Slipped Hourglass Stitch Free Knitting Pattern. Reversible textured knitting.

Slipped Hourglass is a disciplined stitch with a quiet rhythm. Built on slipped stitches and mirrored shaping, it creates repeating hourglass forms that are visible on both sides of the fabric. The texture is structured but fluid, with strong vertical definition and excellent drape. Because every wrong-side row is worked in the same controlled way, the fabric stays balanced and reversible—no true “back” side.

This stitch feels engineered. It rewards precision and produces a fabric that looks complex without being bulky.

Slipped Hourglass Stitch Pattern

Stitch Information

• Multiple: 8 stitches + 2
• Repeat: 20 rows
• Fabric: Fully reversible

Wrong Side Rule (Applies to all WS rows)

Knit all knit stitches. Slip all purl stitches with yarn in front.

---

Row-by-Row Instructions

Row 1 (RS)
P1, *P3, K2, P3; repeat from * to last st, P1.

Row 2
K1, *K3, sl 2, K3; repeat from * to last st, K1.

Row 3
P1, *P3, K2, P3; repeat from * to last st, P1.

Row 4
K1, *K3, sl 2, K3; repeat from * to last st, K1.

Row 5
P1, *P2, RS, LS, P2; repeat from * to last st, P1.

Row 6
K1, *K2, sl 1, K2, sl 1, K2; repeat from * to last st, K1.

Row 7
P1, *P1, RS, P2, LS, P1; repeat from * to last st, P1.

Row 8
K1, *K1, sl 1, K4, sl 1, K1; repeat from * to last st, K1.

Row 9
P1, *RS, P4, LS; repeat from * to last st, P1.

Row 10
K1, *sl 1, K6, sl 1; repeat from * to last st, K1.

Row 11
P1, *K1, P6, K1; repeat from * to last st, P1.

Row 12
K1, *sl 1, K6, sl 1; repeat from * to last st, K1.

Row 13
P1, *K1, P6, K1; repeat from * to last st, P1.

Row 14
K1, *sl 1, K6, sl 1; repeat from * to last st, K1.

Row 15
P1, *LS, P4, RS; repeat from * to last st, P1.

Row 16
K1, *K1, sl 1, K4, sl 1, K1; repeat from * to last st, K1.

Row 17
P1, *P1, LS, P2, RS, P1; repeat from * to last st, P1.

Row 18
K1, *K2, sl 1, K2, sl 1, K2; repeat from * to last st, K1.

Row 19
P1, *P2, LS, RS, P2; repeat from * to last st, P1.

Row 20
K1, *K3, sl 2, K3; repeat from * to last st, K1.

Repeat Rows 1–20 for the Slipped Hourglass pattern.

---

Where to Use the Slipped Hourglass Stitch

This stitch excels in pieces where both sides are visible. It’s ideal for scarves, wraps, cowls, blankets, and reversible garments. Worked as panels, it adds strong vertical movement; repeated across the fabric, it creates a refined, architectural surface.

Smooth yarns in solid or gently tonal colours show the structure best.

---

Slipped Hourglass vs Common Reversible Stitches

Compared to 1×1 rib, Slipped Hourglass is more stable and less elastic, with clearer visual structure.

Against brioche or fisherman’s rib, it feels lighter and more precise, relying on slipped stitches rather than yarn overs to build depth.

In short:
Rib is elastic.
Brioche is plush.
Slipped Hourglass is clean, reversible, and quietly technical.

---

Abbreviations

K – knit
P – purl
RS – right side
WS – wrong side
sl – slip stitch purlwise unless otherwise stated
sl 1 / sl 2 – slip 1 or 2 stitches with yarn in front (as established)
rep – repeat
sts – stitches

RS (Right Slip) – slip 1 stitch with yarn held to the right side of the slipped stitch (yarn position as required to form the hourglass shape)

LS (Left Slip) – slip 1 stitch with yarn held to the left side of the slipped stitch (yarn position as required to mirror RS)

Note: RS and LS are paired directional slipped stitches that create the symmetrical hourglass motif. Define them once in your pattern notes and use consistently throughout.