knitting stitches

Knitting Stitches for Beginners

Combinations of knitting stitches produce a huge array of different designs. Even if you just use the basic knit and purl stitches, the possibilities are endless.

Some stitch patterns are reversible (like garter stitch) which means that the front and back of the knitted fabric look the same. This means there is no right side or wrong side (which occurs in stockinette, for example).

Simple Knitting Stitches

Here are some simple stitch patterns to get you started

Garter Stitch

Garter stitch

Cast on the required number of stitches (or any number you fancy if you are just learning)

1st Row: Knit to end

Knit every row until the required size is obtained

NB This stitch pattern is reversible

Stockinette Stitch

Stockinette stitch

Cast on the required number of stitches (or any number you fancy if you are just learning)

1st Row: Knit to end

2nd Row: Purl to end

Repeat these two rows until the required size is obtained

Double Rib Stitch

Double rib stitch

For a “two and two” rib, cast on a number of stitches divisible by four

1st Row: *K2,P2, repeat from * to end of the row

Repeat this row for the length required

Seed (Moss) Stitch

Seed stitch or Moss Stitch

Cast on an uneven number of stitches

1st Row: *K1,P1, repeat from * to end of the row, ending in K1

Repeat this row for the length required

NB This stitch pattern is reversible

Basket Weave Stitch

basketweave stitch

Cast on a number of stitches divisible by 10 and 3 extra stitches

1st Row: *K3,P7, repeat from * to the last 3 stitches, knit these

2nd Row: *P3,K7, repeat from * to the last 3 stitches, purl these

3rd Row: Like the first Row

4th Row: Purl to end

5th Row: P5,*K3,P7, repeat from * to the last 5 stitches, purl these

6th Row: K5,*P3,K7, repeat from * to the last 5 stitches, knit these

7th Row: Like the fifth row

8th Row: Purl

Repeat these eight rows for the length required.


There are many more patterns you can make with knitting stitches, but these ones are good for beginners.

Have fun!