Difference between revisions of "Knit the Moss or Seed Stitch"

{{fa}}The moss and seed stitch both create a piece that has lots of texture to it. The general idea of the moss stitch and a seed stitch are essentially the same, but the terminology might vary depending on whether you're using an American or British knitting pattern. The seed stitch and the ''British'' moss stitch require you to complete one row of "knit one, purl one", followed by the next of "purl one, knit one", and so on.<ref name="rf1">http://www.creativeknittingmagazine.com/blog/?p=827</ref> However, the ''American'' moss stitch requires one row of "knit one, purl one", followed by two rows of "purl one, knit one", and then a last row of "knit one, purl one," before you repeat the pattern again.<ref name="rf1" /> <br><br>Using these stitches only requires basic [[Knit|knitting]] skills, such as [[Cast On|casting on]], [[Knit the Knit Stitch|knitting]] stitches, [[Knit the Purl Stitch|purling]] stitches, and [[Cast On|casting off]]. If you are skilled at these knitting techniques, then the moss stitch should be no problem for you, but you can always brush up on the basics first.   

#Do your first row by alternating between knitting one stitch and [[Knit the Purl Stitch|purling]] the next. Continue alternating between knitting and purling stitches until you reach the end of the row. Remember to place your yarn either in front or behind the stitch you are making so that the yarn is in the correct position to either knit or purl.<ref name="rf2">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gm5Od4Y9R90</ref>

#*Knitting patterns may describe the first row of the seed stitch as K1, P1, K1, (*repeat to end of row). The “K” stands for knit and the “P” stands for purl.<ref name="rf3">http://www.knittingonthenet.com/stitches/seed.htm</ref>

#Check the stitch type before starting your second row. Before you begin your next row, check the first stitch. If your last stitch was a knit stitch on the last row, then purl that stitch on the new row. If your last stitch on the previous row was a purl stitch, then knit that stitch on the new row. Then continue alternating stitch types as before.<ref name="rf3" /> As you continue, just remember to:<ref name="rf2" />

#*Knit your purl stitches. Purl stitches stick out more and they do not have a criss-cross pattern.<ref name="rf4">http://www.lionbrand.com/faq/85.html</ref>

#Continue in this two-row pattern until you are finished. Keep checking the stitch type when you start a new row and alternating as you continue the rows until you are finished with your project.<ref name="rf2" />

#* Remember to place your yarn either in front or behind the stitch you are making so that the yarn is in the correct position to either knit or purl.<ref name="rf2" />

#Check the stitch type before starting your second row. If your last stitch was a knit stitch on the last row, then purl that stitch on the new row. If your last stitch on the previous row was a purl stitch, then knit that stitch on the new row. Then continue alternating stitch types as before.<ref name="rf3" />  

# Switch back to the stitch order of your first row, for the fourth row. This will complete the set of four rows. In other words, your pattern should be:<ref name="rf5">http://www.studioknitsf.com/2015/06/how-to-knit-the-american-moss-stitch/</ref>