Basic Knit Stitch Patterns
Making Garter, Stockinette, Reverse-Stockinette and Seed Stitches
Jan 21, 2008
Four basic stitch patterns that all knitters should know are the Stockinette (stocking), garter, reverse stockinette, and seed stitch. Each has a distinctive look, and all four are used prolifically in knitting.
Garter Stitch
Garter stitch is the most basic of all the stitch patterns in knit. It’s the easiest because after casting on the required number of stitches, the knitter simply works every row with knit stitch. In other words, cast on, knit a row, knit a row, knit a row, and so on until the bind off. Both sides of the knitted fabric look the same.
Garter stitch lies very well; it does not curl. Figure 1 is an illustration of a portion of a piece made in straight garter stitch.
Because garter stitch lies so well and is so stable, it’s a good stitch to start a project in about four rows of garter before going into a pattern will ensure the item won’t roll. Figure 5 is a picture of this technique.
Stockinette Stitch
Stockinette stitch is also known as “Stocking Stitch.” After casting on the required number of stitches, work the first row with knit stitch, work the second row with purl stitch, and then continue alternating rows of knit and purl. In other words, cast on, knit a row, purl a row, knit a row, purl a row, and so on until the bind off.
Figure 2 is an illustration of a portion of a piece made in Stockinette.
Stockinette stitch has a tendency to curl. Because of this, it’s a good idea to start off a Stockinette project with a few rows of garter.
Reverse-Stockinette Stitch
Reverse-Stockinette stitch looks exactly like the reverse side of a Stockinette stitch, and is sometimes called “Reverse-Stocking Stitch.” After casting on the required number of stitches, work the first row with purl stitch, work the second row with knit stitch, and then continue alternating rows of purl and knit. In other words, cast on, purl a row, knit a row, purl a row, knit a row, and so on until the bind off.
Figure 3 shows an illustration of a portion of an item made in Reverse-Stockinette.
Like Stocking Stitch, Reverse-Stocking has a strong tendency to curl. Again, because of this, it’s a good ideas to start off a Reverse-Stockinette project with a few rows of garter.
Seed Stitch
Seed stitch is also referred to as “Moss Stitch.” Cast on an even number of stitches. Knit one, purl one alternately across the first row. Purl one, knit one alternately across the second row. Repeat those two rows until the bind off.
Figure 4 is a photo of an item made in seed stitch. Seed stitch lies very well. Although it looks complicated, it is not.
These four stitches are just the beginning, but mastering them before attempting more complicated stitches is a good idea. Relax while learning, and enjoy knitting.
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