The Berry Stitch creates a stunning bobbled appearance using variations on Knit & Purl stitches.
The stitch creates this bobbled, raised texture by using a combination of increases and decreases on alternating rows. The right-side rows using a (knit 1, knit 1 through the back loop, knit one) in the same stitch, to create a two stitch increase, and using a purl three together in the wrong side rows to decrease.
The Berry Stitch is similar in appearance to the Trinity (US) or Bramble (UK) Stitch, but has a subtly different look to it.
The stitch, in my opinion, is best used for smaller knitting projects such as purses or hats, as I feel a large swathe of fabric knitted in this pattern may be a bit overwhelming. However, as ever, this is done to personal taste so feel free to prove me wrong!
Is it time already? Ok, lets get started…
Instructions
Cast on multiples of four plus three stitches for your project.
For the first row, begin by knitting one. Then you will knit three times into the next stitch; knit once, knit once through the back loop and then knit again. From here enter a four stitch repeating pattern beginning by purling three stitches, then again you’ll knit three times into the next stitch (knit one, knit one through the back loop and then knit one again. Keep repeating this pattern until you reach the last stitch which you should knit.
For the second row start by knitting the first four stitches then purl three together. At this point, you will start a four stitch repeating pattern of knitting three stitches then purling three together until you reach the last four stitches of the row*. Knit these four.
On to the third row. Knit one, then purl three before entering a four stitch repeating pattern; In the next stitch knit one, knit one through the back loop and knit one again, follow this with three purl stitches. Repeat this four stitch pattern until the last stitch and knit it.
Ok, so you’ve reached the fourth row, start by knitting one and then purling three together. Once you’ve done this it’s time for another four stitch repeat; knit three then purl three together. Keep this repeat going until you reach the last stitch and knit it.
Once you have completed row four, continue repeating rows one till four until you have the desired size.
* If you are only doing a single multiple i.e. 7 stitches across a row total, then omit this repeat pattern.
Difficulty level:
Traditional Instructions
Row 1: k1, (k1, k1tbl, k1) into next st, *p3, (k1,k1tbl, k1) into next st; repeat from * till the last stitch, k1.
Row 2: k4, p3tog, *k3, p3tog; repeat from * till the last 4 stitches, k4.
Row 3: k1, p3, *(k1, k1tbl, k1) into next st, p3; repeat from * till the last stitch, k1.
Row 4: k1, p3tog, *k3, p3tog; repeat from * till the last stitch, k1.
Repeat rows 1-4 to desired length.
Cast on:
Cast on in multiples of 4 + 3 stitches.
Techniques Used in this Stitch:
k
p
(k1, k1tbl, k1) in next st
p3tog
Berry Stitch Example – Right Side
Berry Stitch Example – Wrong Side
