Simple Knits for Beginners
Easy Knit Stitch Patterns Produce Beautiful Pieces Effortlessly
Beautiful items can be made out of the most simple of knit stitch patterns. Consider these when planning a future project.
There are a number of elegant knit stitch patterns that are overlooked because seasoned knitters feel they are too simple, or are used too much by beginners. However, wonderful projects come from the most simple of stitches when paired with a blended, textured, or variegated yarn.
The following stitches are the perfect next step for an advanced beginner, who is ready to move on from simple garter, or to combine garter with other stitch patterns to make an elegant piece. Consider these when planning a future project, especially when using highly decorative yarn; let the yarn do the work.
The Very Basic Stitches
Three very simple stitches, garter, stockinette, and reverse stockinette, are usually mastered when a knitter is first learning the craft. These three stitches patterns are the basis of all the other stitch patterns in knit.
Seed Stitch / Moss Stitch
Seed and moss are sometimes used interchangeably in knit. Here’s the scoop: the British Moss Stitch is the same as the American Seed Stitch. The American moss stitch is different. So, your location determines what the stitch you want to do is named.
- American Seed (British Moss): Cast-on an even number of stitches when working in seed. Knit one, purl one, knit one, purl one, across the first row. Purl one, knit one, purl one, and knit one, across the next row. Repeat row pattern (rows 1 and 2) until desired length is attained. Cast off.
- American Moss Stitch: Cast on an even number of stitches to use moss stitch. Knit one, purl one, knit one, purl one, to end for rows one and two. Purl one, knit one, purl one, knit one, to end of rows three and four. Repeat row pattern (rows 1 and 2) until desired length is attained. Cast off.
Double Moss Stitch
Cast on a number of stitches that is a multiple of four. Knit two, purl two, knit two purl two, to end for rows one and two. Purl two, knit two, purl two, knit two, to end of rows three and four. Repeat row pattern until desired length is attained. Cast off.
Linen Stitch
Cast on an odd number of stitches. Knit one, slip one with the yarn in the front, and then knit one. Repeat to end of row, being sure to end on a knit one. Knit one, purl one, slip one with yarn in the back, purl one, then repeat the purl / slip pattern until the end of row two, being sure to end on a knit one.Cast off.
Roman Stitch
Cast on an even number of stitches. Knit one row, purl one row, knit one row, and purl one row. On the fifth row, knit one, purl one, knit one, purl one, repeat until end of row is reached. On the sixth row, purl one, knit one, purl one, knit one, repeat until end of is reached. Repeat this six-row pattern until the desired length is reached.
Simplicity is Elegance
Simple stitches are not necessarily simple looking. These stitch patterns create beautiful pieces when a lovely yarn is chosen. Enjoy the process and the product.
