Learn how to knit the classic seed stitch. This easy stitch pattern alternates knits and purls for a textured fabric.

After the garter stitch, seed stitch is one of the first stitch patterns beginners learn because it’s so simple. Seed stitch also lays flat so there’s no need for an edge treatment.

In this tutorial I’ll show you how to knit seed stitch for an odd number and an even number of stitches. So no matter how many stitches your pattern calls for you can knit the seed stitch.

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The seed stitch pattern is always an combination of knit stitches and purl stitches. But depending on how many stitches you cast on your knitting needle you will either have one repeat row or two.

When you start with an uneven number of stitches you’ll only have a one row repeat. When you have an even number then it’s a two row repeat.

Grey and black ombre fabric in seed stitch.

Another great feature of this stitch is that both the right side and the wrong side look the same. This makes it an excellent choice for so many knitting projects.

The little purl bumps contrast with the knits to create this interesting texture. It’s a reversible pattern so it looks great even on the wrong side of your work.

Materials

This stitch works great in any weight yarn. I’m using Lion Brand’s Wool Ease Thick & Quick, a superbulky yarn for this tutorial.

And I pair this yarn with my 9 mm knitting needles. You can use any yarn and matching needles.

Scissors, tapestry needle

Notes

For this stitch you knit the purls and purl the knits. So you know to use the opposite stitch than what you’re looking at on the previous row.

Stitches / Abbreviations (US Terms)

BO – bind off The easiest way to bind off is with the basic bind off. The seed stitch looks great when you bind off in pattern. This keeps the texture of the knitted fabric consistent through the bind off edge.

CO – cast on

K – Knit

rep-repeat

st(s) – stitch(es)

Free Seed Stitch Knitting Patterns

Seed stitch is a great choice for scarf patterns, baby blankets, or borders of blankets like in the Bella Vita Blanket. Any project where you need the sides of your work to lay flat make seed stitch a good edging.

The seed stitch scarf is a free pattern in worsted weight yarn.
This chunky knit seed stitch earwarmer makes a great first knitting project for total beginners.
The Miramonte Scarf features a diamond pattern in purls with a seed stitch edging.

Video Tutorial

Watch the video tutorial on my YouTube.

How to Knit Seed Stitch

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 1 minute

Active Time: 5 minutes

Additional Time: 1 minute

Total Time: 1 minute

Difficulty: Easy

Estimated Cost: $1

Learn how to knit the seed stitch. In this step by step tutorial I show you how to knit seed stitch with an even cast on and an odd number of stitches.

Materials

Any yarn, I'm using a #6 super bulky yarn.

Tools

Knitting needles to match your yarn. I'm using my 9 mm needles US Size 13 circular needles.

Instructions

To knit seed stitch with an odd number of stitches.

Cast on 9 (or an odd number)
Row 1. K1, *P1, K1 rep from * to the end of the row.The last stitch will always be a knit.
Row 2. Rep Row 1 for the next row and for each row until you reach your desired length. If you look closely above the single knits are the little bumps, or purl stitches.