Textured Stitch

Seed Stitch (Moss Stitch) (seed st)

Beginner Textured
Seed Stitch (Moss Stitch) finished swatch

Used For

  • Borders
  • Scarves
  • Textured panels
  • Button bands

A textured, reversible stitch made of alternating knits and purls that swap position every row, giving an even, pebbled surface.

Instructions

  1. Cast on an even number of stitches.
  2. Row 1: *Knit 1, purl 1; repeat from * to the end.
  3. Row 2: *Purl 1, knit 1; repeat from * to the end — the opposite of how the stitches appear, so you knit the purls and purl the knits.
  4. Repeat Rows 1 and 2 for the desired length.

Tips & Notes

  • Unlike rib, seed stitch alternates which stitch sits on top every row, which is what creates the even, seed-like texture instead of ribbed columns.
  • Seed stitch lies flat and doesn't curl, making it a popular no-fuss border for garter or stockinette pieces.
  • On an odd stitch count, every row is worked identically (*k1, p1* to the last stitch, k1) — check your pattern's stitch count before choosing which version to use.

Related Stitches