When the temperatures dip and yarn baskets begin filling with cozy wool blends, there’s nothing more satisfying than knitting textured, squishy stitches. Winter and the holiday season are the perfect time to explore deeply cushioned patterns that make scarves loftier, cowls warmer, and blankets extra huggable. If you’re looking for a knitted texture that stands out and feels wonderfully plush, these five stitches deserve a spot on your knitting needles.
Below, explore the best textured squishy knit stitches for winter projects, including brioche stitch, fisherman’s rib, double knitting, and more.
1. Brioche Stitch
Skill Level: Intermediate
Recommended Yarn Weight: DK, worsted, or bulky
Recommended Knitting Needle Size: 3.75–5.5 mm (US 5–9)
Brioche is the king of squishy knitting. Known for its lofty, reversible ribbed texture, brioche creates a plush, insulated fabric, making it ideal for winter scarves, oversized cowls, and cozy holiday shawls. The stitch uses yarn overs and slipped stitches to create deep “valleys,” producing a stretchy, cushioned feel that traps warmth.
Two-color brioche is especially popular for holiday projects. It highlights contrast and allows you to play with festive palettes like evergreen and gold or berry red and icy cream. If you’re planning gifts, this stitch creates luxurious accessories that feel premium with minimal effort. Add this to your list of squishy textured winter knitting stitches.
Best Suited for: Sweaters, Especially Necklines, Cowls and Even Scarves
Also read: Knitting Brioche Stitch in Easy Steps
2. Fisherman’s Rib
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Recommended Yarn Weight: worsted, aran, or chunky
Recommended Knitting Needle Size: 4.5–6 mm (US 7–10)
Often confused with brioche, fisherman’s rib uses knit-below stitches to create a deep, fluffy rib reminiscent of classic fisherman sweaters. The result is a thick, spongey texture that’s extremely warm, perfect for winter beanies, holiday pullovers, and oversized scarves.
What makes fisherman’s rib great for beginners is that it mimics the look of brioche without the learning curve. It’s forgiving, rhythmic, and looks incredible in solid or heathered yarns. If you’re searching for long-tail keywords like easy winter rib stitches or simple textured stitches for warm knitting, this technique checks every box.
Suitable for: Scarves, Sweaters and Cowls
Also read: How to Knit Fisherman’s Rib Stitch Pattern
3. Double Stockinette Stitch
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Recommended Yarn Weight: DK, worsted
Recommended Knitting Needle Size: 3.75–4.5 mm (US 5–7)
Double stockinette creates a puffy, double-layered fabric that’s smooth on both sides. It’s an excellent choice for holiday scarves, baby blankets, and winter headbands because it resists curling and feels pillowy soft.
Worked by alternating knit and slip stitches, double stockinette forms a cushion of air between layers, boosting insulation. It’s also a great stitch for those who want the sleek look of stockinette with added squishiness. For makers searching for reversible winter knit stitches and simple textured scarf stitches, double stockinette delivers every time. Always knit a gauge swatch before the project so that you can estimate yarn and how the project will turn out.
Suitable for: Sweaters/ Cardigans, Cowls, Scarves, Mittens and Hats
4. Double Knitting (DK Fabric)
Skill Level: Intermediate
Recommended Yarn Weight: DK, fingering, or worsted
Recommended Knitting Needle Size: 3.25–4.5 mm (US 3–7)
Double knitting produces two layers of fabric at once, a warm, reversible sheet that’s perfect for winter pot holders, colorwork scarves, or holiday-themed blanket panels. Although the technique requires focus at first, it offers incredible creative flexibility: reversible motifs, colorwork letters, or festive winter icons like snowflakes and holly.
If you’re looking for warm reversible knit stitch patterns or dense winter knitting techniques, double knitting is a must-learn.
Suitable for: Cowls and scarves, sweaters and cardigans may become too warm or heavy with two yarns feeding the same rows and rounds.
Also read: Double Knitting for Beginners
5. Broken Rib Stitch
Skill Level: Beginner
Recommended Yarn Weight: Any (DK–bulky works best)
Recommended Knitting Needle Size: 4–6 mm (US 6–10)
Sometimes the simplest stitches create the coziest textures. Broken rib stitch alternates knits and purls to form a soft, flexible fabric that’s perfect for quick winter hats, snug cowls, and knitted holiday gifts.
Because it lies flat and maintains structure, broken ribs are ideal for beginners looking for easy squishy knitting stitches or textured stitches for warm winter accessories. It works beautifully with semi-solid, heathered, or speckled yarns.
To conclude, these textured knit stitches are ideal for warm handmade pieces, gifts, or new winter projects. Grab your coziest yarn and enjoy the rhythm of textured winter knitting! Your tools matter for your crafting journey as they assist you with comfort, convenience and speed. Explore the KnitPro Collection for a wide range of knitting needles. From warm bamboo and wood to sleek stainless steel, smooth aluminum to carbon fiber, check out materials in standard types and sizes. Knitting needle sets are convenient as they carry multiple sizes in one place.
