Pearl Stitch Knitting Pattern

Let’s knit some cute pearls!

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This stitch just happened when I was playing around with my yarn and needles trying to come up with a stitch pattern for a blanket square. I decided to call it pearl stitch!

It’s easy to knit as it’s basically stockinette stitch with a little purl (pearl) twist to it!

I really like the texture and the simple but yet elegant look created by the small pearls in the pattern.

It’s also a fun that it’s not really possible to say if it’s a diagonal pattern, diamonds or just pearls!

Does the pearl stitch curl at the edges

Yes, this stitch does curl a bit at the edges. When there are many knits and fewer purls the tension in the fabric gets uneven and this is what causes the rolling edges.

Reading tip:
Prevent curling edges in stockinette. This post goes deep into why knit fabric curls and what to do about it.

The supplies needed for knitting pearl stitch

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To knit the pearl stitch pattern you will need:

Yarn of your choice
Knitting needles that suit the yarn
Scissors
Wool needle to weave in the ends

Knitting abbreviations

K – Knit stitch
P – Purl stitch

Need to learn some knitting abbreviations? I keep this list of 88 knitting abbreviations in my knitting journal. Of course, I made a printable pdf to share with my readers as well! You find it in this post

Cast on in multiples of 4 + 3 (add edge stitches if you need, read more about edge stitches further down!)

Row 1: K1, P1 *K3, P1* repeat *–* across the row, K1
Row 2: P all stitches
Row 3: *K3, P1* repeat *–* across the row, K3
Row 4: Purl all stitches

Repeat rows 1–4

Want to learn how to skip the purl rows?

I dislike the purl rows because I feel they both slow me down and I have troubles keeping tension when I knit only purl stitches.

So instead of turning my work and purling the purl rows I knit does rows backward.

When I knit backward I get the right tension and I feel like I get a better flow!

Reading tip:
Knit backward instead of purling

Why do I add edge stitches

I always add two edges stitches if I’m making a seamed or visible edge kind of project. I guess that’s always when knitting flat!

I add one stitch at the start of the row and one at the end of the row. I slip the first stitch knit wise on every row and purl the last stitch on every row. This way I ensure all edges look nice and tidy, and are easy to seam.