Knitting is one’s expression of creativity. While knitters find various ways to express their skills, knitting is based on two simple stitches, the knit stitch and the purl stitch. The knit stitch is made by creating a loop in the back of your work and the purl stitch is made by creating a loop in the front of your work. It’s hard to believe that two stitches would provide much variety, but they do! Every other stitch in knitting is a combination or variation of these two stitches.

After you learn knit and purl, it is time to expand your repertoire. In this blog, we’ll take a look at some of the most common stitches and discuss the knits and purls that were used to create each. You do not need to worry about knitting needles or accessories at this stage. The given below stitches can be used for any needle, - whether you are using your single-pointed, fixed circular, interchangeable, or double-pointed needles.

Let’s begin.

1. Garter Stitch

This is the most basic of all stitch patterns. The garter stitch pattern is made by knitting every row. It is a handy stitch if you want something flat, reversible in a ridged fabric.

Here’s how to create Garter Stitches:

Cast any number of stitches. If you want to create a project, choose a pattern beforehand or plan out the project you want to make. It’s best to try out a scarf or a sweater.
Knit every stitch on the row.
At the end of your first row of knit stitches, transfer the full needle to your left hand and start the process of knitting each stitch all over again.
After several rows, you’ll begin to see a growing strip of garter stitch will start to look like a real piece of knitted fabric.

2. Stockinette Stitch

Stockinette stitch is made by alternating one row of knit stitches followed by a row of purl stitches when you are knitting flat. The stitches create V-patterned fabric. This stitch has a tendency to curl at the edges, therefore it works best at creating everything from rolled necks and cuffs to rolled edges of handbags and scarves.

Here’s how you to make Stockinette Stitches:

Cast on any number of stitches. If you have a pattern go ahead with it or go according to your planned measurements.
Row 1 knit all the stitches on your dominant needle to the other.
Row 2 purl all the stitches.
Repeat rows 1 and 2 alternatively.
After several rows you can see a knitted fabric of Vs.

Following the rules of stockinette stitch, the reverse stockinette stitch is made by alternating the rows of purl and knit.

3. Rib Stitch

Rib stitches are created by alternating knit and purl stitches within the same row. This stitch is particularly favored for its stretchiness. Ribbing makes up the hems, necks and cuffs of most sweaters and socks. Ribbing can also be used throughout a garment to create a body-hugging effect.

Interestingly, while ribbing after the first row or two you can put down the instructions and let the stitches show you what comes next. When the stitch you’re about to work looks like a V, knit it. When it looks like a bump, purl it. The trickiest part about ribbing for beginners is remembering to move the yarn back and forth when working the different stitches. There are variations of this stitch. The most common one is 1x1, there can be 2x2, where you knit 2 stitches then purl 2.

Here’s how you make rib stitches

Cast on an even number of stitches according to pattern instructions or your planned measurements.
Work knit one stitch (K1), purl one stitch (P1) until you reach the end of the row.
Continue for several rows to find a knitted fabric of stretchy material.

4. Cable Stitch

Though the cable stitch looks challenging, the basic version is very easy. While you knit cable stitches you will need to secure a few stitches as you need to twist a few stitches. It is recommended to use a cable needle. These special needles hold on to the stitches while you carry on with the project. Alternatively, you can also use stitch holders or another double-pointed knitting needle.

Here’s how you make cable stitches

Start with casting on stitches.
Knit or purl according to the pattern.
Remove stitches mentioned on a cable needle
Knit the stitches on the cable, they will look twisted.
Continue a few rows to see the effect.

5. Seed Stitch

Seed stitch is a textured stitch created by working a sequence of knit and purl stitches, usually alternated on every row. The stitches create little bumps that may look like seeds, hence the name. The seed stitch is identical on both sides and lies flat.

The moss stitch is similar to the seed. In moss stitch, you use two rows of knit 1, purl 1 followed by two rows of purl1, knit1.

Here’s how you make seed stitches
Start with casting on stitches.
Row 1 right side knit one, purl one; repeat till end of row.
Row 2 purl one, knit one; repeat till the end of the row.
Repeat rows 1 and 2.

You can easily create these basic stitches with any pair of knitting needles. If you are wondering how do I choose the Best Knitting Needle for my Project? you can find the needed answers discussed in our previous blog.

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