Stockinette Stitch: How to Do It Step by Step
Stockinette Stitch (St st in US patterns, st st (stocking stitch) in UK patterns) is a beginner-level knitting stitch that makes smooth Vs on the right side, purl bumps on the back; edges curl. Stitchers use it for sweaters, hats, socks. To start, cast on any number, then knit right-side rows and purl wrong-side rows.
Stockinette Stitch is a beginner-level knitting stitch that makes smooth Vs on the right side, purl bumps on the back; edges curl. Patterns abbreviate it as St st in US terms and st st (stocking stitch) in UK terms. Makers use it for sweaters, hats, socks, colorwork.
The table below sums up stockinette stitch in one place: craft, abbreviation, difficulty and the projects it suits best.
| Craft | Knitting |
|---|---|
| US abbreviation | St st |
| UK abbreviation | st st (stocking stitch) |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Look and feel | Smooth Vs on the right side, purl bumps on the back; edges curl |
| Best for | Sweaters, Hats, Socks, Colorwork |
| Relative yarn use | 1x |
How do you work stockinette stitch?
- Cast on any number of stitches.
- Working flat: knit all stitches on right-side rows.
- Purl all stitches on wrong-side rows.
- Working in the round: knit every round.
- Add a garter or ribbed border to reduce edge curl.
Stockinette Stitch is one of the stitches covered in how to measure knitting gauge. When you are ready to plan a project in it, the knitting gauge calculator will check your swatch against the pattern.
What are the most common stockinette stitch mistakes?
- Losing track of which row is next; check for Vs facing you on knit rows
- Uneven tension between knit and purl rows
- Skipping blocking, which evens the stitches
Practice on a swatch
Work a small sample before starting a project. It shows how the stitch looks in your chosen yarn or thread, and it is far easier to unpick a swatch than a finished piece.
Where does stockinette stitch lead next? 6-Stitch Cable is the natural step up: cables are stockinette panels crossed over themselves, so this is the stitch they are built from.
Which stitches are related to stockinette stitch?
The 3 stitches below are the closest relatives of stockinette stitch, with the abbreviation and difficulty of each.
| Stitch | Abbreviation | Difficulty | Look and feel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reverse Stockinette Stitch | rev St st | Beginner | Bumpy purl side used as the right side; background for cables |
| Garter Stitch | garter st | Beginner | Reversible ridges, lies flat, squishy, stretches lengthwise |
| 1x1 Rib | k1, p1 rib | Beginner | Very stretchy, pulls in widthwise, springs back |
What other beginner knitting stitches should you learn?
- Knit Stitch: first lessons, garter and stockinette fabrics
- Purl Stitch: stockinette on flat pieces, ribbing
- Garter Stitch: scarves, dishcloths
- Reverse Stockinette Stitch: cable backgrounds, textured panels
- Seed Stitch: borders, washcloths
- Moss Stitch: blankets, textured sweaters
- 1x1 Rib: cuffs, hat brims
- 2x2 Rib: hat brims, sweater hems
- Slip Stitch (Knit): heel flaps, neat selvage edges
- Knit Two Together: hat crowns, shaping
- Yarn Over: lace, eyelet buttonholes
- Knit Front and Back: easy increases, toe-up socks
Tools for knitting
Clover Universal Knitting Counter
Under $25A simple row counter so you never lose your place in a stitch pattern.
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KnitIQ Blocking Mats, 9 piece set with T-pins
Under $100Blocking evens out stitches and opens up texture patterns; interlocking mats make it easy.
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ChiaoGoo Twist Red Lace Interchangeable Set, Complete, 5 inch tips
Under $250A complete interchangeable set covers every needle size a pattern calls for.
Check pricePrices change often, so confirm on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently asked questions
What is stockinette stitch?
Stockinette Stitch is a knitting stitch that makes smooth Vs on the right side, purl bumps on the back; edges curl. Makers reach for it for sweaters, hats, socks, colorwork. It is rated beginner here, so it is a good stitch to learn early and practice on a small swatch before a real project.
How do you do stockinette stitch step by step?
1. Cast on any number of stitches. 2. Working flat: knit all stitches on right-side rows. 3. Purl all stitches on wrong-side rows. 4. Working in the round: knit every round. 5. Add a garter or ribbed border to reduce edge curl. Work slowly for the first few repeats, keep your tension even, and check the result against the steps before continuing across a whole row or motif.
What is the abbreviation for stockinette stitch?
US patterns abbreviate stockinette stitch as St st. UK patterns write it as st st (stocking stitch), so always check whether a pattern uses US or UK terms before you start, because the same abbreviation can mean a different stitch. Pattern keys list every abbreviation used, usually near the materials list.
What projects use stockinette stitch?
Stockinette Stitch suits sweaters, hats, socks, colorwork. To size a project before you start, the knitting gauge calculator will check your swatch against the pattern, and how to measure knitting gauge walks through a full project from the beginning.
What are common mistakes with stockinette stitch?
The most common problems are: losing track of which row is next; check for vs facing you on knit rows; uneven tension between knit and purl rows; skipping blocking, which evens the stitches. Most are easy to spot if you pause after a few repeats and compare your work with the steps. Good light helps a great deal, especially with dark yarn or thread.
What should you learn after stockinette stitch?
6-Stitch Cable is the usual next step, because cables are stockinette panels crossed over themselves, so this is the stitch they are built from. It is rated intermediate here, against beginner for stockinette stitch. Its own step-by-step page is at 6-stitch cable.
What stitches are similar to stockinette stitch?
Stitches closely related to stockinette stitch include Reverse Stockinette Stitch, Garter Stitch, 1x1 Rib. Learning them together makes patterns easier to read, because many designs switch between related stitches to change texture, height or line. Each has its own step-by-step page in the stitch dictionary.
How we research: we compare manufacturer specifications, owner manuals, published standards and recurring themes in verified owner reviews. We do not test products in person, and this is researched guidance, not professional advice. Follow your machine manual and pattern, and take care with rotary cutters, hot irons and needles. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
