Simple Seed Stitch Knitting Pattern

This Simple Seed Stitch Knitting Pattern is a vintage pattern with a Stockinette background punctuated with alternating rows of raised purl seed stitches.

It is an easy-level project created with a simple combination of knits and purls. This stitch is a great choice for knitting up blankets and pillows with a little pop of texture.

Simple Seed Knit Stitch Pattern in white yarn color on knitting needle.

Knitting Instructions

Cast On in Multiples of 4 Stitches
You may cast on however many stitches you chose for your the width of your project in multiples of 4. For example, cast on 28, 32, or 36 stitches and so on.

Row 1 (Right Side): * K3, P1 *
You will knit three stitches, then purl one stitch all the way down the row.

Rows 2, 4, 6, and 8 (Wrong Side): Purl All Stitches

Row 3: Knit All

Row 5: * K1, P1, K2 *
Knit one stitch, purl one, then finish with two knit stitches. Repeat this pattern all the way down the row.

Row 7: Knit All

Repeat Rows 1 through 8 until your piece is the length you desire, then bind off and weave in your ends.

Get your complete free printable written pattern instructions and video tutorial below.

Watch Video Tutorial

LOOKS SUPER EASY

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“I love this stitch, it looks super easy, and being a beginner easy is perfect for me. Thank you.”

About the Simple Seed Stitch

Knitted Texture: The raised seeds are very subtle. If you have pattern in easy Stockinette Stitch, but would like to add a touch of pizzazz, this is a great way to customize your project.

Stitch Techniques: A series of easy knits and purls create the textured pattern.

Row Repeat: Knit up the Simple Seed Stitch in a simple 8-row repeat.

Edges Curl: Because this texture is primarily Stockinette, the edges tend to curl up and do not lay flat. The curling happens because we are alternating between the knit and purl stitches on each row. This push and pull creates tension in your fabric causing it to warp. One solution is to block your piece. Adding a border another way to help it lay flat. My favorite border stitches are Garter and Seed stitches.

Not Reversible:  This is not a reversible pattern, because both sides of your work, the right and wrong sides, are not identical.

Swatch of Simple Seed Stitch Pattern in blue yarn on knitting needle atop a purple background.

Knit Stitch Pattern Book

Love easy knitting? Get 50 stitch patterns from my Knit Stitch Pattern Book available in both print and digital formats.

Knitting Techniques

The Simple Seed Stitch is an easy combination of simple Knit and Purl Stitches. Find my entire library of Knitting Techniques to help knit up this project.

Printable Knitting Instructions

Simple Seed Stitch Knit Pattern

Printable Knitting Pattern

This Simple Seed Stitch Knitting Pattern is a vintage pattern with a Stockinette background punctuated with alternating rows of raised purl seed stitches.

Makes: Simple Seed Stitch
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Active Time: 2 hours
Additional Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Difficulty: Experienced Beginner

Materials

  • Yarn - Any Gauge

Tools

  • Knitting Needles - Appropriate Size for Yarn
  • Tapestry Needle
  • Scissors

Instructions

KNITTED FLAT ON STRAIGHT NEEDLES:

Cast On in Multiples of 4

  1. Row 1 (Right Side): * K3, P1 *
  2. Row 2 (Wrong Side): Purl All
  3. Row 3: Knit All
  4. Row 4: Purl All
  5. Row 5: * K1, P1, K2 *
  6. Row 6: Purl All
  7. Row 7: Knit All
  8. Row 8: Purl All

Repeat Rows 1 through 8 until your piece is the length you desire.

or

IN THE ROUND ON CIRCULAR NEEDLES:

Cast On in Multiples of 4

  1. Row 1: * K3, P1 *
  2. Row 2: Knit All
  3. Row 3: Knit All
  4. Row 4: Knit All
  5. Row 5: * K1, P1, K2 *
  6. Row 6: Knit All
  7. Row 7: Knit All
  8. Row 8: Knit All

Repeat Rows 1 through 8 until your piece is the length you desire.

Notes

Repeat pattern between the * * asterisks

Reversible Knit Stitch Pattern

8-Row Repeat

Curls Up, Does Not Lie Flat

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KNITTING TECHNIQUES

  • Slip Knot 
  • CO = Cast On Long Tail Method
  • K = Knit Stitch 
  • P = Purl Stitch
  • BO = Bind Off
  • Weave In Ends

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KNITTING CHART

Knitting chart diagram of the Simple Seed Stitch by Studio Knit.

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Kristen McDonnell
Author & Designer

After publishing her first knitting tutorial video, Kristen founded StudioKnit LLC. Enamored with teaching online, she films knitting lessons and designs from her vibrant production studio on Half Moon Bay’s California coast.

Kristen McDonnell is the author of the highly acclaimed book Knit Stitch: 50 Knit + Purl Patterns featuring vintage and unique designs.

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