How to knit the seed stitch

Published on September 8, 2026

Learn to master the seed stitch to create beautifully textured projects. From hats and scarves, to jumpers and cardigans! This step-by-step is ideal to teach any knitting beginner exactly how to seed stitch.

What is seed stitch?

Seed stitch, also know as moss stitch, is made up of alternating knit stitches and purl stitches to create a criss-cross of stitches. This can be seen across two rows of stitches following the seed stitch pattern. If you know how to knit stitch and how to purl a row, you should have any trouble picking this stitch up!

If this is your first time trying seed stitch use a nice bulky or super bulky yarn, so you can easily keep track of your knits and purl stitches.

Learn How to Knit

How to knit seed stitch step-by-step

Cast on your stitches.

Row 1. Work alternate knit and purl stitches.

seed stitch row one - alternating knit and purl stitches

Row 2. Knit the purl stitches and purl the knit stitches.

Repeat! Continue until you've knitted the desired amount of fabric and bind off. Voila!

to seed stitch, repeat the same two steps

Pro Tip

If you have an even number of stitches, always start your row with a knit. If it's an odd number of stitches, start the first row with a knit and the second with a purl!

Try out your seed stitch skills with these beginner patterns

Seed stitch cowl

Seed stitch hat

Seed stitch bow

Explore More FREE Patterns

Check Out This Month's Hottest Blog Posts!

The 5 Best DK Yarns, Voted by Our Customers

LoveCrafts Reviews: What Makers Say

The 5 Best DK Yarns, Voted by Our Customers

LoveCrafts Reviews: What Makers Say

The Most-Reviewed Yarns of August 2026

landing Knitting & Crochet Yarns by Brand

Shop craft supplies, yarn and free patterns at LoveCrafts. Knitting, crochet, embroider...

category:guide Introducing Merion from Debbie Bliss + free hat pattern

Introducing the delicious new super chunky yarn by Debbie Bliss - Merion! And if that's...

category:guide Find the best yarn for the snuggliest blankets

Discover our ultimate guide of best yarns for blankets! Whether it’s knit or crochet, l...

category:tutorial Crochet a colorful Moroccan-inspired floor cushion with our fab FREE pattern

Learn how to crochet a Moroccan inspired floor cushion with our easy step-by-step guide...

category:roundup Crochet designers of the month - January

An introduction to some amazing crochet designers and their patterns

category:roundup Embrace the chill with these winter warmers

Beat the chill with top winter-warmer patterns: giant blankets, cabled sweaters and qui...

category:guide Knitting in red and pink, from scarlet to cherry blossom

Somewhere between orange and purple sit red and pink, the colors of love, passion and ...

category:roundup Scandi style: Makes that celebrate the art of getting cosy

Knit up a storm with our Scandi-inspired patterns to help you keep cosy this winter!

4 easy crochet gifts for Mother's Day

These four crochet projects are beginner-friendly, use small amounts of yarn, and work ...

category:guide LoveCrafts, the home of Makefulness

We all know that feeling you get when making - that sense of calm, that feeling of acco...

Sustainable yarns + ideas

category:tutorial Stay cozy with this pomtastic punch needle cushion tutorial

Learn how to make this punch needle cushion. The perfect crafting project if you’re loo...

category:tutorial How to knit a super speedy pumpkin!

Looking for a last minute project for Halloween? Learn how to knit a pumpkin in just a ...

category:guide What is sport weight yarn?

Sport weight yarn sits between fingering and DK. Learn how it compares, which needles t...

category:tutorial How to create an incredible vintage tiered cake

Learn how to make a vintage tiered cake with our easy step by step tutorial. Find out h...

category:guide Make your own tees for a bachelorette with Cricut Easy Press

Celebrate your bachelorette party with personalised T-shirts! Check out this step-by-st...

category:gift-guide The Handmade Gift Guide for your Little One: The one with the sweetest smile; the mini explorer with a curious mind

Find the perfect present for the little person in your life with our roundup of homemad...

category:tutorial The best ever Victoria sponge cake recipe

Learn how to make the best ever Victoria sponge cake! With this simple Victoria sponge ...

category:guide What is shortening?

