How to Do the Stockinette Stitch

1. Understanding the Stockinette Stitch

The stockinette stitch is created by alternating knit stitches on the right side (RS) and purl stitches on the wrong side (WS) of your work. This results in a smooth, uniform fabric with one side showing a series of V-shaped knit stitches and the other side displaying rows of purl bumps.

2. Materials You’ll Need

To practice the stockinette stitch, you’ll need knitting needles and yarn. The size of the needles will depend on the weight of your yarn and the desired fabric density. Check the yarn label for the recommended needle size. Choose a smooth, medium-weight yarn in a color of your preference to make it easier to see your stitches.

3. Casting On Stitches

Start by casting on the desired number of stitches using the long tail cast-on method. This cast-on technique creates a neat and flexible edge for your stockinette fabric.

4. Knitting the Stockinette Stitch

Begin by working on the right side (RS) of your work.

Row 1: The Right Side (Knit Stitch)

Insert the right needle into the first stitch on the left needle, from front to back. Wrap the yarn around the right needle counterclockwise. Pull the yarn through the stitch, and slide the old stitch off the left needle. You have completed one knit stitch.

Row 2: The Wrong Side (Purl Stitch)

Turn your work to the wrong side (WS). Insert the right needle into the first stitch on the left needle, from back to front. Wrap the yarn around the right needle clockwise. Pull the yarn through the stitch, and slide the old stitch off the left needle. You have completed one purl stitch.

5. Creating Straight Stockinette Fabric

To create stockinette fabric in rows, repeat Rows 1 and 2 alternately until your piece reaches the desired length. Remember to turn your work at the end of each row to work on both sides.

6. Avoiding Curling Edges

The stockinette stitch tends to curl along the edges due to the tension difference between knit and purl stitches. To prevent curling, you can add a garter stitch border to your work. The garter stitch is created by knitting every row. Knitting a few rows of garter stitch at the beginning and end of your stockinette fabric will help keep the edges flat.

7. Advanced Stockinette Stitch Techniques

In circular knitting, such as when making hats or socks, you can create stockinette fabric by simply knitting every round, as you’re always working on the right side. Additionally, there are alternate ways to achieve stockinette-like fabric, such as the seed stitch or the double knitting technique.

8. Fixing Common Mistakes

If you drop a stitch or notice tension issues in your stockinette fabric, don’t worry. You can fix dropped stitches by using a crochet hook or a knitting needle to pick up the stitch. Tension issues can be improved with practice and by ensuring consistent tension while knitting.

9. Projects to Try with Stockinette Stitch

The stockinette stitch is incredibly versatile and can be used in various knitting projects. Try making scarves, cowls, sweaters, cardigans, blankets, or afghans using the stockinette stitch as the main stitch pattern.

Conclusion

The stockinette stitch is a foundational knitting technique that every knitter should learn. With its smooth and uniform appearance, the stockinette stitch is perfect for a wide range of knitting projects. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced knitter, mastering the stockinette stitch will open up endless possibilities for creating beautiful and elegant knitted pieces. So, grab your needles and yarn, and start practicing the stockinette stitch to embark on an exciting knitting journey!