This Irish Moss Stitch Knitting Pattern is a popular vintage design. This 4-Row Repeat Knit Stitch Pattern has a really great texture… 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 free written pattern instructions with video tutorials below. You may also purchase my ad-free Knit Stitch Pattern Book in both hardcopy and e-book formats.

Table of Contents
Knitting Techniques
This stitch is an easy combination of simple Knit and Purl Stitches. Find my entire library of Knitting Techniques to help knit up this project.
- How to Cast On Without a Slip Knot or Slip Knot
- Cast On
- K = Knit Stitch
- P = Purl Stitch
- Cast Off
- Weave-in Yarn Ends

Knitting Instructions
Step 1: 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.
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Step 2: Knit 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.
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Step 3: Knit 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.
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Step 4: Repeat Rows 1 Through 4
Repeat rows one through four until your work is the length you desire. Bind off when complete!

Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Because this stitch alternates knit and purl stitches on all rows, it easily lies flat. You may wish to block your work, however it is not necessary since the fabric does not curl up.
Yes, the Irish Moss Stitch is a four-row repeat that is also referred to as the American Moss Stitch.
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.
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.
Knit Stitch Pattern Book
Find the Irish Moss Stitch on page 22 of my Knit Stitch Pattern Book. Get your free printable pattern below.

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
KNITTED FLAT ON STRAIGHT NEEDLES:
Cast On: Multiples of 2
- Row 1 (Right Side): * K1, P1 *
- Row 2 (Wrong Side): * K1, P1 *
- Row 3: * P1, K1 *
- Row 4: * P1, K1 *
or
IN THE ROUND ON CIRCULAR NEEDLES:
Cast On: Multiples of 2
- Row 1 (Right Side): * K1, P1 *
- Row 2 (Wrong Side): * K1, P1 *
- Row 3: * P1, K1 *
- Row 4: * P1, K1 *
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
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KNITTING TECHNIQUES
- Slip Knot
- CO = Cast On Long Tail Method
- K = Knit Stitch
- P = Purl Stitch
- BO = Bind Off
- Weave In Ends
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KNITTING CHART
Thank You for Visiting Studio Knit
I hope you are inspired to knit up this stitch pattern in your next knitting project. Check out my entire library of free stitch patterns!
Happy knitting to you!
