Mate- RED HEART Super Saver Yarn. This yarn also exists in more than 60 colors.
Size
The pattern is written for a 15cm by 15cm / 6” by 6” square.
You can easily adapt the size to your desired project size. The pattern needs a multiple of 6 + 4 number of stitches.
Gauge
The gauge for this pattern, in stitch pattern is 18.5 st by 17 rows for a 10 cm by 10 cm square (4” by 4”).
Confused on how to make or measure gauge? Check out my detailed post all about knitting gauge.
Abbreviations & Instructions
- st = stitch
- k = knit (k2 means knit 2 stitches)
- p = purl
- yo = yarn over
- k2tog = knit 2 stitches together = single right leaning decrease
- ssk = slip 2 stitches knitwise, knit them through the back loop = single left leaning decrease
Repeat instructions between [ ] the indicated number of times or until the end of the round/row.
The final number of stitches is indicated at the end of the round/row between < >.
The Actual Stitch Pattern
Cast on 28 stitches.
Row 1: k2, [k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k1] until last 2 st, k2.
Row 2: k2, purl until last 2 st, k2
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until you reach 15 cm / 6”.
Finish with 2 knit rows.
Cast off and weave in the ends.
Blocking & Assembly
You’re done with the knitting part. Make sure to weave in all the ends.
To make your stitch pattern even prettier and help straighten your edges block your project lightly. Don’t skip this step as it can make a huge difference. Read my detailed tutorial on why block, how-to, and all my tips and tricks if you need help.
