Irish Moss Stitch Knitting Pattern

This Irish Moss Stitch Knitting Pattern is a popular vintage design. This 4-Row Repeat Knit Stitch Pattern has a great texture and it’s nice and squishy, too. This knitting pattern is a reversible, easy-level project created with a simple combination of knits and purls.

Get your written pattern instructions both flat and in the round, along with knitting chart and video tutorial.

Irish Moss Knit Stitch pattern on knitting needle in green color yarn with woman's hand.

Knitting Instructions

Step 1: Cast On Multiple of Two Stitches

Cast on knitting stitches onto your needles in multiples of 2. This determines the width of your work. My sample pictured has 28 stitches cast on. Select any number of stitches, as long as it is divisible by two.

Step 2: Knit Rows 1 and 2

* K1, P1 *

Knit one stitch and Purl one stitch all the way down your needle for both rows one and two.

Step 3: Knit Rows 3 and 4

* P1, K1 *

Purl one stitch and Knit one stitch all the way down your needle for both rows three and four.

Step 4: Repeat Rows 1 Through 4

Repeat rows one through four until your work is the length you desire. Bind off when complete!

Hands demonstrating steps to knitting the Irish Moss Stitch with needles and yarn.

Watch Video Tutorial

BEGINNER FRIENDLY

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“Thank you for this beautiful pattern. It is not too difficult to follow and is beginner friendly️. I immediately went to the left-handed version. So much easier than trying to flip the right-handed pattern. Much appreciated.”

Knit Stitch Pattern Book

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

About the Irish Moss Stitch

Does the Irish Moss Stitch curl or lay flat?

Because this stitch alternates knit and purl stitches on all rows, it easily lays flat. You may wish to block your work, however it is not necessary since the fabric does not curl up.

Is the Irish Moss Stitch the same as the Double Moss Stitch?

These two stitch patterns are similar in that they are both four-row repeats. However, these are different patterns because the Irish Moss Stitch has a pattern repeat with K1, P1 while the Double Moss Stitch repeats with K2, P2 in alternating rows.

Can this stitch be knit in the round on circular needles?

Yes, this pattern includes written instructions to knit it in the round which is actually identical to the flat directions. Try it out with either circular or double-pointed needles.Irish Moss knit stitch pattern texture on circular wooden needle in green yarn color.

Is the Irish Moss Stitch the same as the American Moss Stitch?

Yes, the Irish Moss Stitch is a four-row repeat that is also referred to as the American Moss Stitch.

What’s the difference between the Irish Moss and British Moss Stitches?

The Irish Moss Stitch is a four-row repeat of one knit and one purl (* K1, P1 *) for two rows, then one purl and one knit (* P1, K1 *) for the last two rows. However, the British Moss Stitch is similar to the Seed Stitch in a two-row repeat.

Is the Irish Moss Stitch a reversible pattern?

Yes, the Irish Moss Stitch is a reversible pattern, meaning that both sides of your work, the Right and Wrong sides, are identical. This makes a great choice for items like scarves, dishcloths, and blankets since both sides are similar.

Irish moss knit stitch pattern knitted in green colored yarn on bamboo wooden needles labeled with the right and wrong sides.

Printable Knitting Instructions

Irish Moss Knit Stitch pattern in green color yarn.

Printable Knitting Pattern

The Irish Moss Knit Stitch is a 4-Row Repeat, Reversible pattern.

Makes: Irish Moss Knit Stitch Pattern
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Active Time: 2 hours
Additional Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Difficulty: Experienced Beginner
Estimated Cost: Knitter's Choice

Materials

  • Yarn - Any Gauge

Tools

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

Instructions

KNITTING TECHNIQUES:
  • Long Tail Cast On
  • Cast On
  • K = Knit Stitch
  • P = Purl Stitch
  • Cast Off
  • Weave-in Yarn Ends

_____

KNITTED FLAT ON STRAIGHT NEEDLES:

Cast On: Multiples of 2

  1. Row 1 (Right Side): * K1, P1 *
  2. Row 2 (Wrong Side): * K1, P1 *
  3. Row 3: * P1, K1 *
  4. Row 4: * P1, K1 *

or

IN THE ROUND ON CIRCULAR NEEDLES:

Cast On: Multiples of 2

  1. Round 1 (Right Side): * K1, P1 *
  2. Round 2: * K1, P1 *
  3. Round 3: * P1, K1 *
  4. Round 4: * P1, K1 *

Notes

Repeat pattern between the * * asterisks

Repeat Rows 1 – 4 until your piece is the length you desire.

Reversible Knit Stitch Pattern

4-Row Repeat

_____

KNITTING TECHNIQUES

  1. Slip Knot 
  2. CO = Cast On Long Tail Method
  3. K = Knit Stitch 
  4. P = Purl Stitch
  5. BO = Bind Off
  6. Weave In Ends

_____

KNITTING CHART

Knitting chart of the Irish Moss 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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