How To Knit Seed Stitch For Beginners

THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.

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 learned 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.

How to knit seed stitch

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.

The right sides and wrong sides look the same as this is a reversible pattern.

The edges are straight, there is no curling like some stitch patterns have.

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

Newsletter
Get the latest in your inbox!

Weekly news, free patterns, tutorials, and more.

Seed stitch knit example
You can see the little bumps on this sample here.

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 – Knitting Abbreviations and Terms.

knitting seed stitch

Why Does My Seed Stitch Look Like Ribbing?

Some knitters avoid the seed stitch pattern as it can become a little confusing if you have to concentrate on making sure you alternate knit and purl stitches.

The key is to concentrate and check that you haven’t missed anything, by checking at the end of the row on the right side.

If the last stitch was a purl stitch, then the first stitch on the next row will be a knit stitch.

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

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 – Seed Stitch Hat Pattern.

winter hat pattern

The Seed Stitch Pattern

When you are knitting the seed stitch pattern 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 as this stitch pattern is reversible. 

This stitch is commonly used in scarf patterns and hats.

To see an example of a seed stitch knitting pattern take a look at this infinity scarf pattern here – Infinity Scarf Knitting Pattern.

View A Seed Stitch Video Tutorial On My YouTube Channel Here

knitted+infinity+scarf

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;

Seed Stitch

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

Cast on 12 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
Seed stitch knit example
Sample in super bulky yarn on a size 10 mm (US 15) needle.

American Moss Stitch

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.
American moss stitch example

Irish Moss Stitch

There is an 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 – Irish Moss Stitch Hat Pattern.

Irish Moss Stitch Hat Pattern
Irish Moss Stitch Pattern Instructions

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

4 Comments

  1. Thank you so much for your lovely clear tutorial. It looks the same as Moss stitch which I was taught here in Australia.

    Have a lovely Easter.

    Michelle Biland 💟

    1. Hello Michelle, thank you so much for your kind words, I’m so happy you enjoyed the tutorial. 🙂

  2. It would be really helpful if you showed how to do an increase on the moss stitch without interrupting the pattern. No one has a video or any way of doing it that appears to work and I have tried a lot of them and am still not able to do it.

    1. Hello Ruth,
      I’m not sure an increase like that exists, you could do some research and see if there s anything on YouTube.
      It would be difficult to increase in the middle of a seed stitch pattern, the only way you can do it is to increase on the end of the row so that you can form new patterns in seed stitch as you work.
      If you find anything let us know!
      Thanks,
      Louise