Bamboo Stitch

Bamboo stitch gets its segmented, cane-like look from binding stitches together in twos with a yarn over. On the pattern row you make a yarn over, knit the next two stitches, then lift that yarn over up and over both knitted stitches and off the needle, which cinches the pair together at the base and leaves a small gap above, like the joint of a bamboo stalk. A row of these makes a band of little bundles, and working the pattern over alternate rows with plain rows between stacks the segments into neat columns. It is an easy, rhythmic stitch that gives a lot of gentle texture for very little effort, and it looks especially good in smooth, round yarns that show the definition. It suits scarves, cowls, and baby items, and it lies reasonably flat. The only new move is lifting the yarn over cleanly over both stitches, so work loosely enough that the yarn over passes without straining.