Master the Aster Stitch - Video Tutorial Inside

The Aster stitch is a beautiful and relatively hard-to-learn pattern that creates a series of small, flower-like shapes framed by a garter stitch background. While it may look crocheted, it is entirely knit!

This unique stitch adds a touch of elegance to scarves, shawls, blankets, and other knitted items. It can also be used to add a decorative element to borders or edgings, enhancing the overall appearance of your project.
To truly make the Aster stitch stand out, consider using two contrasting colors of yarn. The combination of colors can transform a simple project into a work of art.

How to make the Aster stitch

The Aster stitch typically involves the following steps, though specific patterns may vary slightly.

1. Slip 5 stitches to the right-hand needle, dropping the extra loops.
2. Slip these 5 stitches back to the left-hand needle.
3. Work (purl 1, yarn over, purl 1, yarn over, purl 1) into all 5 stitches together.

Tips for Success

1. Use needles with sharp tips to make it easier to work into multiple stitches at once.
2. Choose needles one or two sizes larger than the recommended size. This will create a looser, more relaxed fabric, making it easier to work with and preventing tension-related issues.
3. Maintaining an even tension throughout your project will result in a more polished and professional-looking finished piece.

Aster stitch pattern

Color A, cast on a multiple of 6 stitches, plus 1.
Row 1 (WS): Color A, knit.
Row 2 (RS): Color B, slip 1, *knit the next stitch with yarn around twice, repeat 5 times, slip 1; repeat from * to end.
Row 3: Color B, slip 1, *Aster stitch, slip 1; repeat from * to end.
Row 4: Color A, knit 6, *knit 1 with the loose strand behind, knit 5; repeat from * to last stitch, knit 1.
Row 5: Color A, knit.
Row 6: Color B, slip 4, *knit the next stitch with yarn around twice, repeat 5 times, slip 1; repeat from * to last 3 stitches, slip 3.
Row 7: Color B, slip 4, *Aster stitch, slip 1; repeat from * to last 3 stitches, slip 3.
Row 8: Color A, knit 9, *knit 1 with the loose strand behind, knit 5; repeat from * to last 4 stitches, knit 4.
Row 9: Color A, knit.
Repeat Rows 2-9 to continue the pattern.

Here are the steps for Knit 1 with the loose strand behind

1. Locate the loose strand of yarn that is lying behind the current stitch. 
2. Insert the left needle from front to back, passing it under the loose strand that is located behind. 
3. Lift the loose strand onto the left needle. 
4. Knit the loose strand together with the next stitch.

Let's watch this video to learn the step-by-step process of knitting the Aster stitch.

I hope these guidelines inspire you to explore the versatility of the Aster stitch and knit some truly happy projects.