Looking to suss out what shortening is all about? New to baking or not, stick with us a...

category:roundup Debbie Bliss shares the story behind her new yarn, British Wool Aran + free hat pattern!

The latest yarn from Debbie Bliss goes on a fantastic, short journey from fleece to yar...

category:tutorial How to sew a simple wall organizer

Learn how to sew a simple wall organiser with Anna Alicia. This is the perfect sewing p...

category:roundup Our favourite skirt sewing patterns for autumn and winter

Stay bang on-trend with the latest skirt sewing patterns for autumn and winter. Think, ...

category:tutorial How to make stickers with Cricut

Looking to make your creative mark or say something sweet? No doubt about it, stickers ...

category:roundup 10 magical mermaid cake ideas

Looking for some magical bake inspiration? Who can resist this siren call! Dive right i...

category:roundup 10 totally fantastic Father’s Day card ideas

Make a handmade card for dad with our fabulous Father’s Day card ideas! We’ve got DIY F...

category:roundup Discover all things NEW at LoveCrafts!

At LoveCrafts, we're always adding new and exciting products to our collection and with...

category:guide The small business toolkit: resources and tools to help you get started!

Take your indie business to the next level with our small business toolkit. We've round...

Introducing Paintbox Yarns Ombré Aran Wool Touch

Ready to add some effortless color shifts to your knitting and crochet? Meet Paintbox Y...

category:roundup 12 A+ teacher thank you card ideas

Show appreciation for your teacher with a homemade teacher thank you card. We’ve rounde...

category:tutorial Meet Emily the Dachshund! Crochet the sweetest spring toy with our tutorial

Follow along with our free tutorial to crochet Emily the Dachshund, the sweet amigurumi...

category:tutorial Learn how to crochet the sweetest giant candy cane!

Crochet the sweetest giant candy cane! This oversized Christmas decoration is the perfe...

category:gift-guide Fun projects for under $5

Looking for a make idea that doesn't break the bank, or sweet Secret Santa homemade gif...

category:tutorial Learn how to make a jolly punch needle Christmas wreath

Learn how to craft this punch needle Christmas wreath. The perfect crafting project to ...

category:tutorial Crochet a delicious donut cushion!

Check out our free crochet donut cushion tutorial. Using the sweet shades of Paintbox Y...

category:guide The ultimate beginners guide to découpage

Master découpage with our beginner's guide: what it is, how to do it, plus paper choice...

category:roundup Twenty Twenty YOU: Makes to celebrate the everyday and express your authentic self through crafts

Celebrate the everyday, take on new crafting challenges and express yourself through kn...

category:tutorial Learn how to make a fruity punch needle coaster trio

Get summer ready with this fun punch needle coaster trio. Download the FREE pattern and...

category:roundup Let's celebrate life's everyday confetti moments

Here at LoveCrafts we're celebrating these small pockets of joy that we're calling ever...

category:roundup 10 of the luckiest bakes for St Patrick’s Day!

Feeling lucky? These delicious St Patrick’s Day baking ideas are sure to give you the l...

category:tutorial How to make super sensational cocktail cupcakes

Make it a happy hour in the kitchen and cele-bake with cocktail cupcakes! Check out thi...

category:tutorial How to make the perfect drip cake

Looking for a stunningly simple cake design? Decorate your cake with some drip and make...

category:roundup 11 brilliant DIY baby shower decorations

Planning a baby shower? Put a personal stamp on it with our round-up of DIY baby shower...

craft:crochet How we’re supporting our Ukrainian team and practical ways you can help

An update from Edward, our CEO on how we're supporting our Ukrainian team and a list of...

category:roundup 14 super fun finger knitting projects

14 finger knitting projects for kids and adults - scarves, blankets, garlands and more,...

category:roundup Don’t walk, run! Debbie Bliss introduces new yarn, Super Chunky Merino + a free scarf pattern just for you!

Don't walk, run! Discover the latest yarn to be added to Debbie Bliss' range of sumptou...

category:tutorial Crochet Winston, the cutest amigurumi dog!

If you love puppies, you'll love Winston, a smart little pup from the hook of Rupinder ...

category:roundup 12 extra cute Easter cupcake ideas

What’s better than Easter eggs? Easter cupcakes! From fun carrot cakes to bunny Easter ...

View All Posts