Knitting Building Block #1 – Knit Loop Pattern (Honeycomb Slip Stitch)

This week’s block in our Knitting Building Block Series features a stitch called the Knit Loop Pattern. It’s a simple 4 row repeat that has an alternating slip stitch which creates a pretty texture. The pattern is easy to memorize since there are only 2 pattern rows with alternating resting rows of knit stitches.

The Loop Pattern is also called the Honeycomb Slip Stitch and can be worked with either a knit 1, slip 1 or a purl 1, slip 1 combination for a reversed effect. Our block is worked with the standard knit one, slip one pattern and it features a seed stitch border to better showcase this lovely stitch.

Techniques/Skills Used

• Cast On (CO)
• Knit (k)
• Purl (p)
• Slip Stitch (sl)
• Seed Stitch
• Bind Off (BO)

Loop Pattern

Multiple of 2+2.

Row 1 (RS: Right Side): Knit.
Row 2: *K1, sl 1; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, k2.
Row 3 (RS): Knit.
Row 4: K2, *sl 1, k1; repeat from * to end.

Loop Pattern Block Instructions

CO 35

Rows 1-5: Work Seed Stitch (k1, p1 across).
Row 6 (RS): K1, p1, k1, p1, work Loop Pattern Row 1 for 26 stitches, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1.
Row 7: K1, p1, k1, p1, k1, work Loop Pattern Row 2 for 26 stitches, p1, k1, p1, k1.
Row 8: K1, p1, k1, p1, work Loop Pattern Row 3 for 26 stitches, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1.
Row 9: K1, p1, k1, p1, k1, work Loop Pattern Row 4 for 26 stitches, p1, k1, p1, k1.

Repeat rows 6 – 9 until block measures 8” in height. Work 4 rows of Seed Stitch and then bind off in Seed Stitch pattern.

*For our block we cast on 35 stitches to allow for the seed stitch border on each side. The first and last 5 rows of the block are worked in the Seed Stitch pattern (k1, p1 all the way across).

On row 6 you will begin the Loop Pattern with a Seed Stitch pattern border on either side. Work the first 4 sts and the last 5 sts in the Seed Stitch pattern. You may find it useful to add stitch markers at each side to separate the border stitches from the Loop Pattern stitches.

Helpful Tips and Reminders

• Add a stitch marker to separate the seed stitch border stitches from the 26 middle Loop Pattern stitches.
• Because the Loop Pattern has two alternating pattern rows, you’re always knitting your knitted stitches and slipping your slipped stitches. If you start learning how to “read” your work, you will easily be able to tell when you should knit and when you should slip a stitch.
• For the slipped stitch you can either slip it off the needle purlwise (with the yarn in back) or you may slip it knitwise. There isn’t much of a difference in appearance although, if you slip the stitch purlwise, you aren’t twisting the stitch. FYI – this stitch was slipped purlwise in our video demo.

Project Ideas

• Honey Cowl by Antonia Shankland – This pattern is worked as a Purl 1, Slip 1.
• Slipped Honeycomb Stitch Cowl – This pattern is worked in the standard Knit 1, Slip 1 Loop Pattern.
• Honeycomb Washcloth