Hello, friends! Fariba here.
Today, I’m going to show you the CRISS-CROSS WICKER stitch. The fun part? It’s actually built from a really simple zigzag stitch. The structure is almost the same—the only trick is offsetting the knit row when you work the purl row. That simple change creates the beautiful woven, wicker-like texture.
This pattern works over just two rows, so if you already know the zigzag stitch, this will feel very familiar. You’ll need an even number of stitches to cast on, and it’s easy to complete in just two rows.
In the video I’ll show it in both ENGLISH AND CONTINENTAL STYLES.
Instruction:
2-row repeat / Multiple of 2 stitches
- Row 1 (RS): Edge, rep (C2L K tbl), edge
- Row 2 (WS): Edge, P1, rep (C2L P tbl), P1, edge
How to Work the Stitch
We work in pairs of stitches, crossing them to create the woven effect. I like to keep one edge stitch at the beginning and end of the row for a clean finish. Here’s the step-by-step logic:
- Cross stitches:
- Knit the second stitch through the back loop, then knit the first stitch through the back loop.
- Drop both loops.
- Repeat for the next pair.
Tip: We work through the back loops because it’s easier to cross stitches this way. You can work through the front loop, but then you’d need to adjust your purl row accordingly.
- Return (purl) row:
- Offset the stitches from the previous row to get the woven texture.
- Purl the shorter stitch first, then the longer stitch. This pairing is key to creating the CRISS-CROSS effect.
- Keep the first and last stitches as single edge/purl stitches to balance the row.
Abbreviations:
C2L K tbl = Cross 2 Left Knit through back loop (second stitch first, then first stitch)C2L P tbl = Cross 2 Left Purl through back loop (second stitch first, then first stitch)
Notes:
- Every pair is worked in the same order each row—no single stitches are left unpaired except the edge/purl stitch that offsets the row.
- This stitch looks fantastic in swatches and works for many projects—scarves, cushions, sweaters, and especially men’s projects.
- Once you get the hang of the one key offset principle, the pattern is easy and intuitive.
This is my go-to method for the CRISS-CROSS WICKER stitch. Other tutorials often skip the logic, which makes the stitch confusing, but here I break it down clearly so you can follow along without constantly pausing or rewinding.
I hope you enjoy this tutorial! If you have any questions, I’ll be happy to answer. Thank you for watching and being part of my knitting journey.
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