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Writer's pictureSarah Milligan

How to Knit the Seed Stitch and 1x1 Rib Stitch | Learn to Knit Beginner Stitch Series Part 8

Updated: Apr 12, 2021

Hello and welcome to Part 8 of the Learn to Knit series! In this post, you will learn two ways to knit the seed stitch and two ways to knit the 1x1 rib stitch (with an even and odd number of stitches). We put both of these in one post because we wanted to include some advice about recognizing and remembering the differences between the stitches.




Before we get into the eighth post of the Learn to Knit Series, I have a super quick message for you. As an Amazon Associate, Love & Crochet may earn commissions (at no extra cost to you) from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. This does not affect the products we recommend. We only suggest good products that we have tried in the past. Please know that purchasing through some of the links below will support us. We may also display advertisements on this page using third-party cookies to show relevant content, which helps us provide this free content as well. Thank you for being here and enjoy the article!



The seed stitch has a unique, bumpy texture that I absolutely love. On the left of the photo above is an accurate representation of the seed stitch's look and feel.


The 1x1 rib stitch is classic and stretchy. On the right of the photo above is a great representation of the 1x1 rib stitch's look and feel.


Also, just to be clear, this is the American seed stitch. For the British folks reading this post, the American seed stitch is the British moss stitch.



With the wrap-up of our little introduction, let's get into the supplies you'll need!


Materials


If you've been with us for the whole series, you know how much we love these knitting essentials. We have written multiple reviews over the past few posts for these wonderful products. My personal favorite is from part 6. Please check it out!


All of these items are linked below. We would be happy if you purchased something through the links!













After you gather your materials, scroll down for the instructions on how to knit the seed stitch. We'll start by knitting with an even number of stitches.


How to Knit the Seed Stitch (With an Even Stitch Number)


1. Cast-on an even number of stitches


In this example, we did twenty.



2. Knit 1 stitch, purl 1 stitch, and repeat until the end of the row


The first picture is of a finished knit stitch. The next shows the purl stitch following that, and the third shows the complete first row.




3. Purl 1 stitch, knit 1 stitch, and repeat until the end of the row


***It is very important that you begin with the purl stitch! Otherwise, you may end up with the 1x1 rib stitch.***


Below are shots of the first purl and knit stitch, followed by the finished row.



4. Repeat steps 2-3 until your work reaches the desired length


And there you go! Now that you can knit the seed stitch with an even number of cast-on, we can get into the odd.


How to Knit the Seed Stitch (With an Odd Stitch Amount)


1. Cast-on an odd number of stitches

2. Knit 1 stitch, purl 1 stitch, and repeat until the end of the row

3. Repeat step 2 until your work reaches the desired length



Notice how the two methods of knitting the seed stitch are different. Keep this in mind as you work through the rest of this post.


Now that you can knit the seed stitch two different ways, we can get into the 1x1 rib stitch. Pay extra attention to the instructions as it is simple to make a mistake and find yourself with the seed stitch instead! We'll go into more detail about that in a moment.


How to Knit the 1x1 Rib Stitch (With an Even Stitch Amount)


1. Cast-on an even number of stitches


In this example, we did twenty.



2. Knit 1 stitch, purl 1 stitch, and repeat until the end of the row


The first picture is of a finished knit stitch. The next shows the purl stitch following that, and the third shows the complete first row.




At this point, your work should look identical to the first row of the seed stitch. You will begin to notice a difference between the stitches while knitting the second row.


3. Repeat step 2 until your work reaches the desired length


Below is a picture of the finished second row.



You're almost there! Just one more stitch for now.


Make sure you stick around for the last piece of this article where we'll summarize the post and discuss a few tips for recalling the differences between these methods.


How to Knit the 1x1 Rib Stitch (With an Odd Stitch Amount)



1. Cast-on an odd number of stitches

2. Knit 1 stitch, purl 1 stitch, and repeat until the end of the row

3. Purl 1 stitch, knit 1 stitch, and repeat until the end of the row

4. Repeat steps 2-3 until your work reaches the desired length


Now that you have finished learning the seed and 1x1 rib stitch, we can get into a short review. Don't skip this- it may help you remember both better!! Feel free to ask questions too! Only unasked questions are silly ones :)


Tutorial Summary


Here's a recap of what you learned.


To knit the seed stitch with an even number of stitches, you alternate knit and purl for the first row then alternate purl and knit to the end of the following row, and repeat both rows.


To knit the seed stitch with an odd number of stitches, you alternate knit and purl and repeat.


To knit the 1x1 rib stitch with an even number of stitches, you alternate knit and purl and repeat.



To knit the 1x1 rib stitch with an odd number of stitches, you alternate knit and purl for the first row then alternate purl and knit to the end of the following row, and repeat both rows.


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Thank you for reading through this article and supporting Love & Crochet! Don't hesitate to ask questions in the comments section down below, or to email me via sarah@loveandcrochet.com. See you in next week's post of the Learn to Knit Series!



1 Comment


Unknown member
Mar 30, 2021

Thank you so much, I could *not* find any tutorials on how to do the rib stitch with an odd number of stitches!

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