Knits and Purls ...

The Knit 1s have started to work on the meat of their hats - the seed stitch. As they worked on it, it became quite clear that it was far easier to understand what seed stitch is and what it should look like rather than to try and remember a specific pattern. For this, stitch recognition and understanding plays a vital role. In learning to recognize stitches, there are a few important things to remember:

• Knit stitches look smooth and flat, and form v's in your work
• Purl stitches have a horizontal bar across them and are bumpy
• Knit stitches look like purl stitches on the reverse side and vice versa
• All textures are a combination of these two stitches formed in a pre-arranged order
• Remember: "Knit up (vertical lines) and Purl across (flat bar)"

In a nutshell, here are how a few common textures look and a brief explanation on how to make them.

Garter Stitch - is made by either knitting or purling all your stitches on all rows. This is a flat, bumpy texture created  by having an alternating row of knit stitches and purl stitches facing you. The knits lay flat and are "hidden" between the ridges of the purl stitch. Remember that each stitch is its opposite on the reverse side so even though you are only knitting or purling, you are creating the other stitch as well.

Stocking stitch - is created by alternating between knitting one row then purling it on the back. Stocking stitch is the most common stitch pattern in knitting and is a smooth texture. Unfortunately, without a combination of knit and purl stitches in the same column, this texture will curl.

Reverse stocking stitch - although the knit side is usually the side shown in stocking stitch, the purl side is an interesting texture as well and is sometimes used. It is created by purling the first row then knitting the second and repeating this process. You can also make a stocking stitch texture and flip it over.

Seed stitch - also called moss stitc - is formed by alternating between knit and purl stitches in the same row. On the reverse side, you knit on top of the purl stitches and purl on top of the knit stitches in the row below. You continue in this manner throughout your work.

Ribbing - is created by alternating between panels of stocking stitch and reverse stocking stitch in the same row. A 2x2 rib for example would be k2,p2 across the row. On the reverse side you would knit your stitches as they appear. In other words, if you see a knit stitch, you knit it and if you see a purl stitch, purl it. 

A good way to learn these textures is to get a stitch dictionary and practice, practice, practice! The blanket squares allow you the opportunity to make any combination you want and the finished product will go towards something useful. Making dish cloths using different patterns is also a great way to get used to different textures.

JAS