Knit in stockinette stitch in rows

Gründl Knitting School

Knitting Stockinette Stitch in Rows – Video Tutorial for Knitting Beginners

Knitting Stockinette Stitch in Rows – Video Tutorial for Knitting Beginners

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Are you ready for a wonderful and very popular knitting stitch pattern? Then let's learn step-by-step how to knit stockinette stitch in rows. To achieve a neat edge, we will combine the stockinette stitch piece with a chain edge. We will also show you how to count stitches and rows in stockinette stitch projects. Have fun!

What does stockinette stitch mean?

Stockinette stitch is a stitch pattern with a smooth surface. The front side looks like small "V"s stacked one above the other, creating a tidy, neat stitch pattern.

The back side, however, looks very uneven and consists of half-arches that alternate between opening downwards or upwards.

When is stockinette stitch used?

This stitch pattern is particularly popular for pieces with a smooth surface such as jackets, sweaters, or children's clothing. If you want to knit with colored yarns, this stitch pattern is also recommended, as it really makes the color stand out.

How do you knit stockinette stitch?

The basic principle of knitting stockinette stitch is very simple. Knit every right-side row with knit stitches, and every wrong-side row with purl stitches. Depending on whether you are knitting in rows or in the round, selvedge stitches are added in addition to the pattern.

If you want to knit stockinette stitch in the round, no selvedge stitches are needed. We explain how to knit stockinette stitch in the round in video number 19 of the Gründl Knitting School.

If you want to knit stockinette stitch in rows, two selvedge stitches are needed in each row in addition to the pattern. These are always knitted identically in both the right-side and wrong-side rows.

Which selvedge stitch for stockinette stitch?

For stockinette stitch projects, we recommend chain selvedge stitches, as these create a beautiful and even edge. Additionally, the smooth knit pattern seen on the front of stockinette stitch pieces reappears in the chain selvedge: stitches that look like small "V"s are stacked one above the other.

How do you knit a chain selvedge stitch?

To do this, knit the first stitch of each row – the last stitch on the needle in each row is slipped with the yarn in front of the needle. Detailed information on chain selvedge stitches can be found in another video from the Gründl Knitting School.

How are stitches and rows counted in stockinette stitch?

Wondering how to count rows? If you look at the front of your stockinette stitch piece, the knit stitches appear as small "V"s. Each of these "V"s represents one row.

If you look at the back, i.e., the purl stitches of your stockinette stitch work, you can perceive the purl stitches as small arches. When counting stitches on the back, make sure you orient yourself either by the arches opening upwards or downwards. Each arch in the same direction represents a new row.

You can also count your stockinette stitch work using the selvedge stitches: Each selvedge stitch represents two rows.

Free knitting patterns for stockinette stitch

In our diverse collection of free patterns for handicraft projects, you will find plenty of projects knitted in stockinette stitch. From stockinette stitch scarves to stockinette stitch hats and stockinette stitch sweaters – find your next knitting project that you can knit in stockinette stitch now.

Knit your first scarf – with the Gründl Knitting School

You can download the free pattern here and simultaneously order the suitable yarn in your preferred colors.