Lotus Stitch: An Advanced Textured Knitting Stitch

If you are looking for something delicate to adorn one of your knitting projects, then the Lotus Stitch may be what you are looking for! This stitch is a beautifully textured knitting pattern that creates a delicate, flower-like effect across your fabric. While it may look intricate, this stitch is built using repeated combinations of purl stitches and grouped increases that form the signature “petal” shapes.

The Lotus Stitch has a detailed structure and can be a bit fiddly, so it is best suited for more experienced knitters. You should be more comfortable with working multiple stitches together and increasing within the same stitch. The result is a richly textured fabric that stands out in scarves, statement panels, and decorative projects where you want a truly eye-catching design.

Just a note, this stitch requires a lot of yarn to create this beautiful flower effect! Happy knitting! Need more stitches in your life? Check out our stitch library!

Difficulty Level

Cast On

Cast on multiples of 6 + 1 stitches. This is a 4-row pattern repeat.

Techniques Used in this Stitch:

p
p5togm5
p3togm3

Purl
Purl 5 together and make 5
Purl 3 together and make 3

Instructions

Begin by casting on multiples of 6 + 1 stitches. Starting on the wrong side purl all the stitches in row 1. Next, reverse the fabric so you are now on the right side for row 2, begin by purling one then follow a pattern of purling five/making 5 followed by purling one, repeating these steps until you reach the end of the row.

Again, for row 3, purl all the stitches. Row 4 starts with purling three/making three, followed by purling one. At this point, you will now continue with a repeating pattern of purling five/making five followed by purling one until you reach the last three stitches of the row, where you shall again purl three/make three.

Continue repeating rows 1-4 until you have your desired length of fabric

Traditional Instructions

Row 1 (WS): p all stitches.
Row 2 (RS): p1, * p5togm5, p1; repeat from * to end.
Row 3: p all stitches.
Row 4: p3togm3, p1, * p5togm5, p1; repeat from * to last 3 stitches, p3togm3.

Repeat rows 1-4 to the desired length.