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Key Takeaways
- The seed stitch alternates knit and purl stitches across every row, creating a beautifully textured fabric
- It produces a reversible fabric that looks identical on both sides, making it ideal for scarves, blankets, and dishcloths
- Seed stitch lies completely flat without curling, unlike stockinette stitch
- You only need to know two stitches to master it: knit and purl
- It uses slightly more yarn than stockinette stitch, so plan for about 10 to 15 percent extra yardage
- Seed stitch works on any number of stitches, odd or even, though the technique differs slightly
If you know how to knit seed stitch, you have one of the most versatile stitch patterns in your toolkit. The seed stitch is a classic texture stitch that every knitter should learn early on, and it is far easier than it looks. It creates a gorgeous bumpy texture that adds visual interest to any project without requiring complicated stitch manipulation or cable work.
The seed stitch gets its name from the tiny raised bumps that dot the fabric surface, resembling scattered seeds. Unlike ribbing, which creates vertical columns, the seed stitch places each bump in a checkerboard arrangement that catches light beautifully and adds subtle dimension to your finished pieces.
What Is the Seed Stitch in Knitting?
The seed stitch is a simple two-row repeat (or one-row repeat on an odd number of stitches) that alternates knit and purl stitches. The key principle is this: you always knit the purls and purl the knits. Whatever stitch is facing you from the previous row, you do the opposite. This offsetting creates the distinctive nubby texture.
One of the best qualities of the seed stitch is that it lies perfectly flat. If you have ever knit a swatch in stockinette stitch and watched the edges curl inward, you know how frustrating that can be. Seed stitch eliminates that problem entirely, which is why it is commonly used for borders, edges, and any project where you want a flat, stable fabric.
The fabric is also completely reversible. Both sides look exactly the same, making it perfect for projects like scarves, blankets, and washcloths where both sides will be visible. For your first seed stitch project, I recommend using a smooth, light-colored yarn like Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK so you can clearly see each stitch as you work.
How to Knit the Seed Stitch: Step-by-Step Instructions
On an Odd Number of Stitches
Working seed stitch on an odd number of stitches is the simplest version because every row is identical.
Cast on any odd number of stitches. For a practice swatch, try 21 stitches using bamboo knitting needles, which grip the yarn gently and make it easier to maintain even tension.
Every row: Knit 1, purl 1. Repeat to the end. Because you started with an odd number, the last stitch of every row will be a knit stitch, and when you turn your work, the first stitch of the next row will also be a knit stitch. This naturally offsets the pattern without any extra thought.
On an Even Number of Stitches
When working on an even number of stitches, you need two different rows.
Cast on any even number of stitches.
Row 1: Knit 1, purl 1. Repeat to the end.
Row 2: Purl 1, knit 1. Repeat to the end.
Repeat these two rows. The second row starts with a purl instead of a knit, which is what offsets the bumps into the correct checkerboard arrangement.
How to Read Your Knitting
If you lose track of which row you are on, look at the stitch sitting on your needle. If it looks like a knit stitch (a smooth V shape), purl it. If it looks like a purl stitch (a horizontal bump), knit it. This is the golden rule of seed stitch: always do the opposite of what you see. Using locking stitch markers every 10 stitches or so can help you keep track of your pattern as you learn.
Tips for Beautiful, Even Seed Stitch
The biggest challenge with seed stitch is maintaining consistent tension as you switch between knit and purl stitches. Here are some tips that help.
First, move the yarn smoothly between the front and back of your work. Every time you switch from a knit to a purl (or vice versa), the working yarn needs to move to the other side of the needle. Do this deliberately and do not let it drag across the top of a stitch, which creates loose, uneven loops.
Second, try not to pull too tightly after switching. Many knitters unconsciously tug the yarn after bringing it forward or backward, which creates tight spots next to looser stitches. Aim for a relaxed, consistent tension throughout.
Third, practice on a yarn that has a bit of grip. Cotton and wool are easier than slippery yarns like bamboo or silk for learning this stitch. Knit Picks Swish Worsted is a beautiful superwash merino that shows stitch definition well and has just enough elasticity to forgive uneven tension while you are learning.
Fourth, block your finished piece. Even if your tension is not perfectly consistent, blocking evens everything out and transforms your seed stitch fabric from good to polished.
Seed Stitch vs. Moss Stitch: What Is the Difference?
You will often hear seed stitch and moss stitch used interchangeably, but they are technically different stitch patterns. In American knitting terminology, the seed stitch alternates knit and purl every single stitch and every single row. The moss stitch (also called double seed stitch) works the knit/purl pattern for two rows before offsetting, creating slightly larger textured blocks.
To make things more confusing, British knitting terminology sometimes reverses these names. What Americans call seed stitch, British patterns call moss stitch, and vice versa. When following a pattern, always check the stitch instructions rather than relying on the name alone.
Project Ideas Using the Seed Stitch
Once you have mastered the seed stitch, you will find countless ways to use it in your knitting. It works beautifully as the main fabric for washcloths and dishcloths since the texture adds scrubbing power and the flat edges mean no curling. Cotton yarns like Lily Sugar’n Cream are perfect for these kitchen projects.
Seed stitch also makes a stunning scarf. Because it is reversible, both sides look equally beautiful when draped around your neck. Try it in a chunky yarn for a cozy winter accessory that knits up quickly.
Many sweater patterns use seed stitch for borders, button bands, and collar edges because it lies flat and adds a refined finish. If you are ready to try seed stitch in a garment, browse our knitting patterns collection for inspiration.
The seed stitch is also wonderful for baby blankets and accessories. The soft bumpy texture is gentle against little skin, and the reversibility means the blanket always looks finished no matter which side faces up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is seed stitch good for beginners?
Yes. If you know how to knit and purl, you can do the seed stitch. It is one of the first textured stitch patterns most knitters learn, and the repetitive nature of the pattern makes it meditative and easy to memorize after a few rows.
Does seed stitch use more yarn than stockinette?
It does, typically about 10 to 15 percent more. The constant switching between knit and purl creates a slightly denser, thicker fabric. When planning a project in seed stitch, add a bit of extra yardage to your estimate to make sure you do not run short.
Why does my seed stitch look like ribbing?
If your seed stitch is forming vertical columns instead of a checkerboard, you are knitting the knits and purling the purls instead of doing the opposite. Remember: always do the opposite of the stitch that faces you. If you see a V (knit), purl it. If you see a bump (purl), knit it.
Can I do seed stitch in the round?
Yes, but it works differently because you never turn your work. On an even number of stitches, round 1 is knit 1, purl 1 all the way around, and round 2 is purl 1, knit 1 all the way around. Alternate these two rounds. On an odd number of stitches (which is unusual in the round), every round would be knit 1, purl 1 and the pattern offsets itself naturally. ChiaoGoo Red Lace circular needles are my go-to for any project worked in the round.
What is the best yarn for seed stitch?
Smooth, plied yarns show the seed stitch texture best. Avoid very fuzzy or heavily textured yarns, which will hide the stitch definition. Worsted weight is the easiest weight to learn on since the stitches are large enough to read clearly. Wool and cotton blends work particularly well.
The seed stitch is one of those fundamental techniques that you will come back to again and again throughout your knitting life. It is simple enough for your very first project, yet elegant enough for advanced garments. Once you learn how to knit seed stitch and read your work, you have a skill that opens up hundreds of patterns and possibilities. Grab your needles, cast on a few stitches, and give it a try. You can find more stitch tutorials, project ideas, and patterns on @darlingjadore on Instagram.