Welt Stitch
deep horizontal ridges made by alternating bands of stockinette and reverse stockinette
Welt stitch builds bold horizontal ridges by alternating a band of smooth stockinette with a band of its reverse. You knit several rows, which on flat knitting means knitting one row and purling the next to make stockinette, then swap for several rows of the opposite, and where the two meet the fabric folds forward into a raised welt. The depth of each ridge is just how many rows you give each band, so wider bands make chunkier welts. It is as simple as garter stitch to work, uses only knits and purls, and gives far more dimension than a flat fabric, which is why it is a favourite for cosy scarves, cushion fronts, and textured hems. The ridges also add weight and a springy, accordion-like stretch across the fabric. Keep the band counts consistent so the welts stay even, and remember that all those ridges use more yarn and rows than a flat panel of the same length.