Stockinette stitch: How to Knit It (Flat & in the Round)

#2 of 10 · Updated November 2026 · The Yarn Math

Stockinette stitch, drawn as it looks on the right side of the fabric.

Stockinette (stocking stitch in the UK) is the smooth fabric of neat Vs you see on most sweaters. The back is covered in purl bumps; that side, called reverse stockinette, is often used as the background for cables.

Stitch count	Any number of stitches
Level	Beginner
Curls at the edges	Yes, strongly
Reversible	No
Yarn use	Same as stockinette
Good for	Sweaters, hats, socks and colourwork.

How to knit stockinette stitch flat

Row 1 (right side): knit.
Row 2 (wrong side): purl.
Repeat rows 1–2.

How to knit stockinette stitch in the round

Every round: knit.

Chart

Read right-side rows (odd numbers) from right to left and wrong-side rows from left to right. Blank square: knit on the right side, purl on the wrong side. Dot: purl on the right side, knit on the wrong side.

Tips

Stockinette curls at all edges. Add a few stitches of garter or seed stitch, or a ribbed border, to keep it flat.
Blocking evens out small differences between knit and purl rows.
In the round it is all knitting, which is why hats and socks are so quick.

Cast on

How many stitches to cast on

Stitches per 4 in / 10 cm Width wanted Unit

Measure your gauge on a swatch knitted in this stitch: textured stitches often give a different gauge from stockinette.

Cast on

Questions

How do I stop stockinette from curling?

You cannot block the curl out completely. Use a non-curling border such as garter, seed stitch or ribbing, at least 4–6 rows or stitches wide.

Planning a project in stockinette stitch? The yarn calculator estimates how much yarn you need; pick "Plain" as the stitch pattern.

← Garter stitch 1×1 rib →

Top 10 knitting stitches

1Garter stitchKnit every row. Squishy ridges that lie flat.2Stockinette stitchKnit one row, purl one row. The smooth V fabric.31×1 ribKnit 1, purl 1 in columns. Stretchy and neat.42×2 ribKnit 2, purl 2. Bolder columns, still stretchy.5Seed stitchKnits over purls in a checkerboard of tiny bumps.6Moss stitchSeed stitch stretched to two rows. Soft, woven texture.7Box stitchLittle 2×2 squares of knit and purl.8Basketweave stitchBlocks of knit and purl that look woven.9Simple cableA 6-stitch rope cable on a purl background.10Eyelet laceRows of small holes made with yarn overs.