What is Seed Stitch?
Seed stitch is one of the simplest, most beautiful and also utilitarian* knitting patterns. It only uses two basic stitches, the knit stitch and the purl stitch. Alternating between the two and staggering them from row to row creates the beautiful seed stitch.
* Utilitarian? Yes! Many times a specific stitch is selected for a purpose. Keep reading to learn more.
How To: Seed Stitch Knit Flat
Even Stitches
Cast-on an even number of stitches.
Right Side: *K1, P1*. Repeat * to end.
Wrong Side: *P1, K1*. Repeat * to end.
Odd Stitches
Cast-on an odd number of stitches.
Right Side: *K1, P1* K1. Repeat between * to last stitch.
Wrong Side: *P1, K1*, P1. Repeat between * to last stitch.
That was simple enough! Perfect for wash cloth edges, cocktail napkins and coasters! Just as beautiful for an entire scarf, wrap or blanket.
Reversible Seed Stitch
Is there really a right side and a wrong side? With seed stitch, they both look the same. If your project is entirely seed stitch, the answer is no, there is no “wrong” side. Now, here’s where things get a little more interesting.
How To: Seed Stitch Knit In-the-Round
Even Stitches
Cast on an even number of stitches and join in-the-round.
Round 1: *K1, P1*. Repeat between * to end of round.
Round 2: *P1, K1*. Repeat between * to end of round.
Odd Stitches
Cast on an odd number of stitches and join in-the-round.
Round 1: *K1, P1* K1. Repeat between * to last stitch.
Round 2: *P1, K1* P1. Repeat between * to last stitch.
What happened to my even stitches Knit ITR?
Take a look at the above two samples. Notice the seed stitch pattern “breaks” with the even stitch swatch at the beginning and end of the rows? Why does this happen? When you knit in the round you are spiraling up the work so your rows blend together. Often knitters think of seed stitch as ‘knit the purls and purl the knits’, thereby naturally adjusting for what would be a ridge, often without even knowing it. When it comes to patterns written for seed stitch in the round, this works for an odd number of stitches, but not with an even number of stitches. Knit a sample and see for yourself!
The Utilitarian Seed Stitch
Putting a band of seed stitch to frame your knitting can do wonders for the overall look, but it is also serves a function. Knitting in stockinette will result in a cast-on edge, bind-off edge and side edges that just want to curl up. Adding an edging of seed stitch solves the problem, along with a little blocking of course! Common options to also address this issue is starting with a band of rib stitch, but ribbing can pull your work in a way that may just not work. Ribbing, especially 2×2 or larger spaced ribbing will reduce the width of the work, or gauge per inch, for that section. When making a hat, ribbing is great for that extra stretchy edging, but seed stitch comes into play when you want to keep things close to the same gauge.
Moss Stitch
Are Moss stitch and seed stitch the same? No. Moss stitch IS similar, but you offset the stitches every two rows instead of every row. This is, in my opinion, getting a little technical, but without a pattern to clarify, some may refer to seed stitch as moss stitch.
I *heart* Seed Stitch
Ready to use seed stitch in your next project? It is one of my go-to stitches because I love the way it looks and the way it functions. To give it a try, here is a pattern with seed stitch edging. Ready? Set! Knit!