How to Knit the Rice Stitch

Co-authored by Jen Webber

Last Updated: March 27, 2023

The rice stitch is a textured stitch that is incredibly easy to do. You only need to repeat two different row sequences to do this stitch. The rice stitch works great for making washcloths, blankets, scarves, and more.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Working the Basic Stitch

1
Cast on multiples of two plus one. To get started, you will need to cast on a multiple of two plus one stitches.^{[1]
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- For example, you could cast on 20 stitches and then add one more for a total of 21 stitches.
- Count your stitches as you cast on to be sure.
2
Purl one. After you finish casting on your stitches, you can begin working the first row. The first row starts with a purl stitch.^{[2]
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Research source} To purl, insert the needle into the stitch going towards the front so that the left needle ends up in front of the right needle. Then, loop the yarn over and pull through. As you pull through, slide the stitch off of the left needle and allow the new stitch to slide onto the right needle.

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3
Knit one into the back loop. Follow the purl stitch with a knit stitch. However, work this stitch into the back loop of the stitch.^{[3]
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Research source} To knit, insert the right needle towards the back of your work going through the back loop of the stitch. Then, yarn over and pull through the loop. Let the stitch slide off of the left needle and the new stitch to slide onto the right needle.^{[4]
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4
Repeat the sequence to the end of the first row. Continue to alternate between purling one stitch and knitting one stitch all the way to the end of the row.
5
Knit the second row. Your second row will be all knit stitches. Knit all of the stitches in this row as usual. You will repeat this for every even row.^{[5]
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6
Repeat the sequence of rows until your project is finished. After you have completed your second row, return to the pattern for the first row. Then, repeat row two again.^{[6]
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- Continue repeating rows one and two until your project is finished.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using the Rice Stitch

1
Make a washcloth. The rice stitch is ideal for washcloths because of its rough texture. Try making a washcloth with the rice stitch using 100% cotton yarn.^{[7]
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- You will need to check the gauge of your yarn to determine how many stitches to cast on. This number will vary depending on the thickness of your yarn. For example, if you are using a medium weight yarn, then you may need to cast on 25 stitches for a washcloth. However, if you are using a chunky yarn, then you may only need to cast on 11 stitches.
2
Knit a baby blanket. The rice stitch also makes a cute baby blanket. Try using some baby blanket yarn to make a baby blanket for your own baby or as a gift for someone.
- If you are using a lightweight yarn and a pair of size 8 (5mm) needles, then cast on 163 stitches. Then, begin working in the rice stitch until your blanket is complete.
3
Create a scarf. The rice stitch also creates an interesting pattern that looks great as a scarf. Try making a scarf for yourself or for a friend.
- Keep in mind that the number of stitches you need to cast on will depend on your yarn type and needles. For example, if you are using chunky yarn, then you can cast on 24 stitches using a pair of size 11 needles. Then, work the rice stitch until your scarf is the desired length.^{[8]
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Things You'll Need

Yarn
A pair of knitting needles. Make sure that you check the yarn label to find out what the ideal knitting needle size is for the yarn you are using.