Bias knitting is a fun way to add diagonal spice to your striped knitting
What is bias knitting? Is it:
a) Knitting with a strong opinion?
b) Diagonal knitting?
Of course, the correct answer is “b.” (But I do love the idea of “knitting with a strong opinion.” 🤭)
Typically, bias knitting starts with a small number of cast-on stitches, and increases every row or every other row, so that the piece grows wider as you knit.
A bias knitting pattern can also work in reverse: you start with a large number of stitches and decrease every row or every other row, to create a piece that becomes narrower as you knit.
Often, bias knitting goes in both directions: first the piece grows wider, then it becomes narrower, or vice versa, to create a diamond shape or a parallelogram.
Sometimes, though, it remains a triangular shape — like with a triangular scarf or shawl.
I’m an easy person to enthrall, so I get excited any time I see a sort of “magic” occur in knitting. And to me, bias knitting is nothing short of magic. Watch it grow! Watch it shrink! Watch it take shape! 🪄
Opinionated Knitting Patterns
(Why, yes, I am going to refer to bias knitting patterns alternatively as “opinionated patterns.” What of it?! 😂)
The patterns below are divided by category. You’ll find dishcloths, blankets and squares, clothing, and more!
What you’ll need to make it: About 50 yards worsted weight cotton yarn per dishcloth; US Size 6 needles
Why you’ll want to: This pattern is essentially a variation of Grandmother’s Favorite, using yarnovers and SKPs (slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over) to create a lovely texture.
What you’ll need to make it: About 50 to 70 yards of yarn (worsted for pattern, any weight for “recipe”); US Size 7 needles
Why you’ll want to: This delightful pattern creates the charming right-angle stripes and color blocks you see in the photo here. It’s very simple, and Staci of Very Pink Knits has created not only a basic pattern but also a “recipe” you can use to recreate this patten in any yarn you wish. You’ll also find a tutorial video linked in the Ravelry listing to help you with any of the tricky techniques in this design.
What you’ll need to make it: About 555 yards heavy worsted weight/aran weight yarn; US Size 7 needles
Why you’ll want to: This is a very simple-to-make little baby blanket. It’s simple garter stitch, but the diagonal lines give it more visual interest than your standard garter-stitch blanket. I also like that it’s more of a diamond/kite-shape than a true square or rectangle. It’s perfect to swaddle baby into!
What you’ll need to make it: Any weight of yarn, from around 350 yards bulky weight up to about 850 yards for fingering weight yarn; needle size recommended for your weight of yarn
Why you’ll want to: This triangular shawl is mindless knitting at its best! It’s written in both German and English. It’s especially lovely with self-striping yarn, but you can use multiple colors of yarn for your own striping effect, too. (I particularly enjoy “knit-until-you-run-out-of-yarn” patterns–little to no leftovers!)
What you’ll need to make it: 440 yards fingering weight yarn; US Size 2.5 or 3
Why you’ll want to: This is a gorgeous skinny scarf that can be worn to dress up any outfit! Be sure to take a look at designer Angela Mühlpfordt’s blog, which has many more beautiful patterns. (Most of them are in German, but that’s what machine translation is for, right?)
What you’ll need to make it: 900 yards sport weight yarn; US Size 4 needles; US Size E crochet hook (used only for the final section, for nothing more difficult than simple chain stitches)
Why you’ll want to: I love patterns that look complex but aren’t, and this shawl/wrap definitely fits! Its unique design looks light and airy–perfect for springtime or early fall layering.
What you’ll need to make it: 540 to 1,090 yards heavy worsted/Aran-weight yarn (in 2 different colors, with a ratio of 4 to 1 main color to complementary color); US Size 10 needles; US Size 8 circular needle (at least 24 inches long); stitch marker; tapestry needle; sewing needle and thread; large safety pin; waistband elastic, 2 inches wide, long enough to fit around waist
Why you’ll want to: I’ve had this skirt on my to-do-someday list for a while. Isn’t it beautiful? It’s incredibly easy to make and will look stylish on just about anyone.
What you’ll need to make it: 350 yards fingering weight yarn (self-striping or otherwise variegated yarn will give the best results); US Size 1 circular needles (2 24-inch or 1 40-inch, depending on whether you prefer two-circular or Magic Loop knitting); US Size 0 circular needles (for ribbing, again either 2 24-inch or 1 40-inch, depending on your preference); 2 US Size 1 DPNs
Why you’ll want to: If you’re up to a challenge, try this sock pattern knit on the bias. Yes, SOCK! This pattern requires focus and concentration, but the result is nothing short of breathtaking.
Bonus: Bias Bind-Off
When you want to bind off your project at a diagonal, check out the video below; it shows you a great method for achieving an attractive sloped edge.
Start easy and work your way up, or dive right into a pattern you love. Either way, you’re bound to have a ball with bias knitting!
