Double Moss Stitch (Free Knitting Pattern For Beginners)

What Is Double Moss Pattern?    

Double moss stitch, or double seed stitch, is a textured knitting stitch pattern that creates a fabric with a raised, bumpy surface. 

It is a variation of the basic moss or seed stitch, alternating knit and purl stitches to create a subtle textured pattern.

How To Knit Double Moss Stitch (Flat And In The Round)

Double moss stitch is a simple textured knitting stitch that uses only knit and purl stitches.

You can work this stitch flat on straight needles or in the round using circular needles or double-pointed needles.

The pattern uses a multiple of 4 stitches and has a four-row or four-round repeat.

How To Knit Double Moss Stitch Flat

When knitting double moss stitch flat, you work back and forth in rows, turning your work at the end of each row.

Stitch Multiple: Multiple of 4 stitches.

Pattern Repeat: 4 rows.

Cast on a multiple of 4 stitches (for example, 20, 24, 28, or 32 stitches).

• Row 1 (RS): *K2, P2; rep from * to the end of the row.
• Row 2 (WS): *K2, P2; rep from * to the end of the row.
• Row 3: *P2, K2; rep from * to the end of the row.
• Row 4: *P2, K2; rep from * to the end of the row.

Repeat rows 1–4 until your work reaches the desired length.

How To Knit Double Moss Stitch In The Round

You can also knit double moss stitch in the round using circular needles or double-pointed needles.

When knitting in the round, you work continuously on the right side of the fabric without turning your work.

Stitch Multiple: Multiple of 4 stitches.

Pattern Repeat: 4 rounds.

Cast on a multiple of 4 stitches (for example, 40, 48, 64, or 80 stitches).

Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist your stitches, and place a stitch marker to indicate the beginning of the round.

• Round 1: *K2, P2; rep from * to the end of the round.
• Round 2: *K2, P2; rep from * to the end of the round.
• Round 3: *P2, K2; rep from * to the end of the round.
• Round 4: *P2, K2; rep from * to the end of the round.

Repeat rounds 1–4 until your work reaches the desired length.

Can You Add Border Stitches?

Yes! If you’re making a dishcloth, blanket, or scarf, you can add extra stitches to create a neat border.

For example, the double moss stitch dishcloth pattern below uses 40 stitches for the main pattern (a multiple of 4), plus 3 garter stitch border stitches on each side.

This gives you a total cast-on of 46 stitches.

The garter stitch border helps prevent curling and gives the finished project a neat edge.

Double Moss Stitch Pattern

Skill Level – Basic (Beginner)

Knitting a dishcloth using the double moss stitch is a wonderful choice for creating a textured, dense fabric that’s perfect for scrubbing.

This stitch pattern, also known as the double seed stitch, alternates between knits and purls across two rows and then switches for the next two rows, providing a delightful texture that’s also visually appealing.

With very little effort, you can create a dishcloth with a little texture from leftover cotton yarns in your stash.

Copyright Info

• Please do not copy, sell, redistribute, or republish this pattern. 
• If you wish to share this pattern, please provide a link to the pattern page only.
• You may sell items produced using this pattern.
• Do NOT use the copyrighted photos for your product listing.
• For the copyright T&C, please read my Terms of Use.

Size Information

Finished Size – 26 x 26 cm/10 x 10 inches.

Gauge – 16 sts x 26 rows = 4 × 4 inches/10 x 10 cm in the pattern.

Gauge is not critical for a dishcloth, but you can aim for a gauge of around 4 stitches per inch to ensure the cloth isn’t too loose or too tight.

The Supplies You Need…

Yarn

• 1 x ball of The Pima Cotton yarn from We Are Knitters.
• This yarn is 3.5 oz/100g/232 yds/212 m.
• You can make 2 dishcloths with this amount of cotton yarn.
• Or – 1 x 50g cotton yarn suitable for 4.5 mm (US 7) knitting needles or 5 mm (US 8) needles.
• Any DK/light worsted/8 ply yarn or Aran/worsted/10 ply yarn.
• I would recommend using cotton.

Needle Size

Knitting needles (size US 7 or 8 / 4.5mm or 5 mm (US 8) Knitting needles usually work well with medium-weight cotton yarn)

Notions

• Darning needle/yarn needle
• Scissors
• Tape measure
• Stitch markers x 2

Knitting Abbreviations

• CO – Cast on
• Cont – Continue
• K – Knit
• P – Purl
• PM – Place a marker
• SM – Slip marker
• St(s) – Stitch(es)
• Rep – Repeat
• RS – Right side
• WS – Wrong side

Video Tutorial 

Check out the double moss stitch pattern step-by-step video tutorial on my YouTube channel.

You will see step-by-step instructions showing you how to create this lovely texture.

Double Moss Stitch Dishcloth Pattern Instructions

Cast On:

Cast on 46 stitches (40 stitches for the double moss stitch pattern, plus 3 garter stitch border stitches on each side).

Set-Up Rows:

Rows 1-6: Knit all stitches. These rows set the foundation for your pattern and create a neat edge.

Begin Double Moss Stitch Pattern: This is a 4-row repeat.

