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Knitting is one of those crafts that manages to be both meditative and productive at the same time. You sit down with some yarn, a couple of needles, and before you know it - you’re making scarves, hats, or even an entire jumper. And if you're ready to level up from the basic garter or stockinette stitch, there’s one texture-rich technique we think deserves your attention: the seed stitch.
It’s simple enough for beginners to master but visually impressive enough to earn some “wow, did you really knit that?” reactions. So, whether you're brand new to needles or just craving a fresh pattern, let’s unravel the details together.
The seed stitch (sometimes called moss stitch, though there are subtle differences) is a textured knitting pattern created by alternating knit and purl stitches. You knit the purls and purl the knits from the previous row - which creates a bumpy, dotted surface that looks like little scattered seeds. Hence the name.
Unlike the smooth fabric of stockinette, seed stitch has no clear "right" or "wrong" side. It’s reversible and beautifully balanced, making it ideal for scarves, blankets, and anything where both sides might be visible.
We’re not saying it’s magic - but it does feel a little magical when that texture starts to form.
So, why go for seed stitch over other patterns? There are a few compelling reasons (aside from its snazzy good looks):
No curling edges! If you've battled with curling stockinette borders, you’ll love that seed stitch sits flat without needing borders or blocking.
You get an eye-catching, tactile fabric without any complex techniques. It’s just alternating knits and purls - nothing fancy, but very effective.
Seriously, it’s one of those patterns that teaches you to "read" your stitches. Because you need to identify whether the next stitch is a knit or purl from the previous row, it builds your confidence and sharpens your skills.
Let’s get into the heart of it. Here's how to actually knit seed stitch, broken down in a way that won’t make your eyes glaze over.
First things first, grab your gear. You’ll need:
If you’re not quite sure where to begin with the supplies, you can discover easy-to-follow knitting kits here at Knit In A Box that include everything you need to get started!
Here’s the simplest version of the seed stitch, perfect for knitting flat pieces like scarves or dishcloths.
If you’re working over an even number of stitches:
If you’re working over an odd number of stitches:
The result? That delightful speckled texture we love.
Knitting seed stitch in the round is a bit different, since you’re not turning your work at the end of each row.
For an even number of stitches:
For an odd number of stitches, alternate every stitch in each round - but beware: it takes a little more attention since you’re not switching direction.
Let’s be honest - mistakes happen. The key is recognising them early and knowing how to set things right without panicking (or chucking your needles across the room in frustration).
This is the big one. If you accidentally knit where you should’ve purled, the texture will look… off. Not awful, just not seed stitch.
How to fix it: Learn to recognise your stitches. Knit stitches look like little Vs; purl stitches look like bumps. If you see a bump, knit it. If you see a V, purl it. Simple as that.
Seed stitch has more texture, which means your tension inconsistencies are more visible than in flat stitches.
How to fix it: Try loosening your grip and allowing the yarn to flow more naturally. Practise helps, so don’t stress too much. Everyone’s tension improves with time.
Unlike garter stitch, seed stitch can make row-counting trickier because it doesn’t have a very obvious "ridge" to count.
How to fix it: Use a row counter if you’re working on a project where precise length matters. Or mark every tenth row with a removable stitch marker - your future self will thank you.
Seed stitch may look complex at first glance, but it’s really just a clever play on knit and purl. It’s one of those foundational techniques that opens the door to more advanced textures - and even if you never move beyond it, the stitch alone can carry an entire project.
It’s ideal for adding personality to your knits without requiring acrobat-level skills. Plus, the versatility is unmatched: blankets, cowls, dishcloths - you name it, seed stitch works beautifully.
Oh, and if you’re still gathering supplies, don’t forget to check out our post on knitting tools every knitter should have to get yourself set up right.
So, needles in hand - are you ready to give seed stitch a try? We promise it’s worth it.
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