Small and large pearl pattern

Gründl Knitting School

How to knit the small and large seed stitch

How to knit the small and large seed stitch

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What is seed stitch and what is special about it?

Both the small and large seed stitch are beautiful, simple textured patterns. What is special about these knitting patterns is that the front and back sides are identical. They are therefore very suitable for knitted items that are visible from both sides. Examples include accessories such as scarves and cowls, as well as home decor items like blankets and throws. The seed stitch is also ideal for jackets worn open.

What the large and small seed stitch also have in common is that in every row, a knit and purl stitch are repeated.

Small seed stitch

What is the difference from the large seed stitch?

With the small seed stitch, each row is knitted in reverse, while with the large seed stitch, the order of the stitches is shifted only every second row. In the stitch pattern, it becomes clear: the small seed stitch is characterized by the fact that each knit stitch is surrounded on all four sides (up, down, right, and left) by a purl stitch. The same applies in reverse, of course. Each purl stitch borders on knit stitches on all four sides. In the large seed stitch, two knit stitches or two purl stitches are visible one above the other. As a result, the large seed stitch has more depth than the small seed stitch.

Can you knit seed stitch in the round?

No matter which knitting project you choose – both the large and small seed stitch can be knitted in rows as well as in the round.

How to knit the small seed stitch?

For the small seed stitch, knit and purl stitches are alternated in a row. This means your yarn will alternately be in front of and behind your work. In the return row, a purl stitch is knitted over each knit stitch, and vice versa.

Our Gründl tip for identifying already knitted stitches: A purl stitch can be recognized by its bump, while a knit stitch is visible as a small "V."

To get an even edge, a selvedge stitch is worked in every row when knitting the small seed stitch. Feel free to check out our accompanying video – we'll show you how to knit a selvedge edge there.

Large Seed Stitch

How to knit the large seed stitch?

With the large seed stitch, the rows are always worked in pairs. If you already have a few rows of this pattern in front of you, first get an overview of which stitches have already been worked. As soon as you discover two knit stitches or two purl stitches on top of each other, you know that you need to shift the next row. Therefore, a knit stitch is worked over each purl stitch, and a purl stitch over each knit stitch.

The second row is worked in the same way as the right-side row. You knit the stitches as they appear. So, if you see a purl stitch, knit another purl stitch over it; if a knit stitch appears, another knit stitch is worked.

Once the pattern is filled in, meaning both two purl stitches and two knit stitches are stacked, the pattern starts over again.

In the end, your knitted piece should look like two knit stitches have been worked over two purl stitches. Over two bumps – meaning purl stitches – there should be two knit stitches in the shape of a “V.”

And that’s it! With a little practice, the small and large moss stitch will soon adorn your knitted items and bring a touch of texture into your life. To get started right away, we’ve linked a few patterns with seed stitch here for you. We wish you a lot of fun knitting.

Knit your first scarf - at the Gründl Knitting School

You can download the free pattern here and at the same time order the matching yarn in the colors of your choice.