The Seed Stitch is an alluring yet straightforward knitting pattern that resembles tiny seeds. The textured stitch pattern is great for giving it an impressive look for anything from baby clothes, hats, dishcloths, scarves to large blankets. The design is simple enough for novice knitters to produce any type of knitting needles and yarn, while veteran knitters use it often in their projects. The appeal of this uncomplicated pattern lies in its capability to further accentuate the elegance of any knitted fabric.
What is Seed Stitch?
The Seed Stitch is a totally reversible pattern that is the same on both the front and the backside. It is made with an alternating series of Knit and Purl Stitches, which form small bumps that appear like seeds. The stitch is often chosen for borders on blankets, dishcloths, scarves, and other flat items since it does not tend to curl up and lays down flat easily.
Similar to any knitting pattern, Seed Stitch relies on knit and purl stitches that are either knit or purled one at a time, forming an even and uniform pattern. The seed-like stitches change direction both horizontally and vertically, no matter if knitting back and forth or in the round. The below blog discusses the steps to take to make both the even and odd Seed Stitch patterns.
Choosing the right knitting needles for the seed stitch pattern is totally up to you. If you are knitting a flat fabric, say for example a scarf or a dishcloth then use single-pointed needles. If it’s for a blanket then circular knitting needles will serve you well. If you are knitting a hat, then you can either choose double pointed needles or circulars.
Regarding the yarn, you can use one mentioned in a pattern or one of your choice. Make sure that the yarn clearly highlights the seed-like appearance. Knitting a gauge swatch is one of the most important steps of making a project so do try a swatch.
Instructions for the Seed Stitch.
Even and odd Seed Stitch Patterns each have slightly different instructions. When there is an even number of stitches, the instructions are to knit one and then purl one across the entire row. When working with an odd number of stitches, the instructions are to start and end with a knit stitch and alternate with a purl stitch in between. In both cases, the pattern is repeated for the second row and onwards.
If you are knitting in the round, use either circular knitting needles or double-pointed ones, but make sure to always place a stitch marker at the beginning of the round in order to remember to knit one in case of an odd number of stitches.
Steps to Follow for the Seed Stitch.
Once you’ve selected the number of stitches for the project, use your desired cast-on method. Be sure to double-check whether the slip knot counts as a cast on stitch for the pattern you’ve chosen. Circular knitting needles offer the advantage of being able to knit back and forth as well as in the round, as well as being able to change cords to meet the needs of your project.
Once the stitches have been cast on, it is time to begin knitting. Work in the Seed Stitch pattern as per the instructions, being sure not to count the cast-on row or the bind off row. After completing the pattern, bind off each stitch using either a knit-wise or purl-wise method.
When the project is off the knitting needles, you can begin the blocking process. Be sure to use appropriate blocking pins and mats and adhere to the instructions provided on the yarn label. After blocking, the yarn should be blossoming and the final step is to thread your darning needle and secure any remaining yarn tails.
It is wise to work out a gauge swatch first to practice the stitch pattern and learn it before attempting a bigger project. Doing this allows you to recognize the appearance of the pattern as you work. Lastly, remember that US Seed Stitch patterns can be different from those in UK patterns. A frequent mistake made is between the Seed and Moss Stitch patterns, as their instructions and appearance can be alike.
Seed VS Moss Stitch.
Seed and Moss Stitch patterns are both frequently used by knitters and are equally great reversible patterns that are perfect for many types of knitting projects, such as blankets, borders, hems, and more. When selecting a Seed Stitch pattern, always be sure to read the instructions carefully to prevent any misunderstandings.
With knitting needles from Mindful Collection get ready to cast on the seed stitch pattern. Practice with a swatch before using them in your beautiful knitting patterns.
Source: https://www.zupyak.com/p/3519369/t/how-to-knit-seed-stitch