Learn everything you ever wanted to know about moss stitch. This easy American moss stitch knitting pattern (or Irish moss stitch) is perfect for beginners!
Today we’re chatting about how to knit moss stitch, but there’s an important piece of business we need to clear up before we get started. This post is discussing American moss stitch. Did you know there’s more than one kind? I know, it’s confusing!
What’s the difference between moss stitch in the US and the UK?
In the US seed stitch is a pattern of alternating knit and purl stitches. They alternate both along the row and between each row so you get a pattern of single knit and purl stitches in a checkerboard. In the UK this is called “moss stitch” BUT in the US, if you were to repeat each row of seed stitch twice you’d get a new elongated seed stitch that we, here in America, call “moss stitch”. Meanwhile, to further complicate matters, in the UK, this doubled seed stitch/American moss stitch is now known as “double moss stitch” or Irish moss stitch. Clear as mud?
What is American moss stitch?
Moss stitch in the US is basically doubled seed stitch. You are essentially just doubling each row of seed stitch. Moss stitch has two rows of (k1,p1) followed by two rows of (p1,k1). Amazingly that created kinds of a diamond texture that is really lovely!
What is great about moss stitch?
- Moss stitch is very easy, you only need to know knit and purl stitches.
- Moss stitch creates a very pretty diamond checkerboard texture.
- Like seed stitch, moss stitch also lays flat and your moss stitch knitting won’t curl along the edges or ends.
- Also, like seed stitch, moss stitch is essentially reversible and has the same texture on both sides.
What does Moss Stitch (American) look like?
Here is a photo of the right side of a swatch of moss stitch knitting.
Here is a photo of the wrong side of a swatch of moss stitch knittting.
As you can see, the swatches lay flat on their own, without blocking, and they are basically reversible!
Tips & Tricks for Knitting Moss Stitch
- Because you are alternating between knit and purl stitches, make sure your yarn tension is the same between the two types of stitches.
- Because moss stitch is reversible, you may find it helpful to place a stitch marker on the right side of your work so you know which side is which.
American Moss Stitch Knitting Pattern (knit flat)
Cast on an even number of stitches
Rows 1-2: (k1, p1) and repeat to the end of the row
Rows 3-4: (p1, k1) and repeat to the end of the row
Repeat rows 1-4.
Here is a chart for knitting moss stitch flat:
American Moss Stitch Knitting Pattern (in the round)
Cast on an even number of stitches and join to knit in the round
Rounds 1-2: (k1,p1) and repeat to the end of the round
Rounds 3-4: (p1, k1) and repeat to the end of the round
Repeat rounds 1-4.
Here is a chart for knitting moss stitch in the round
American Moss Stich Video Tutorial
How To Knit Moss Stitch
Learn everything you ever wanted to know about moss stitch. This easy American moss stitch knitting pattern (or Irish moss stitch) is perfect for beginners!
Materials
Tools
Instructions
American Moss Stitch Knitting Pattern (knit flat)
- Cast on an even number of stitches
- Rows 1-2: (k1, p1) and repeat to the end of the row
- Rows 3-4: (p1, k1) and repeat to the end of the row
- Repeat rows 1-4.
American Moss Stitch Knitting Pattern (in the round)
- Cast on an even number of stitches and join to knit in the round
- Rounds 1-2: (k1,p1) and repeat to the end of the round
- Rounds 3-4: (p1, k1) and repeat to the end of the round
- Repeat rounds 1-4.
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