Glossary / Seed stitch
seedSeed stitch
Alternating knits and purls that stack offset into a pebbly texture. UK moss stitch.
Also written: moss stitch
How to work it
Alternate knit one, purl one across the row, then on the next row knit the purls and purl the knits so the bumps stagger instead of lining up into ribbing. The result is a flat, reversible, pebbly fabric that does not curl, perfect for borders, button bands, and full washcloths or scarves. In UK patterns this fabric is called moss stitch, while some UK patterns use seed stitch for a two-row variant, so read the stitch key.
US and UK
This stitch is also called Moss stitch (UK). Always check which term set a pattern uses before you start, since the same name can mean a different stitch across the two.
Common confusions
Is seed stitch the same as moss stitch?
It depends where the pattern was written. In UK patterns, moss stitch is what US patterns call seed stitch. But some UK patterns use moss stitch for a four-row variant that US patterns call double seed stitch. Read the row instructions rather than trusting the name.
Why did my seed stitch turn into ribbing?
The offset was lost. Seed stitch requires you to knit the purls and purl the knits on every row, so the bumps stagger. Repeating the same knit-purl sequence instead lines the columns up and gives you rib. Read the fabric on each row rather than counting from memory.
In other languages
| Language | Term | Abbreviation |
|---|---|---|
| English | Seed stitch | seed |
| Español | Punto de arroz | no standard code |
| Deutsch | Perlmuster | Perlmuster |
| Français | Point de riz | no standard code |
| Italiano | Punto riso | no standard code |
| 日本語 | かのこ編み | no standard code |
Related stitches
Keep your place while you work this stitch. Worsted counts your rows and rounds and remembers your spot in the pattern, for crochet and knitting.
Get Worsted