The Double Seed Stitch Every Knitter Should Know [Easy + Video]

The Double Seed Stitch — also known as the Double Moss Stitch — is one of those knitting classics that somehow never gets old.

✨ Want to knit this without ads or scrolling? 

👉 Click on this line if you want to download the printable PDF pattern

Rich, textured, satisfying to knit — and ridiculously easy to learn. In fact, it might just be the most beginner-friendly pattern you’ll ever try that doesn’t look beginner-friendly at all.

Ready to start knitting?

In the video tutorial below, I’ll show you how to work the Double Seed Stitch step by step:

It’s a 4-row repeat. But here’s the thing: you don’t need to memorise four rows.

You only need two things:

After Row 1 — work each stitch as it presents itself.

Row 3 is the opposite of Row 2.

Row 4? Work each stitch as it presents.

Actually, once you cast on and knit that first row — your knitting tells you everything you need to know from there. There’s nothing to memorize. The fabric does the thinking for you 😄

It’s also reversible — identical on both sides — and lays completely flat without a border. Which means you can use it for absolutely everything. And I mean everything.

How The Double Seed Stitch Works

Simple Stitches, Beautiful Logic:

The Double Seed Stitch is built on one beautifully simple idea: groups of two.

Two knit stitches, two purl stitches — alternating across the row. Then on the next row, you work each stitch as it presents itself. On Row 3, you shift the pattern by one position. Row 4, back to working as it presents.

That shift is what creates the texture — those little offset blocks of knit and purl that build up into a richly textured, almost woven-looking fabric.

It’s not complicated. It’s not tricky. It’s just incredibly clever.

Where to Use the Double Seed Stitch

The honest answer? Everywhere!

But let me be more specific:

👶 Baby Projects

From soft hats and tiny socks to delicate blankets and cardigans — the Double Seed Stitch is perfect for baby knitting. The texture is beautiful, the fabric is stable, and because it’s identical on both sides, there’s no wrong side to worry about.

🧣 Accessories

Scarves, cowls, infinity scarves, wraps — the flat, reversible fabric makes this stitch an absolute dream for accessories. No borders needed. No hiding the wrong side. Just cast on and go.

🧤 Hats, Mittens & Gloves

The structured texture works beautifully for hats, berets, mittens and gloves — enough visual interest to be gorgeous, enough simplicity to be practical.

🧥 Garments

Vests, sweaters, cardigans — the Double Seed Stitch works wonderfully as an all-over pattern for garments. It also works beautifully for just the hems and cuffs if you want to add texture without committing to the whole piece.

🏠 Home Decor

Cushions, blankets, place mats, table runners, rugs — the Double Seed Stitch has the kind of structured, elegant texture that looks genuinely beautiful in home projects. Especially in cotton or linen yarn.

The rule of thumb: if you’re not sure whether this stitch works for your project — it probably does.

Not sure how many stitches to cast on? Check out my guide to calculating stitches, yarn and measurements for any project. It takes the guesswork out completely!

My Best Tip for Knitting the Double Seed Stitch

Pay Attention to Your Tension

The Double Seed Stitch is made entirely with knit and purl stitches — and just like the Basket Weave Stitch and the Mock Wasp Nest Stitch, tension is key if you want those little offset blocks to look crisp and well defined.

My little trick? After every purl stitch, give your yarn a gentle tug.

When you work a purl stitch, the yarn moves from the front to the back of your work before you knit again — and it’s very easy to leave a tiny bit of extra yarn there.

That tiny loop might not seem like a big deal while you’re knitting, but once several rows start piling up, those loose loops can make the pattern look untidy.

So just remember:

Purl → gentle tug → keep knitting 😊

Not so hard that you tighten the stitches — just enough to take up that little bit of excess yarn so everything sits neatly and evenly.

Such a simple thing. Such a big difference.

✨ Want to knit this without ads or scrolling? 

👉 Click on this line if you want to download the printable pattern (PDF file)

Love Simple Stitches? Here Are More Like This

If the Double Seed Stitch felt completely doable — and I hope it did! — here are a few more beautiful, beginner-friendly knit and purl patterns you might love:

Seed Stitch — the classic version: one knit, one purl, alternating. Reversible, flat, and endlessly versatile 😊

Waffle Stitch — just four rows of knitting and purling create a pretty fabric on both sides,

Half Garter Rib Stitch — this one could not be easier! Only 2 rows, one of which is a plain knit row.

Garter Rib Stitch — beautiful texture on each side and lays completely flat. One of my absolute favourites.

Hurdle Stitch — a four-row repeat pattern, both sides look identical, and it doesn’t curl.

Materials

For this swatch I used:

US 7 (4.5 mm) bamboo knitting needles (this set comes with 18 pairs, case and useful accessories) #ad

And 100% Merino wool yarn (smooth, soft, structured and machine washable) #ad

This is the other side of the work:

“As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.”

Abbreviations

How to Knit The Double Seed Stitch

Stitch Multiple

CO an odd number of sts (no edge sts included).

For example: 11, 21, 33 sts. If you like to have edge/selvage sts, add 2 to your calculation.

Instructions

Row 1 (RS): *K1, P1*. Repeat from * to * to last st, K1

Row 2 (work each st as it presents): *P1, K1*.  Repeat from * to * to last st, P1

Row 3: *P1, K1*.  Repeat from * to * to last st, P1

Row 4: *K1, P1*. Repeat from * to * to last st, K1.

Repeat rows 1 -4. When finished, BO working each st as it presents after row 1 or after row 3 (WS).

💌 Before you Leave: Join the So Woolly Community

If you enjoyed this tutorial, join me for personal notes, thoughtful lessons, and calm knitting guidance — delivered straight to your inbox.

No overwhelm. No pressure. Just clarity and steady progress.

→ Join Me Here

A big hug, and happy knitting,

Carolina – So Woolly 

PS: You can explore more designs like this in the Textured Stitch Patterns collection.