Are you new to knitting? Below, you will learn more about basic knit stitches that you should add to your repertoire. All these knitting stitches are easy to master and are used in countless projects.
10 Basic Knit Stitches
Below are 10 beginner stitches. All the stitches are ideal for adding texture and interest. Once you know these basic knitting stitches, you will be able to work on a wide variety of projects.
1. Stockinette Stitch
The stockinette stitch is a popular stitch. It is perfect for beginners who know how to knit and purl. The stockinette stitch is created by alternating between a row of knit stitches on the right side and a row of purl stitches on the wrong side.
The stockinette stitch is also known as the stocking stitch. It is often used in projects such as socks, hats, scarves, sweaters, and blankets.
Find the Stockinette Stitch tutorial HERE
2. Seed Stitch
Another one of our favourite knitting stitches is the seed stitch. The stitch creates a textured fabric that resembles scattered seeds.
To make the stitch, you alternate between single knit and purl stitches both vertically and horizontally. The seed stitch is a technique frequently used when knitting cardigans, shawls, blankets, scarfs, and more.
3. Garter Stitch
One of the easiest knitting stitches is the garter stitch. The stitch is produced by knitting every row. This stitch creates horizontal ridges. Unlike the stockinette stitch, the garter stitch will create a fabric that lays flat and is reversible.
Since the garter stitch lays flat, it is great for making blankets, scarves, washcloths, and more.
Find the Garter Stitch tutorial Here
4. Basket Weave Stitch
Even beginners can create the impressive basket weave stitch. The stitch looks complicated; however, it is simple to make. To make the basket weave you simply repeat a multiple of knit stitches followed by a multiple of purl stitches.
The basket weave stitch creates a fabric that mimics the look of a basket. It is frequently used to make baskets, pot holders, scarves, blankets, and more.
Find the basket weave stitch tutorial HERE
5. Single Rib Stitch
The single rib stitch is one of the basic knitting stitches every knitter needs to know. It creates vertical columns, producing a fabric that is stretchy and reversible. It is an ideal stitch for making pieces that are form-fitting.
Since the single rib stitch is used to create fabric with stretch, it can be found in patterns with cuffs and hems. You can also use the stitch to make hats, socks, scarves, etc.
6. Hurdle Stitch
The hurdle stitch is a beginner-friendly stitch that combines the rib stitch and garter stitch. The combination of stitches creates a fabric that looks like tiny, little horse hurdles. Before you practice this stitch, we would recommend learning the rib stitch and garter stitch.
Fabrics made using the hurdle stitch are able to lay flat. They are also stretch and reversible. The stitch is a good choice for making socks, sweaters, blankets, scarves, and more.
7. Moss Stitch
Similar to the seed stitch, the moss stitch uses alternating knits and purls. But instead of alternating every row, the moss stitch alternates every other row. This creates a longer seed stitch pattern.
The moss stitch can be used as a freestanding pattern. Or it can be used as a background. You can often find the moss stitch used in blanket, shawl, hat, and scarf patterns.
8. Irish Moss Stitch
The Irish moss stitch is also referred to as the American moss stitch. It creates a thick fabric that is squishy. It is very similar to the seed stitch.
Since the Irish moss stitch creates a thick fabric, it is good for cold weather projects. You can find the stitch in patterns such as hats, scarves, and blankets.
9. Raspberry Stitch
The raspberry stitch creates staggered, textured bobbles. It got its name because the fabric looks like a raspberry bush. It is also known as the blackberry stitch and the trinity stitch.
This stitch may not be one of the first beginner knitting stitches you want to try, but it should definitely be on your list. The stitch is beautiful, and it works well with sweaters, scarves, baby blankets, and more.
10. Purl Ridge Stitch
If you can create the stockinette stitch, you can master the purl ridge stitch in no time. The purl ridge stitch is basically the stockinette stitch with one extra row of knitted stitches.
The purl rib stitch is not used as often as some of the other stitches, but it is a nice stitch to learn. The stitch is great for adding subtle texture to projects such as pillows, hats, and blankets.
Knitting is so much fun. And once you master the basic knit and purl stitches, you can learn other knitting stitches in no time.
Each of these beginner-friendly knitting stitches is simple to learn. Some may be a little harder than others, but you can do it. With just a little bit of practice, you will have these knitting stitches memorized.
Check out our how to knit tutorials for other ways to boost your skills. You can also go here to see a roundup of all sorts of fun things to make in your.
We hope that you have found our list of knitting stitches for beginners helpful.