• Row 1 (RS) – K3, PM, *K2, P2* to the last 3 sts, PM, K3
• Row 2 (WS) – K3, SM, *K2, P2* to the marker, SM, K3.
• Row 3: K3, SM, *P2, K2* to the marker, SM, K3.
• Row 4: K3, SM, *P2, K2* to the marker, SM, K3.

Continue the Pattern:

Repeat rows 1–4 until the dishcloth measures approximately 9 inches/23 cm, ending after Row 4 of the pattern repeat.

The double moss stitch will produce a great texture that is perfect for cleaning.

Finishing Rows and Bind Off:

Knit 6 rows to create a garter stitch border at the top.

Bind off/cast off all stitches knitwise on the right side. This ensures a neat edge.

Finishing:

Cut the yarn, leaving a long enough tail to weave in with a tapestry needle.

Weave in all ends securely to prevent them from unraveling during use or washing.

Free Printable

To make this project even easier, I’ve created a free printable version of the pattern.

You can keep it handy while you work, no need to keep checking your phone or scrolling through the blog.

It’s perfect for printing out or saving to your tablet for easy access anytime.

Just click the print button below to grab your free copy!

FAQ About The Double Moss Stitch

What is the difference between moss stitch and double moss stitch?   

Moss stitch and double moss stitch are both textured knitting stitch patterns, but they differ in the number of rows it takes to complete a full pattern repeat and the arrangement of knit and purl stitches.

In moss stitch, you alternate between knit and purl stitches on every row. It creates a subtle, bumpy texture and is often used for borders, cuffs, or entire fabric for a classic look.

Is double moss stitch reversible? 

Yes, double moss stitch, also known as double seed stitch or double Irish moss stitch, is a reversible pattern. 

This stitch pattern is created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a specific sequence across rows.

The result is a textured fabric with a subtle raised pattern on both sides, making it reversible. 

This makes double moss stitch a great choice for scarves, blankets, and other projects where both sides of the fabric will be visible. 

The reversible nature of the stitch adds versatility to the finished piece. 

Make a new heirloom today.

Related Post: 30 Reversible Knitting Stitch Patterns You Will Love!

What can you make with the double moss stitch?

The double moss, with its stitch texture and reversible nature, is an ideal choice for crafting a variety of cozy and visually appealing knit items. 

One popular option is scarves, cowls, and shawls, where the stitch pattern’s texture adds depth and interest, making for a stylish accessory suitable for various occasions. 

Additionally, the double moss stitch works exceptionally well for blankets and afghans, providing not only warmth but also a visually intriguing design on both sides of the fabric. 

This makes it a versatile choice for those who appreciate the aesthetic of a textured pattern and desire a finished piece that looks inviting from any angle. 

Whether you’re creating garments, accessories like hats and pillows, or functional items like dishcloths, the double moss stitch offers a timeless and adaptable stitch pattern for a wide range of knitting projects.

Check out the free knitting patterns category for even more great ideas – Free Knitting Patterns

Knitting Lessons

If you are a new knitter and need help with the knitting basics, check out these posts here and be your own knitting instructor – Knitting Lessons (With Video Tutorials).

For easier projects, check out this pattern category. There, you will find a range of knitting patterns – Beginner Knitters

Plus, learn everything about the different yarn weights here, including ( worsted yarn, chunky yarn, super bulky yarn, and more) – Yarn Weight Guide {+ Conversion Chart} 

Learn everything about yarn fibers here – Yarn Types Explained: A Guide To Different Fibers 

And if you need more video tutorials to help you practice your basic knitting skills, check out my YouTube channel here – Handy Little Me – YouTube. 

Could you share your work with us?

I love seeing your finished projects on social media.

If you enjoyed making the double moss stitch, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, tag me @handylittleme.

If you are on Facebook, stop over to the Handylittleme Facebook Group and share a photo.

You can also check out my Facebook page here.

You can also find us on Pinterest, Ravelry, and Twitter.

I’d love to see your work.

Happy Knitting!

More Stitch Patterns 

Check out the various stitch patterns below to find your next knitting project. 

• Knitted Dishcloth Patterns Free (Best For Beginners)
• How To Knit A Mitered Square (Free Knitting Pattern) 
• Irish Moss Stitch Dishcloth Knitting Pattern
• How To Knit The Basket Weave Stitch – Easy Tutorial
• Waffle Stitch Knitting Pattern (Simple Knit Tutorial)
• Broken Rib Stitch Knitting Pattern For Beginners
• 31 Free Knitted Dishcloth Patterns For Beginners
• Celtic Cable Dishcloth Knitting Pattern (+ Free PDF)
• Diagonal Knit Dishcloth Pattern (Free + Easy For Beginners)
• How To Knit The Linen Stitch (Tutorial + Pattern)
• Seersucker Stitch Pattern Ideal For Beginners
• Hurdle Stitch Knitting Pattern (Easy For Beginners)
• Diamond Knitting Pattern (Diamond Brocade Stitch)
• Bubble Stitch – How To Knit 4 Below Tutorial
• How To Knit Twisted Rib Stitch (Flat + In The Round)
• Slip Stitch Knitting (How To Slip Knit Stitches)
• How To Knit Herringbone Stitch
• How To Knit The Diamond Cable Stitch (Free Stitch Pattern)
• How To Knit A Hat For Complete Beginners (+ Video Tutorial)