When you’re first learning to knit, the number of stitch patterns can feel overwhelming—but the truth is, most of knitting is built on just a few simple foundations. Once you master the basics, you can combine them to create beautiful textures, cozy fabrics, and endless design possibilities. Whether you’re new to the craft or refreshing your skills, here’s a quick guide to the stitches every knitter should know.
Everything starts with the knit stitch and the purl stitch. These two stitches are the building blocks of nearly every pattern you’ll encounter, whether you’re starting an easy knit and purl scarf pattern or a complicated textured knit design. The knit stitch creates a smooth “V” shape on the front of the fabric, while the purl stitch creates a small horizontal bump. Learning how these two stitches interact opens the door to new textures and styles.
One of the simplest—and most popular—patterns is garter stitch. Made by knitting every row, garter stitch creates a squishy, reversible fabric that lies flat, making it perfect for scarves, blankets, and beginner projects. If you can knit, you can make garter stitch right away.
Next is stockinette stitch, which is created by knitting one row and purling the next. This produces the classic smooth fabric on the front and bumpy texture on the back. Stockinette is used in everything from sweaters to hats but is known for curling at the edges, so it often needs a border.
For knitters ready to explore texture, moss stitch (also known as seed stitch) is a great next step. Moss stitch alternates knit and purl stitches within the same row, creating a lovely, bumpy texture that’s both decorative and beginner-friendly.
If you want to learn these stitches—or get personalized help—our team at Froggy Fiberworks is always here for you. We offer classes for all skill levels, and customers are welcome to stop in anytime for guidance, troubleshooting, or a refresher on any stitch.
For additional tutorials and helpful information, be sure to visit our knitting page.