Types of stitches in knitting

Types of stitches in knitting

According to historians, knitting can be dated back to the 11th and 14th centuries AD where the same principles of using needles to form interconnecting loops to make fabric were still in use. Unlike today where knitting is merely a hobby, in the past, it was practised out of necessity to have warm and durable clothing. With the evolution of fashion trends and with over-sized knitted sweaters making a comeback, you might be looking to get into the knitting game. But do you know the different types of stitches?

The Different Types of Stitches in Knitting

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There are various types of knitting patterns and each one is useful for a particular knitting job. With different types of yarn and a range of incredible knit stitch patterns out there, you can choose to specialize in one or all of them. However, it is important to note that once you learn some straightforward, basic types of stitches, you will be a step closer to knitting up a storm.

Different types of stitches in knitting

Below are some of the most basic types of knitting stitches in use today:

1. The garter stitch

different knitting stitches

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This is one of the simplest textured knitting stitches, and it is a must-know for those new to the knitting game. To get the hang of this simple knitted fabric, you need to learn how to knit every stitch of every row first before you get down to learning how to purl.

Most knitting beginners start with an essential garter stitch scarf, but you can also choose to knit a hot pad, a washcloth or anything else that will work on your needles.

2. The stockinette stitch

The Different Types of Stitches in Knitting

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Once you have learnt the art of knitting, you graduate to purling. The stockinette stitch is one of the simplest types of knitting stitches. It involves knitting one row, purling the next then alternating in the same manner.

This knit stitch pattern is what most people think of when they consider knitting. There are more than a hundred fancy knitting stitch patterns to conjure from the stockinette stitch than any other design out there. Stockinette stitch is what you get when you knit every round in circular knitting, thus making it an important reason to pick up this skill.

3. The fair isle stitch

The Different Types of Stitches in Knitting

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Fair isle stitches are some of the most unique casting knitting stitches. They are also known as colourful knitting, and they mainly involve colourful knitting patterns on repeat. They use the same knits and purls, but what separates the fair isle from other types of stitches is the alternating colours that create stunning and gorgeous pieces.

Fair isle knitting mostly consists of two colours in every row. The colours are carried along, thus forming floats along the back of your project. The vital part of this unique knitting stitch pattern is that since the colours are carried across, the colour changes need to occur over just a few stitches.

4. The ribbing stitch

different knit stitches

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If you have mastered the art of knitting whole rows of knit and purl, then you need to start learning alternate knitting and purling in the same row. That is how you learn to make textured knitting stitches. For now, the most basic knit-purl stitch pattern to learn is the rib stitch.

Ribbing is any pattern where the knits and purls line up consistently across rows to give you beautiful columns of knits and purls that alternate across your fabric. You can also decide to use it throughout your knitting patterns or as an edging.

Some of the easiest knitting stitches in ribbing are the 1x1 and 2x2, the numbers showing you how many stitches you can work on of each type of stitch in order (therefore 1x1 rib is knit 1, purl 1 repeating). Nonetheless, this is not to say that you cannot make ribbing in just about any combination. You can always use the 3x1 and 4x4 pattern.

What you need to pay attention to in this form of knitting pattern is that the number of stitches you cast on matches the number of stitches required for that specific pattern.

5. The moss stitch

different knit stitches

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The moss stitch is one of the easiest pretty knitting stitches to learn. It is another simple variation of the knits and purls but in the same row. It works in the same manner as ribbing for two rows then moving over one stitch for two rows.

The moss stitch, unlike its cousin, the seed stitch, fashions an almost shifted ribbing or tiny basketweave patterned fabric. Since there is a balance of the knit and purl stitches, it does not curl. Moss stitch is also one of the simplest reversible knitting stitches, thus making it perfect for making scarves, blankets and other products where you see both sides of the fabric.

6. The eyelet stitch

types of knitting stitches

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The eyelet stitch is one of the most popular incredible lacing knitting stitches. It mostly works by alternating garter stitch ridges and stockinette eyelets, thus creating a unique meshed fabric for every product from scarves, shawls and blankets. If you are into fashion trends and want to create a piece that will stand out in the runway or out in the streets, then this should be your go-to knitting pattern.

READ ALSO: Knitted 'knockers' or silicon prostheses? Kenyan breast cancer survivors now have a choice

7. Intrasia knitting

different knit stitches

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Intrasia is a colourwork knitting pattern. Unlike the fair isle knitting patterns, these types of stitches involve working colours in sections. The secret to making perfect Fair Isle knitting patterns is by allowing colour changes to occur frequently across a row, thus enabling the colours to be carried along the back of the work.

With this pattern, though, the colours are not carried along the back – and instead, they are worked in sections. You will have to work to the colour change, drop the old colour and then pick up the new colour. It is perfect if you want to create a motif.

8. The cable stitch

types of knitting stitches

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The cable stitch is a type of knit stitch that seems very complicated at first, but once you get the hang of it, you will realize that is one of the most straightforward knitting patterns.

Like all the other different knit stitches, cables are formed using the same knit and purls. The only varying factor is that to create this stitch, and you need to twist one row of the stitches.

9. The seed stitch

textured knitting stitches

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If you can do some basic knit ribbing, you can knit the simple seed stitch. Seed stitches are worked in the same way as ribbing, and it looks like a moss stitch. However, unlike the rib stitch, each row is off by one stitch. Therefore, rather than lining the knits and purls up in regular columns, they alternate on each row.

These types of stitches bring a lot of texture to your knitting, and it is effortless. The seed stitches are perfect for scarfs and blankets.

10. The linen stitch

types of knitting patterns

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The linen knit stitch pattern is also known as fabric stitch, and it is one of the most stunning ingenious stitch patterns that result in various looks by just alternating the colour scheme. It is perfect for fashion enthusiasts, and it helps you create a variety of unique scarf and sweater designs.

There are over a hundred types of stitches in knitting. If you are a new knitter, learning some might seem like rocket science, but once you learn the basics, you will be able to take on even the most complex patterns and alternate stitches to fashion runway-worthy and stunning items. Now it is your turn. Pick up your needles and make these stitches!

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