How To Knit Stockinette Stitch

Ready to dive into this essential stitch? Grab your needles and yarn, and let’s explore how to create the clean, classic fabric of stockinette stitch!

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How To Knit Stockinette Stitch

Knitting stockinette stitch is a foundational stitch that every knitter should master. As you can see in the video, stockinette stitch creates a stretchy fabric that is thick smooth on one side and textured or bumpy on the other. Stockinette has a tendency to curl on the edges.

This stockinette stitch swatch was knit using Bernat Super Value in the colourway Grey Ragg on size 6* Addi click knitting needles. I cast on 26 stitches using the long tail cast on.
*I am a loose knitter so I size down. The recommended knitting needles for this yarn is 5.0mm US Size 8.

Follow these steps to create this timeless stitch pattern:

How to Knit Stockinette Stitch Flat

Stockinette stitch is achieved by alternating between knitting and purling, creating a fabric with a smooth side (the “right side”) and a textured, bumpy side (the “wrong side”).

Step 1: Cast On

Cast on your desired number of stitches. Use a stretchy cast-on method like the long-tail cast-on for an even edge.

Step 2: Knit the Right Side

Knit all the stitches across the row. This forms the smooth, “v-shaped” stitches of the right side of the fabric.

Step 3: Purl the Wrong Side

Turn your work and purl across the row. This creates the bumpy texture on the wrong side of the fabric.

Step 4: Repeat

Continue alternating between knitting one row and purling the next until your project reaches the desired length.

Pro Tip: If you’re working in the round, stockinette stitch is even easier—just knit every row!

How to Knit Stockinette Stitch In The Round

Knitting stockinette stitch in the round is a little different than working it flat but is a lot easier!

Step 1: Cast On

Start by casting on the desired number of stitches for your project. For beginners, the long-tail cast-on method is a great choice as it creates a neat, stretchy edge. Place a stitch market to indicate your beginning of round.

Step 2: Knit

Stockinette stitch in the round is created by knitting. Just keep knitting until you have reached your desired length.

Step 3: Bind Off

Once your project reaches the desired length, it’s time to bind off. To perform a basic bind off: knit the first two stitches as usual, then pass the first stitch over the second and off the needle. Knit the next stitch and repeat until only one stitch remains. Cut the yarn, leaving a small tail, and pull it through the final stitch to secure.

Troubleshooting Common Mistakes

Stockinette stitch is a bit more finicky than garter stitch, but these tips will help you avoid and fix common issues:

Curling Edges

Stockinette naturally curls at the edges because of the tension imbalance between the knit and purl rows. To prevent this, consider adding a border of garter stitch or ribbing to your project. If knitting a project in the round, you may not notice this curling as much. Many garments will add a cuff to stockinette projects to remedy the curly.

Uneven Tension

Purl stitches can often be looser than knit stitches, leading to uneven rows. Focus on maintaining consistent tension, especially during the purl rows, to ensure a smooth fabric. Knitting stockinette in the round is a great way to practice your tension.

Twisted Stitches

If your stitches look uneven or “twisted,” double-check that you’re wrapping the yarn the correct way around the needle.

Counting Rows

In stockinette, it’s easy to lose track of rows. Count the “v” stitches on the right side to determine how many rows you’ve knitted.

Benefits of Stockinette Stitch

Stockinette stitch is a favorite for good reason. Its clean, classic appearance makes it a go-to for a variety of projects:

Smooth and Professional Look

The smooth side of stockinette gives a polished finish that’s ideal for garments, accessories, and home décor items.

Perfect for Colorwork

Stockinette’s uniform texture makes it an excellent backdrop for intarsia, stranded knitting, or embroidery. When working in stockinette, your colour changed can be clean and not as visible from the right side of you work as they would be in another stitch like garter.

Great for Shaping

Because stockinette stitch lies flat on one side, it’s easy to incorporate increases and decreases for garments and accessories.

Works with All Yarn Types

From smooth silk blends to cozy wool, stockinette stitch shows off yarn textures and colors beautifully.

Stockinette Stitch FAQ

Why Does Stockinette Stitch Curl?

The curl is caused by the natural tension imbalance between knit and purl stitches. To prevent curling, use a border of garter stitch, ribbing, or moss stitch. I recommend a border of at least 3 stitches/rows to minimize curling.

Can Stockinette Stitch Be Reversible?

Stockinette itself isn’t reversible, but you can combine it with other patterns, like ribbing or garter stitch, to create a project that looks good on both sides. That being said, I have seen many projects that use the “wrong side” of stockinette as the right size of the project. They do not look the same but you can use either side as the right side of your project.

Is Stockinette Stitch Harder Than Garter Stitch?

Stockinette stitch, when knit flat, introduces purling, which can be more challenging for beginners, but with practice, it becomes just as easy as garter stitch. Stockinette stitch when knit in the round, is only knit stitches which is the same as knitting garter stitch flat.

What Are Some Beginner-Friendly Stockinette Stitch Projects?

Stockinette stitch is perfect for items like simple hats, cowls, or the body of a sweater. Pair it with garter stitch edges to keep things straightforward.

How Do I Fix a Mistake in Stockinette Stitch?

If you drop a stitch, use a crochet hook to pick it up in the correct orientation. For major mistakes, you can unpick (“tink”) your rows or rip back to the error and restart from that point.