What is the Difference Between Moss Stitch and Seed Stitch

The main difference between moss stitch and seed stitch is that moss stitch has a pattern that works on multiples of two stitches and includes a four-row repeat, while seed stitch has single knits and purls alternating horizontally and vertically.

Moss stitch and seed stitch are reversible stitch patterns – this means both sides of the knitting are identical, and you can use it for sewing projects where both sides of the fabric are visible.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Moss Stitch 
     – Definition, Features
2. What is Seed Stitch
     – Definition, Features 
3. Similarities – Moss Stitch and Seed Stitch
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Moss Stitch and Seed Stitch
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Moss Stitch, Seed Stitch

Difference Between Moss Stitch and Seed Stitch - Comparison Summary

What is Moss Stitch

Moss stitch is a classic knitting stitch pattern that works on multiples of two stitches and includes a four-row repeat. It is also known as the American moss stitch. Since moss stitch has a balance of knit and purl stitches, it does not curl. In addition, it is a reversible pattern. Therefore, you can use it for blankets, scarves, and other knitting projects where both sides of the fabric become visible. A moss stitch creates small knit and purl stitches. It has a nice and textured finish.

Moss Stitch vs Seed Stitch

To make a moss stitch, you have alternate knits and purls every stitch and change their location after two rows. In other words, you have to make two rows of the same sequence of knits and purls before alternating them. Although it looks complex, it’s a really easy pattern:

  • Rows 1 and Row 2: *Knit one, purl one. Repeat from * across.
  • Rows 3 and Row 4: *Purl one, knit one. Repeat from * across.

Now repeat these four rows.

What is Seed Stitch

Seed stitch is another reversible knitting pattern that’s closely related to moss stitch. It’s an easy combination of simple knits and purls. When compared to moss stitch, seed stitch has single knits and purls, alternating horizontally and vertically. This means you have to alternative between knits and purls in each row. The easiest way to knit a seed stitch is to cast an odd number of seed stitches. The name seed stitch comes from the texture of the knit – the little bumps that look like seeds.

Seed stitch is not very complex, and we can use it in many patterns. Since it is a reversible pattern, both sides look equally nice. In addition, the stitch easily lies flat, so we can use it for borders of blankets, which often tend to curl up.

Similarities Between Moss Stitch and Seed Stitch

  • Moss stitch and seed stitch are reversible knitting patterns, so both sides of the knitting are identical, and you can use them for sewing projects where both sides of the fabric are visible.
  • They have rows of knit 1, purl 1 across alternated with rows of purl 1, knit 1.

Difference Between Moss Stitch and Seed Stitch

Definition

Moss stitch is a classic knitting stitch pattern that works on multiples of two stitches and includes a four-row repeat while seed stitch is a knitting pattern that has single knits and purls, alternating horizontally and vertically.

Knits and Purls

Moss stitch has two rows of knit 1, purl 1 before two rows of purl 1, knit 1, while seed stitch has one row of knit 1, purl 1 followed by one row of purl 1, knit 1.

Conclusion

The main difference between moss stitch and seed stitch is that moss stitch has a pattern that works on multiples of two stitches and includes a four-row repeat, while seed stitch has single knits and purls, alternating horizontally and vertically.

Reference:

1. “Knitting Stitches – How to Knit Moss Stitch the Right Way.” Easy on the Tongue , 2 Feb. 2021.
2. “How to Knit the Seed Stitch.” Dummies, 26 Apr. 2016.
3. White, Sarah E. “Learn to Knit the Classic Moss Stitch.” The Spruce Crafts, 1 Feb. 2019.

Image Courtesy:

1. “The moss-stitch square..” By storebukkebruse (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr

About the Author: Hasa

Hasanthi is a seasoned content writer and editor with over 8 years of experience. Armed with a BA degree in English and a knack for digital marketing, she explores her passions for literature, history, culture, and food through her engaging and informative writing.

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