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There’s something incredibly satisfying about the stockinette stitch. It’s simple enough for beginners to pick up quickly, yet refined enough to feature in elegant, professional-looking garments. Whether you're just starting your knitting journey or you're looking to polish up your technique, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know - from the basics and variations to troubleshooting common issues and even planning your next project. Ready to make those stitches sing? Let’s dive in.
Stockinette stitch is the bread and butter of knitting. It’s the stitch you see everywhere - on scarves, jumpers, baby hats, and even those cosy socks that magically never have a matching pair. But what is stockinette stitch exactly? In its most basic form, it’s a pattern created by alternating rows of knit stitches and purl stitches. When done right, it creates a beautifully smooth, V-shaped fabric on one side and a bumpy, textured look on the other.
It's neat, it’s tidy, and it's oh-so-versatile. And yes, it's the foundation for countless patterns and projects. Once you master it, you’ll spot it in everything - from our own convenient monthly knitting delivery kits to the cosiest cardigans in your wardrobe.
Let’s start with the basics. When you’re knitting flat (which just means back and forth, rather than in a circle), the stockinette stitch is achieved by alternating two types of rows:
Knit one row, then purl the next.
That’s it. Seriously. No secret handshake or complicated code. You knit the right side, then purl the wrong side. Rinse and repeat. The knit stitches form that tidy, smooth surface you’re after, while the purl stitches hang out on the back, doing the heavy lifting out of sight.
Knitting in the round is a whole different party. If you’re using circular needles or double-pointed needles (DPNs), good news: you don’t need to purl at all!
Just knit every round.
Because you’re not turning your work, each round adds another row of those nice, neat knit stitches on the front. No flipping, no fussing.
Stockinette stitch is a dream, but it’s not without its little quirks. If you’re noticing uneven tension, twisted stitches, or your project seems to have a mind of its own, don’t worry - it happens to the best of us.
Tension issues? Could be your yarn grip. Try relaxing your hands and let the yarn glide.
Twisted stitches? Make sure you’re wrapping your yarn correctly around the needle.
Project curling like a cinnamon roll? We’ll get to that in just a bit. Or, if you’re wondering if you’ve made one of the most common mistakes when knitting, we’ve got a whole guide for that too.
Take your work and flip it over. Reverse stockinette stitch is essentially the backside of regular stockinette. You knit the wrong side and purl the right side. It has a more textured, pebbled finish and makes a lovely contrast stitch.
This is where things get fancy. Double stockinette creates a squishy, double-layered fabric that doesn’t curl at the edges. You’ll knit one stitch, slip the next with the yarn in front, and repeat. It takes a bit more concentration but the results are worth it - especially for items like scarves where both sides will be visible.
Looking for a bit of flair? Try twisted stockinette by knitting through the back loop of each stitch. It tightens up the fabric and adds a slightly raised texture that pops. Great for adding subtle detail to an otherwise simple piece.
Oh, the dreaded curl. It’s a stockinette stitch signature, like a cheeky wink from your yarn that says, "You thought this would lie flat? Ha!"
One easy fix? Add a border in garter stitch (knit every row). Just 4-6 stitches on each edge can make a world of difference. It helps anchor the curling edges and adds a nice little frame to your piece.
Ribbed or seed stitch edges also do the trick. They're sturdier and naturally lie flatter, which makes them great choices for hems and cuffs.
Some yarns just behave better than others. Natural fibers like wool respond well to blocking, meaning you can gently shape your finished piece with steam or moisture to help flatten it out. Acrylic? Not so much, but it can still be tamed with some clever steam blocking (with caution).
As mentioned above, double stockinette doesn’t curl. At all. It’s thicker, cozier, and perfectly flat. If curling drives you mad, this variation might just be your new best friend.
A scarf is the ultimate beginner project. Cast on enough stitches for the desired width, then alternate knit and purl rows. Add a garter or ribbed edge if you’re feeling extra clever.
Use circular needles to knit in the round. No purling needed. Just knit every row and you’ll have a smooth, stretchy beanie before you know it.
Blankets might seem ambitious, but a baby-sized one in stockinette with a nice edge stitch is quite doable. Plus, there’s something extra heart-warming about making something soft and snuggly for a little one. (We may or may not include patterns like this in our boxes - but no spoilers!)
Stockinette stitch is deceptively simple, endlessly versatile, and the gateway to becoming a confident knitter. Whether you're crafting a scarf, a blanket, or something from our convenient monthly knitting delivery, this stitch is your faithful companion. Yes, it curls. Yes, it can be fiddly at times. But it’s also the backbone of so many lovely projects.
Take your time, embrace the quirks, and let your needles find their rhythm. The stockinette stitch might just become your favourite stitch of all.
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