How To Knit Seed Stitch For Beginners

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 here – Knitting Lessons (With Video Tutorials)

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.

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 (US And UK).

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 – Easy Hat Pattern | The Alexia

The Seed Stitch Pattern

When you are knitting the seed stitch pattern, 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 Pattern (Seed Stitch)

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

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.

Practice Seed Stitch With A Free Dishcloth Pattern

You can practice seed stitch with a free dishcloth pattern that comes as part of a three pattern set.

View it here and grab your free printable PDF – Knitted DishclothPattern Free (Best For Beginners)

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.

Knitting Lessons

If you are new to knitting and need help with the basics, check out these posts here: Knitting Lessons (With Video Tutorials).

There, you will find step-by-step tutorials for all the different knitting techniques a newbie needs to know.

This includes how to cast on, how to bind off, how to knit the basic stitches, how to knit the knit stitches, how to knit the purl stitches, and how to knit the rib stitch.  

How to make the mattress stitch, short rows, yarn over(yo), knit the slip stitch, use the magic loop technique, how to decrease knitting, fix knitting mistakes, measure gauge in knitting, how to insert pockets, and more. 

Also included is a list of knitting abbreviations (UK + US terms), instructions on knitting the linen stitch, and more.

For an easy-level project like a ribbed hat or a garter stitch scarf check out these beginner-friendly patterns here – Beginner Knitters

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.