knitting how to tutorial boxed or ruffled pleats

We have knitted pleats sideways before, but today we’re going to knit boxed pleats. This is a more advanced thing, but not hard, once you get the know-how.

Some people call this technique knitted ruffles. I don’t know which one is correct. I do know that you’re going to need it in my next project.

And by the way – it is very nice knitted edging. I’m sure you’ll find a way to use it.

So let’s practice.

Grab some yarn and needles.

Cast on 50 stitches and knit 2 rows.

Row 1: purl 6, *knit 13, purl 12* repeat to last 6 stitches, purl 6;
Row 2: knit 6, *purl 13, knit 12* repeat to last 6 stitches, knit 6;;

Repeat rows 1 & 2 for 10 times.

This is what you should have at this point.

knitted ruffle border

knitted ruffles pattern

Step 1: we have to arrange our stitches a little bit.
Slip first six stitches on to right-hand needle;
and slip next five stitches on your extra needle;

knitting pleats stitch

Step 2: we’re going to put these stitches back to left hand needle:

1 stitch from right-hand needle;
1 stitch from extra needle;
Repeat this 4 times more.
End with 1 stitch from right-hand needle;

knitted pleated ruffles

Step 3: let’s knit a bit:
Knit two stitches together – 6 times total;

Knit 1 stitch;

knitting pattern for pleats

Step 4: arranging stitches again
Slip first six stitches on to your extra needle;
and slip next five stitches on right-hand needle;

knitted box pleats

Step 5: and put it back
1 stitch from extra needle;
1 stitch from right-hand needle;
Repeat this 4 times more.
1 stitch from extra needle;

knitting pleats pattern

Step 6: and knit:
slip, slip and knit two slipped stitches together – 6 times;

Repeat steps 1 to 6;

Cool, isn’t it?

knitted box pleats tutorial

Let’s finish beautifully – knit 4 rows; purl 1 row; knit 4 rows; and cast off.

knitted pleats tutorial
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This Post Has 4 Comments

  1. Carla

    Pattern Duchess: just wanted to express just how much I love your web site. You not only give us beautiful patterns to enjoy making, you also teach those of us who are new to knitting how to achieve good results with the items we make. Thank you for all that you do. 🙂

    1. PatternDuchess

      Thanks, Carla! 🙂

  2. Namrata

    Lovely tutorial. What can we do if we want to first start from unpleated part and then create pleats. I want wo knit a topdown dress so i want the pleats to start from the bodice. Thanks

    1. PatternDuchess

      I don’t know… I haven’t knitted this way… I guess there is an option to increase stitches where you want the pleats to be; that’s an interesting question and I might try it out when I get better

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