Irish Moss Stitch Knitting Pattern
This Irish Moss Stitch Knitting Pattern is a popular vintage design. This 4-Row Repeat Knit Stitch Pattern has a great texture and it’s nice and squishy, too. This knitting pattern is a reversible, easy-level project created with a simple combination of knits and purls.
Get your written pattern instructions both flat and in the round, along with knitting chart and video tutorial.
Table of Contents
Knitting Instructions
Cast On Multiple of Two Stitches
Cast on knitting stitches onto your needles in multiples of 2. This determines the width of your work. My sample pictured has 28 stitches cast on. Select any number of stitches, as long as it is divisible by two.
Rows 1 and 2
* K1, P1 *
Knit one stitch and Purl one stitch all the way down your needle for both rows one and two.
Rows 3 and 4
* P1, K1 *
Purl one stitch and Knit one stitch all the way down your needle for both rows three and four.
Repeat Rows 1 Through 4
Repeat rows one through four until your work is the length you desire. Bind off when complete!
Knit Stitch Pattern Book
Love easy knitting? Get 50 stitch patterns from my Knit Stitch Pattern Book available in both digital and print formats.
Watch Video Tutorial
About the Irish Moss Stitch
Does the Irish Moss Stitch curl or lay flat?
Because this stitch alternates knit and purl stitches on all rows, it easily lays flat. You may wish to block your work, however it is not necessary since the fabric does not curl up.
Is the Irish Moss Stitch the same as the Double Moss Stitch?
These two stitch patterns are similar in that they are both four-row repeats. However, these are different patterns because the Irish Moss Stitch has a pattern repeat with K1, P1 while the Double Moss Stitch repeats with K2, P2 in alternating rows.
Yes, this pattern includes written instructions to knit it in the round which is actually identical to the flat directions. Try it out with either circular or double-pointed needles.
Is the Irish Moss Stitch the same as the American Moss Stitch?
Yes, the Irish Moss Stitch is a four-row repeat that is also referred to as the American Moss Stitch.
What’s the difference between the Irish Moss and British Moss Stitches?
The Irish Moss Stitch is a four-row repeat of one knit and one purl (* K1, P1 *) for two rows, then one purl and one knit (* P1, K1 *) for the last two rows. However, the British Moss Stitch is similar to the Seed Stitch in a two-row repeat.
Is the Irish Moss Stitch a reversible pattern?
Yes, the Irish Moss Stitch is a reversible pattern, meaning that both sides of your work, the Right and Wrong sides, are identical. This makes a great choice for items like scarves, dishcloths, and blankets since both sides are similar.
Printable Knitting Instructions
Printable Knitting Pattern
The Irish Moss Knit Stitch is a 4-Row Repeat, Reversible pattern.
Materials
- Yarn - Any Gauge
Tools
- Knitting Needles - Appropriate Size for Yarn
- Tapestry Needle
- Scissors
Instructions
_____ orKNITTED FLAT ON STRAIGHT NEEDLES:
Cast On: Multiples of 2
IN THE ROUND ON CIRCULAR NEEDLES:
Cast On: Multiples of 2
Notes
Repeat pattern between the * * asterisks
Repeat Rows 1 – 4 until your piece is the length you desire.
Reversible Knit Stitch Pattern
4-Row Repeat
_____
KNITTING TECHNIQUES
- Slip Knot
- CO = Cast On Long Tail Method
- K = Knit Stitch
- P = Purl Stitch
- BO = Bind Off
- Weave In Ends
_____
KNITTING CHART
Kristen McDonnell
Author • Designer • Teacher
Kristen from StudioKnit LLC produces knitting video lessons and pattern designs from her vibrant production studio on Half Moon Bay’s California coast.
Kristen McDonnell is the author of the highly acclaimed book Knit Stitch: 50 Knit + Purl Patterns featuring vintage and unique designs.