- CraftKnitting
- US abbreviationSt st
- UK abbreviationstocking st
- TypeTexture and lace
What is stockinette stitch?
Knit one row, purl the next. The front is smooth with rows of little Vs. Most sweaters and hats use it, but it curls at the edges unless you add a border.
In a pattern you will see it written as St st in US patterns, stocking st in UK patterns.
US and UK names. US patterns write St st. UK patterns write stocking st. Same technique, different name.
How to do it, step by step
- Flat: knit the right-side rows, purl the wrong-side rows.
- In the round: knit every round.
- The smooth V side is the right side.
The mistake to watch for
Stockinette always curls at the edges. Add a garter or rib border if you want it flat.
If you are left-handed
Most left-handed knitters knit the usual way, since both hands work. If you prefer, you can knit mirrored: stitches move from the right needle to the left. Swap "left" and "right" in the steps.
Practise it on a free pattern
These patterns from Crochet Counter use stockinette stitch:
Related stitches
Questions
What is stockinette stitch called in UK patterns?
In UK patterns it is written stocking st. In US patterns it is St st. Check near the top of a pattern to see which terms it uses.
What is the most common mistake with stockinette stitch?
Stockinette always curls at the edges. Add a garter or rib border if you want it flat.
Keep count with Crochet Counter
The app has this stitch and 31 more in its stitch dictionary, in US or UK terms, with a row counter for every project. The core app is free, has no ads and needs no account. Pro is optional.
