Seed stitch is knit and purl stitches alternating in a checkerboard pattern

Seed stitch is one of the simplest textured stitches in knitting. The pattern alternates a knit stitch and a purl stitch across each row, then flips the pattern on the next row so that purls sit on top of knits and knits sit on top of purls. This creates a bumpy, textured fabric that looks the same on both sides.

The stitch is called "seed stitch" because the bumps resemble scattered seeds. It lies flat without curling, which makes it useful for edges, blankets, and garments where you want texture without bulk. Once you understand the basic rhythm — knit one, purl one — the pattern repeats itself naturally.

Key Takeaways

  • Seed stitch alternates knit and purl stitches in every row, with the pattern flipping on each new row so purls cover knits and knits cover purls.
  • Cast on an even number of stitches, because the pattern requires pairs of knit-purl combinations to work correctly.
  • The first row sets the pattern: knit one, purl one, knit one, purl one across the entire row.
  • On the second row, purl the stitches that were knitted and knit the stitches that were purled, reversing the pattern from the row below.
  • Seed stitch works on any needle size and yarn weight, but the texture shows best in solid-colored yarn rather than variegated or striped.

Cast on an even number of stitches to start

Seed stitch requires an even number of stitches on your needle. If you cast on an odd number, the pattern will not align properly and you will end up with knits stacked on knits in some columns instead of the alternating checkerboard.

Cast on 20, 24, 30, or however many stitches your project calls for, as long as the number is even. If you are making a practice swatch, 20 stitches is enough to see the pattern clearly without spending time on a large piece.

Row 1: Knit one, purl one across the entire row

Once your stitches are on the needle, insert your working needle into the first stitch as if to knit. Wrap the yarn and pull through to create a knit stitch. Move to the next stitch and insert the needle as if to purl. Wrap the yarn and pull through to create a purl stitch. Repeat this knit-purl pattern all the way across the row until you reach the end.

Your first row will end with either a knit or a purl depending on whether you cast on an even number. If you cast on 20 stitches, you will knit stitch 1, purl stitch 2, knit stitch 3, and so on, ending with a purl stitch at position 20. This is correct.

Row 2: Purl the knits and knit the purls from the row below

Turn your work around to begin the second row. Look at the stitches on your needle. The stitch that looks like a V (a knit stitch) should be purled. The stitch that looks like a bump (a purl stitch) should be knitted. This reversal is what creates the checkerboard texture.

If your first row ended with a purl stitch, your second row will begin with a knit stitch. Work across the row: knit the first stitch (which was purled in row 1), purl the second stitch (which was knitted in row 1), and continue alternating. You will end row 2 with a purl stitch, the opposite of how row 1 ended.

Once you complete row 2, the pattern is established. Every row from this point forward follows the same rule: knit the stitches that look like bumps, and purl the stitches that look like Vs.

Continue the pattern until your piece reaches the desired length

Repeat rows 1 and 2 for as many rows as your project requires. The rhythm becomes automatic after a few rows — you will stop thinking about which stitch comes next and your hands will find the pattern on their own.

Seed stitch grows slowly compared to stockinette stitch (knit on one side, purl on the other) because the texture compresses the fabric slightly. If you are making a blanket or a large swatch, expect the piece to take longer than you might estimate from the stitch count alone.

Bind off using your usual method

When your piece reaches the length you want, bind off the stitches using a standard bind-off. The most common method is to knit two stitches, pass the first stitch over the second, knit one more stitch, and repeat across the row. This secures the stitches so they do not unravel.

Because seed stitch is reversible and lies flat, it does not require a special bind-off. Any method that works for stockinette will work here.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The most frequent error is forgetting to flip the pattern on the second row. If you knit one and purl one on every row without reversing, you will create ribbing instead of seed stitch. Ribbing has vertical columns of knits and purls, while seed stitch has a scattered, bumpy appearance. Check your work after the first few rows — if you see vertical lines, you have made this mistake and should restart.

Another common problem is casting on an odd number of stitches by accident. This throws off the entire pattern and creates an uneven edge. Count your cast-on stitches before you begin row 1 to confirm the number is even.

Some knitters also struggle with tension when switching between knit and purl stitches. Purl stitches often come out looser than knits because the yarn is in front of the needle instead of behind it. Keep your tension consistent by pulling the yarn snug after each stitch, whether it is a knit or a purl.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use seed stitch on circular needles?

Yes. On circular needles, the pattern works the same way — knit one, purl one on the first round, then purl the knits and knit the purls on the second round. The only difference is that you do not turn your work between rounds; you straightforward continue around the circle.

What happens if I accidentally knit a stitch that should be purled?

One mistake in a single stitch will create a small bump or hole in the pattern, but it will not ruin the entire piece. If you notice the error within a few rows, you can drop the stitch down to the mistake row, fix it with a crochet hook, and pull it back up. If the error is several rows back, it is usually easier to leave it and continue — the texture of seed stitch hides small mistakes well.

Does seed stitch work with thick yarn?

Seed stitch works with any yarn weight, but the texture shows more clearly in thinner to medium yarns. With very thick yarn, the bumps may blend together and the pattern becomes harder to see. Solid colors also show the texture better than variegated or striped yarn, which can obscure the stitch definition.

How do I count rows in seed stitch?

Count the bumps (purl stitches) running vertically up your work. Each bump represents one row. This is easier than trying to count individual stitches because the texture can make individual rows hard to distinguish.

Can I increase or decrease stitches while working seed stitch?

Yes, but you need to maintain the alternating pattern. When you increase, add a stitch in the same type (knit or purl) as the stitch next to it, so the pattern continues correctly. When you decrease, make sure the remaining stitches still alternate knit and purl on the next row.