Easiest Seed Stitch Knitting Pattern for Beginners

This vintage Seed Stitch Pattern gets its name from the raised bumps from your purl stitches that resemble seeds. My pattern shows you the easiest way to knit it up without needing to keep track of the right and wrong sides of your work.

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

Seed Stitch Knitting swatch on a knitting needle in orange yarn.

Knitting Instructions

Step 1: Cast On an Odd Number of Stitches

Casting on an odd number of stitches makes this the easiest way to knit the Seed Stitch. Doing so allows you to knit the same pattern on every row, both the right and wrong sides of your work.

hands holding a knitting needle to cast on an odd number of stitches

Step 2: Stitch Pattern for Every Row

A series of easy knits and purls create the raised pattern.

Your knitting pattern ( * K1, P1 * K1 ) is repeated on every row.

Repeat the Knit 1, Purl 1 pattern all the way down the row, finishing with just one knit stitch at the very end of the row.

Continue this pattern on every row. So easy and no need to track if you’re on the right or wrong side of your work! Told you this was easy-peasy!

hands holding straight knitting needles with stitches in white yarn starting to knit the seed stitch pattern rows

Knitting Chart

Find your printable knitting chart in the pattern card below. Here’s a helpful tutorial about how to read knitting charts for beginners >

Seed Stitch texture swatch with knitting chart graph

Watch Video Tutorial

SEED STITCH SUCCESS

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“I’m an absolute beginner and my first project was knitting a whole pillow using this stitch, which I learned thanks to you! Thank you!”
Carlotta S.

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 Seed Stitch

What is the Seed Stitch Texture?

Each row of the Seed Stitch consists of alternating knits and purls, creating little bumps that look like seeds. This texture easily adds a pop texture to knitting projects when designing blankets, scarves, and hats.

Is the Seed Stitch Easy to Memorize?

Yes, we knit up the Seed Stitch in a simple 2-row repeat.

Does the Seed Stitch curl or lay flat?

Because this stitch alternates knit and purl stitches on all rows, it easily lays flat. It is often used for the borders of blankets that tend to curl up. You may wish to block your work, however it is not necessary since the fabric does not curl up.

Seed Stitch knitting texture in white yarn color on a wooden needle.

Is the Seed Stitch a reversible pattern?

Yes, the Seed Stitch is a reversible pattern, meaning that both sides of your work, the Right and Wrong sides, are identical. This makes it a great choice for items like scarves, dishcloths, and blankets since both sides look similar, no matter which side is showing.

Can the Seed Stitch be knit in the round on circular needles?

Yes, this pattern includes written instructions to knit it in the round. Try it out with either circular or double-pointed needles.

Seed stitch knitting texture on circular bamboo needles with orange colored yarn.

Printable Knitting Instructions

Seed stitch swatch knitted in orange color yarn on knitting needle.

Printable Knitting Pattern

The Seed Knit Stitch Pattern is a 2-Row Repeat, Reversible pattern.

Makes: Seed Knit Stitch Pattern
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: An Odd Number of Stitches

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

or

IN THE ROUND ON CIRCULAR NEEDLES:

Cast On: An Even Number of Stitches

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

_____

KNITTING CHART

Seed Stitch knitting chart graph.

Notes

KNITTING TECHNIQUES:

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

Repeat Rows 1 – 2 until your piece is the length you desire

Repeat pattern between the * * asterisks

Reversible Knit Stitch Pattern

2-Row Repeat

Lays Flat

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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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