How To Knit Seed Stitch

In this post, you will learn how to knit seed stitch.

Using these stitches only requires basic knitting skills, such as casting on, knitting stitches, purling stitches, and casting off.

If you have learnt these knitting techniques, then the seed stitch should be no problem for you, but you can always brush up on the knitting basics first if you feel the need.

What is Seed Stitch?

The seed stitch consists of single knits and purls that alternate both horizontally and vertically.

Seed stitch is a great textured stitch and gets its name from the texture of the knitted fabric – the little purl bumps look like scattered seeds.

It is a little more complicated than other beginner stitches like the garter and stockinette stitch.

Even Seed Stitch

If you have an even number of stitches, follow this pattern;

• Row 1: K1, P1, repeat to end.
• Row 2: P1, K1, repeat to end.

Odd Seed Stitch

If you have a pattern that requires an odd number of stitches, follow this pattern:

• Row 1: K1, P1, rep to final st and K1
• Row 2: Rep the same pattern above.
• For all following rows rep row 1.

For knitting terms and abbreviations please look here.

Why does my seed stitch look like ribbing?

Some knitters avoid seed stitch as it can become a little confusing, if you have to concentrate on making sure you are alternating your knit and purl stitches.

The key is to concentrate and check that you haven’t missed anything, by checking row after row.

If you have missed alternating the stitches anywhere your seed stitch will look like ribbing.

Working the same stitches – for example knit on top of a knit stitch and purl on top of a purl stitch, will make the fabric look like ribbing.

You can see an example of a seed stitch hat pattern here.

When you are knitting seed stitch it is good to remember that the knits and purls never build up on top of each other.

They alternate and are good for any projects where you want both sides of the fabric to look the same. 

This stitch is commonly used in scarf patterns and hats.

To see an example of seed stitch take a look at this infinity scarf pattern here. 

Seed stitch vs moss stitch – is there a difference?

If you have a British pattern then seed stitch and moss stitch are the same.

However, if you have an American pattern they are not classed as the same stitch (even though they look similar).

For example;

The Seed Stitch is knitted over an even number of stitches.

This is how you knit the seed stitch:

• Row 1: *K1, p1; rep from * across
• Row 2: *P1, k1; rep from * across
• Rep Rows 1 and 2 for pattern

The American Moss Stitch is knitted over an uneven number of stitches.

This is how you knit the American moss stitch:

• Rows 1 and 4: K1, *p1, k1; rep from * across
• Rows 2 and 3: P1, *k1, p1; rep from * across
•  Repeat Rows 1–4 for the pattern.

Irish Moss Stitch

There is Irish moss stitch which is also known as American moss stitch.

This 4-row repeat knit stitch pattern is a variation of the Seed Stitch and has a really great texture.

American moss stitch or double moss stitch are other terms used for this stitch pattern.

Take a look at this hat pattern that uses Irish moss stitch here.