Lace Stitch

Chevron / Zigzag Stitch

Intermediate Lace
Chevron / Zigzag Stitch finished swatch

Used For

  • Scarves
  • Blankets
  • Striped colorwork panels
  • Chevron-patterned garments

Increases and decreases stacked to create a zigzag ripple across the fabric.

Instructions

  1. Cast on a multiple of 11 stitches, plus 1.
  2. Row 1 (RS): Knit 1, *make 1 (an increase), knit 4, slip 2 stitches together knitwise, knit 1, then pass the two slipped stitches over (a centered double decrease), knit 4, make 1; repeat from * to the end.
  3. Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
  4. Repeat Rows 1-2 for the desired length.

Tips & Notes

  • The centered double decrease in the middle of each repeat is what creates the sharp point of the zigzag; the increases on either side pull the fabric back up into the next peak.
  • Chevron patterns are especially popular for self-striping or hand-dyed yarns, since the zigzag breaks up pooling that would otherwise show as blotches in stockinette.
  • Because increases and decreases balance out within each repeat, your total stitch count stays constant row to row.

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