Hey friends, it’s Fariba from Watch Knitting!
Today I’m excited to share a super cute Tic Tac Toe stitch pattern. This design creates a playful grid-like texture, perfect for accessories, scarves, cardigans, or even blankets.

The pattern is worked over a multiple of 5 + 6 stitches with a 6-row repeat. For extra texture, you can add 4 rows of stockinette between repeats to make the design pop.

For my demo, I cast on 21 stitches using worsted weight yarn and 2.5 mm needles. I began with one row of ribbing followed by four rows of stockinette. Remember: when working stockinette, start on the wrong side so your very first row is a purl row. By the time you reach the wrong side again (row 5), you’re ready to begin the main pattern.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Base Setup

• Row 1–4: Stockinette stitch
  • Row 1, 3 (WS): Purl
  • Row 2, 4 (RS): Knit

Main Pattern (6-row repeat)

Row 1 (WS): edge, rep [TP1, P2, TP1, P1], TP1, edge
Row 2 (RS): edge, rep [SL1, K2, SL1, (K, YO, K, YO, K) into same st], SL1, edge
Row 3 (WS): edge, rep [SL1, P2, SL1, P5], SL1, edge
Row 4 (RS): edge, rep [SL1, K2, SL1, K5tog], SL1, edge
Row 5 (WS): edge, rep [SL1, P2, SL1, P1], SL1, edge
Row 6 (RS): edge, rep [CR1/4, K1], CR1/4, edge

Abbreviations

• K = Knit
• P = Purl
• YO = Yarn over
• TP1 = Triple wrap purl (wrap yarn 3 times around the needle, then purl)
• SL1 = Slip 1 stitch purlwise
• K5tog = Knit 5 stitches together
• CR1/4 = Cross 1st stitch over 4th stitch

Pattern Notes

• The triple wrap purl stitches create elongated loops that form the cross texture in the next rows.
• You can place the bubbles in the stockinette instead of beside the crosses for a slightly different effect.

This stitch is really fun to knit and works beautifully for cozy projects. I hope you enjoy trying it out! If you have questions, drop them in the comments—I’d be happy to help.

Happy knitting,
Fariba 💕