The Seed Stitch is a beautiful, easy-to-make textured knitting stitch. From small baby items to large blankets, the stitch can be used in any project to enhance its beauty. All you need is your knitting needles and yarn to make this classic stitch.
What is Seed Stitch?
The Seed Stitch is a completely reversible pattern. Both the right side and the wrong side are identical. Each row of knitting consists of alternating Knit and Purl Stitches, creating little bumps that look like seeds. One of the reasons that are favored is that it does not curl at the ends and edges of a piece of knitting. It is not just beautiful but equally effective to make neat edges. For that reason, it is often used for the borders of blankets and scarves –where you want the work to lay flat. Not just the borders the textured seed stitch works successfully in dishcloths, blankets, scarves, and hats.
Knitting uses only 2 stitches: knit and purl and the seed stitch utilizes both. It follows the pattern of single knits and purls that alternate both horizontally and vertically, whether you are knitting flat or in the round. The stitch is so well known that most pattern writers don't explain how to do it. If you are new to this textured stitch, we’ll take you through the process of knitting the seed stitch.
So, let’s get started.
Step 1: Cast-On stitches
Seed stitch patterns are possible for any quantity of stitches. It works well with even or odd numbers of stitches. But, make sure that you count the slip knot as the first cast-on stitch.
We recommend using the same knitting needles as suggested in the pattern. If you are designing your own, you can use circular knitting needles as you can knit both flat and in-the-round with the same pair. With the use of interchangeable circular needles, you have the choice of cables in varying lengths which is useful if your project varies in width.
Step 2: Knitting the Seed Stitch
The instructions for knitting the seed stitch depends on whether you are knitting an even or odd number of stitches. You will be using knit and purl stitches, but the instructions will differ.
Even or Odd?
If you have an even number of stitches, you’ll follow this pattern:
Row 1: Knit 1, purl 1. Repeat the k1, p1 to the end of the row or round.
Row 2: Purl 1, knit 1. Repeat the p1, k1 again to the end of the row or round.
For patterns with an odd number of stitches to cast on, the stitch pattern is:
Row 1: K1, P 1, repeat to the last stitch and knit 1. Even if you end with K1, you will begin with K1 again on the following row or round.
Rows 2 and beyond: Repeat the same instructions for the remaining rows or rounds.
If you are knitting in round or double-pointed needles on circular knitting needles, the instructions are the same. Just remember to follow the pattern for even stitches or odd stitches. If working in rounds, make sure to place a stitch marker at the beginning of the round.
Step 3: Bind off and weave in yarn ends
After you’ve knit according to the instructions for the project, you need to bind off. Like cast-on techniques, there are a variety of methods to cast-off. For projects follow the pattern. Weave in the yarn ends with a finishing needle or a repair hook.
Now, that we’ve discussed how to knit the seed the stitch, we hope you’ll use it. Before starting with any project, big or small, make sure to start with a gauge swatch or what is also known as a tension square. Proceed with your pattern of choice. Be sure that the instructions are in US terms as seed stitch in UK patterns is different.
You also need to be aware of the difference between seed stitch and moss stitch. Given the similarity between the two, it can be confusing as to which you should use in a project. Both stitches follow the pattern of K1, P1 in a row alternating with P1, K 1. However, the moss stitch is basically a doubled-version of the seed stitch pattern. You K1, Pl for two rows and then switch to Pl, K1, for two rows. Moss stitch resembles a short version of ribbing for 2 rows before the stitches are reversed. It is only used on an even number of stitches, while seed stitches are reversed on every row and can be used on either even or odd numbers of stitches. Once you see it and get used to using it, you will appreciate the virtues of each.
Besides, seed stitch in knitting, there is also a seed stitch pattern in crochet. Always make sure to read the pattern before starting any project.
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