This month’s building block features the knit double seed stitch. Similar to the seed stitch, it’s a knit 1, purl 1 combination. The difference here is there is a two row repeat before you alternate the stitches to create the seed stitch effect. Once you get used to the pattern, it’s easy to memorize. This is a great stitch to practice reading your work which will help you not have to keep referring to the pattern! Keep reading to add the knitting double seed stitch to your bag of tricks!
Techniques/Skills Used:
- Cast On (CO)
- Knit (k)
- Purl (p)
- Garter Stitch (knit stitches on every row)
- Bind Off (BO)
Knit Double Seed Stitch Pattern
Multiple of 2 + 1.
Row 1: *K1, p1; repeat from * to end, ending with a k1.
Row 2: *P1, k1; repeat from * to end, ending with a p1.
Row 3: Repeat row 2.
Row 4: Repeat row 1.
Knitting Double Seed Stitch Block Instructions:
With yarn color of choice, CO 35
Note #1: Place a stitch marker between the four border stitches on both sides and the main double seed stitch work in the middle of your work.
Rows 1-4: Knit all stitches (Garter Stitch)
Row 5 (RS): K4, work Double Seed Pattern Row 1 across to last 4 stitches, k4.
Row 6: K4, work Double Seed Pattern Row 2 across to last 4 stitches, k4.
Row 7: K4, work Double Seed Pattern Row 2 across to last 4 stitches, k4.
Row 8: K4, work Double Seed Pattern Row 1 across to last 4 stitches, k4.
Repeat rows 5-6 until piece measures approximately 9” in height. Work 3 rows of Garter Stitch and then bind off in Garter Stitch.
Note #2: For our block we cast on 35 stitches to allow for the garter stitch border on each side. The first and last 4 rows of the block are worked in Garter Stitch pattern (knit all stitches on every row).
On row 5 you will begin the Double Seed Stitch Pattern with a Garter Stitch pattern border on either side. Work the first and last 4 stitches in the Garter Stitch pattern. You may find it useful to add stitch markers at each side to separate the border stitches from the Double Seed Pattern stitches. (See Note #1)
Helpful Tips:
- Add a stitch marker to separate the Garter Stitch border stitches from the 27 middle Double Seed Stitch Pattern stitches.
- You can easily memorize this 4 row pattern repeat if you remember you will be alternating between repeating rows 1 and 2 over and over again. So your pattern row repeat will look like this: 1, 2, 2, 1, 1, 2, 2, 1, 1, 2, 2, 1… If you are able to “read” your work, you can tell when it’s time to switch the pattern to the alternate row number. (See video for explanation.)
Knit Double Seed Stitch Project Ideas:
Beginner Level
- Double Seed Stitch Washcloth
- Double Seed Stitch Scarf
- Double Seed Stitch Blanket
- Double Seed Stitch Pillow
- Double Seed Stitch Bag
Intermediate Level:
Check out the Knit Honeycomb Slip Stitch or Loop Building Block tutorial too!