Simple Knitting Patterns
Published by JoAnn on Tagged Types of Stitches
As we know, all knitted fabrics are made using two basic stitches, knit and purl. I have chosen the following pattern samples because they are the easiest patterns for a beginner knitter. There are actually hundreds of combinations of stitch patterns. When you learn these simple stitches and stitch patterns, you can knit virtually any pattern that you wish. Some of the complicated patterns become, if not simple or easy, less intimidating once you have a few easy projects under your belt.
Garter Stitch
This is often referred to as plain knitting because every row is made by either a knit or a purl stitch. This produces a reversible fabric with raised horizontal ridges on each side of the work. It does not curl at the edges so it can either be used on its own or for bands or borders on stockings, sweaters or socks. To achieve the garter stitch, either knit or purl every row.
Stockinette Stitch (also called Stocking Stitch)
The stockinette stitch is the most widely used stitch for knitted projects. The knit rows on the stockinette stitch is considered to be the “right” side of the fabric and makes a flat smooth surface that can curl at the edges. It can be finished with bands, borders or hems. to form this pattern, knit every stitch on the first row then purl every stitch on the second row.
Single Ribbing
This pattern is formed by alternating the knit and purl stitches. It is commonly used to form neck bands, wrist bands for mitts, cuffs for socks and borders. Single ribbing is made using an even number of stitches. The pattern is knit first stitch, purl next stitch and repeat until the row is knit.
Double Ribbing
This pattern is used for hems and borders for necklines or cuffs of sweaters, socks and mitts. It is a very simple stitch and usually worked over a multiple of four stitches with two extra. The two extra stitches add balance to the pattern. For the first row - knit the first 2 stitches, *purl the next 2 stitches, knit the next 2 stitches* and repeat *2* until reaching the end of the row. Second row - purl the first 2 stitches, *knit the next 2 stitches and purl the next 2* repeat *to* until you reach the end of the row. Repeat to form the pattern.
Moss Stitch or Seed Stitch
This is a simple stitch and looks great since it is so textured when used as an all over pattern. It is also good for using as a border or band. This pattern is knit using an uneven number of stitches. For example using 39 stitches, first row - knit 1, then purl 1, do this for entire row. For row 2, purl 1, knit 1 for entire row. Row 3 would be as row 1 and so on. This pattern looks very nice especially for sweaters.
Double Moss Stitch
This pattern creates a more textured raised effect on the material which looks great for any number of projects. To knit this pattern, cast on a multiple of 4 stitches, plus 2 extra. This is a 4 row pattern. Row 1 is knit the first 2, then *purl 2, knit 2* to the end of the row. Row 2 is purl the first 2, then *knit 2, purl 2* to the end of the row. Row 3 is the same as row 2. Row 4 is the same as row 1. Repeat rows 1 to 4 for the pattern.
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