Which stitch should I use?
| Stitch | Stitch count | Level | Curls? | Reversible? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garter stitch | Any number of stitches | Beginner | No | Yes |
| Stockinette stitch | Any number of stitches | Beginner | Yes | No |
| 1×1 rib | Multiple of 2 | Beginner | No | Yes |
| 2×2 rib | Flat: multiple of 4 + 2. In the round: multiple of 4 | Beginner | No | Yes |
| Seed stitch | Flat: any odd number. In the round: multiple of 2 | Beginner | No | Yes |
| Moss stitch | Multiple of 2 | Beginner | No | Yes |
| Box stitch | Flat: multiple of 4 + 2. In the round: multiple of 4 | Beginner | No | Yes |
| Basketweave stitch | Multiple of 8 | Beginner | No | Yes |
| Simple cable | Flat: multiple of 8 + 2. In the round: multiple of 8 | Intermediate | No | No |
| Eyelet lace | Flat: any odd number. In the round: multiple of 2 | Easy | Yes | No |
All ten use only knit and purl, plus a yarn over and k2tog for the eyelets and a cable needle for the cable. Each page has a cast-on calculator that rounds your stitch count to the right multiple.
Questions
What is the easiest knitting stitch?
Garter stitch: you knit every row. Stockinette (knit a row, purl a row) is next.
Which knitting stitches do not curl?
Stitches with a balanced mix of knits and purls on each side: garter, ribbing, seed, moss, box and basketweave.
What is the most stretchy stitch?
Ribbing. 1×1 and 2×2 rib stretch widthwise and spring back, which is why they are used for cuffs and brims.