How to Knit Stockinette Stitch

Last Updated: March 29, 2019

Stockinette stitch is one of the most basic knitting stitches, and a skill every beginner knitter should learn as it's a building block for most complex patterns. Before diving into this article, the reader should know how to make knit and purl stitches, as well as how to Cast On and Cast Off. Let's get started!

Steps

1
Keep in mind that the basic formula for stockinette is knitting all knit stitches on one side and all purl stitches on the opposite side. This article will explain the basic process for beginning stockinette stitch.

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Method 1

Method 1 of 2:
Flat

1
Cast on to straight needles.
2
Knit all the stitches in your first row (right side).
3
Purl all the stitches in your next row (wrong side).
4
Repeat steps two and three until your piece is its desired length. Compare the right side to the intro image of the article, to make sure you are knitting correctly.
- Note: You can also begin with a purl row and then a knit row. As long as one side is all purl stitches and the other is all knit stitches, it will turn out as stockinette stitches.
5
Cast off.

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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:
In the Round

1
Cast on to double pointed needles or circular needles.
2
Knit all the stitches, every row. You can also purl every stitch, every row, but most patterns will ask you to knit. Since you are knitting circularly, you are always working on just one side of the piece while knitting in the round.
3
Continue to desired length.
4
Cast off.

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Community Q&A

Question

If a pattern says 12 rows of stocking stitches, is that 24 rows in total?

LibraryMouse

Community Answer

No, it simply means 12 rows, 6 of knit and 6 of purl.
Question

Whenever I attempt to knit stockinette, one row will be smooth and the next bumpy. Any tips on fixing it?

Community Answer

That's how its supposed to be. The stockinette stitch has one bumpy side, while the other is smooth.
Question

My gauge says 9 sts to 4" - does this mean 9 sts and 9 rows?

Eye of the liger

Community Answer

Yes it does! 9 stitches by 9 rows = 4x4 inch square. Good luck!

Warnings

On its own, stockinette knit flatly is prone to curling at the edges, so this is not a good choice for flat projects like scarves or dish cloths as the sole stitch. You will probably want to add a border of a few stitches, such as garter stitch. The curling can also be prevented by slipping the first stitch of every row––just moving it to the other needle without knitting.

Thanks!
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