Indian Pillar Stitch for Beginner Knitters

The Indian Pillar Stitch is a gorgeous two-row pattern that features a column of bobbles and a pretty faux-lace pattern.

Use a larger pair of needles for this stitch. Go up 1-2 needle sizes for a lacy look.

Indian Pillar Stitch Knitting Video

The Indian Pillar Stitch lays flat and looks pretty on both sides. It would look beautiful knit into a scarf or as a decorative panel in sweaters, mittens or socks.

This swatch is knit using Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK in the color 422 Daffodil Yellow. This is an affordable cotton yarn that’s great for washcloths, rugs, coasters, sun hats and more! This yarn also comes in tons of colors

This is part of the Best Beginner Stitches Series. Check out the whole series here.

Indian Pillar Stitch requires a cast on of 4 plus 3 when knit flat. This means you will choose a multiple of four (4, 8, 12, 16, 20 etc.) and add three stitches to it.

For example:

4+3=7
or
8+3=11
or
12+3 = 15

So, you could cast on 7, 11, 15 or so on for Indian Pillar Stitch knit flat. When knit in the round, cast on a multiple of 4 plus 2 using the same concept.

Indian Pillar Stitch

Cast on a multiple of 4 sts plus 3 with larger needles

Set-up row: purl all sts

Row 1 (RS): K2, *P3tog without taking the stitch off the needle; knit the same 3 sts together; purl the same 3 sts together again. Slip the 3 sts from the needle, k1; repeat from * to the last st, K1

Row 2: purl all sts

Repeat Rows 1 and 2 for Indian Pillar Stitch flat

Indian Pillar Stitch in the Round

Cast on a multiple of 4 sts plus 2 with larger needles

Set-up round: knit all sts

Round 1: *P3tog without taking the stitch off the needle; knit the same 3 sts together; purl the same 3 sts together again. Slip all 3 sts from the needle, k1; repeat from * to end of round

Round 2: knit all sts

Repeat Rounds 1-2 for Indian Pillar Stitch in the round

Abbreviations:
* *: Repeat instructions between the asterisks the number of time indicated
K: knit
K2tog: Knit two sts together
P3tog: Purl three sts together
RS: Right side
St(s): Stitches