Double Moss Stitch for Beginners

The double moss stitch is another great and simple stitch pattern for beginners.

It’s an easy 4-row repeat knit pattern created with a simple combination of knits and purls. It has a nubby texture and a nice stretchy feel to it. It’s often used for two-sided projects like scarves and blankets, as it lays flat and looks the same on both sides.

In this tutorial, I will explain how to to knit the double moss stitch and how to use it in different knitting projects. If you already know how to knit the seed stitch and the moss stitch, mastering the double moss stitch will be a no-brainer for you.

Let’s get started!

A knitting swatch in double moss stitch next to a pair of knitting needles

What Is a Double Moss Stitch?

The double moss stitch, also known as double seed stitch, box stitch, or double Irish moss stitch, is a variation of the classic moss stitch pattern. It creates a richly textured fabric with a simple combination of alternating knit and purl stitches.

To knit the double moss stitch, you will need a multiple of four stitches. The pattern consists of two simple rows that repeat throughout the project. First, you will knit two stitches and then purl two stitches before switching their order after two rows. By doubling the knit and purl stitches, you create a denser and stretchier fabric compared to the traditional moss stitch and create a pattern similar to a checkerboard.

Purple knitted fabric in double moss stitch

The double moss stitch is often favored for its versatility. It works well for various knitting projects, such as scarves, hats, blankets, and dishcloths. The tight, textured surface of the fabric provides excellent insulation and warmth, making it suitable for cozy winter garments. Additionally, the reversible nature of the stitch makes it perfect for scarves and blankets, as both sides look equally attractive.

With its straightforward pattern and beautiful texture, the double moss stitch is an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced knitters. It offers a relaxing knitting experience while producing visually appealing results. All in all, the double moss stitch is another elegant way to add texture to the knits.

Knitted fabric in double moss stitch pattern made with white and purple yarn — Both sides of the double moss stitch pattern are identical.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Double Moss Stitch

The double moss stitch is a simple pattern to learn making it perfect for beginner knitters. As long as you can knit and purl you can follow this pattern.

You can knit the double moss stitch in flat with straight needles or in the round with circular needles. In both cases, it’s an easy four-row repeat where you alternate purl and knit stitches. You will need to cast on a number of stitches that you can divide by four exactly.

Let’s take a closer look how to do it.

Flat Knitting

Cast on in multiples of 4.

Row 1: Knit 2 stitches and purl 2 stitches. Repeat to the end of the row.
Row 2: Knit 2 stitches and purl 2 stitches. Repeat to the end of the row.
Row 3: Purl 2 stitches and knit 2 stitches. Repeat to the end of the row.
Row 4: Purl 2 stitches and knit 2 stitches. Repeat to the end of the row.

Continue repeating these four rows until your work is the desired length.

A wooden knitting needle with two rows of stitches knitted with purple yarn — Knit two stitches and purl two stitches for two rows and then switch the order of the stitches.

A wooden knitting needle with four rows of stitches knitted with purple yarn — Purl two stitches and knit two stitches for two rows and then switch the order again.

Knitting double moss stitch is really as simple as this. The “hardest” part is to remember to change the order of the stitches. So pay attention to rows 3 and 1 when it’s time to do that. Also, check your work frequently to see that you haven’t repeated the same order three times instead of two. This will help you to avoid frogging.

Knitting in the Round

You can knit double moss stitch also in the round with circular needles. It’s as easy as when worked in flat. In fact, the repeat is exactly the same:

Cast on in multiples of 4.

Round 1: Knit 2 stitches and purl 2 stitches till the end of the round.
Round 2: Knit 2 stitches and purl 2 stitches till the end of the round.
Round 3: Purl 2 stitches and knit 2 stitches till the end of the round.
Round 4: Purl 2 stitches and knit 2 stitches till the end of the round.

Repeat these four rows until you are happy with the size.

When knitting in the round, remember to add a stitch marker to mark the beginning of rounds.

Also, since round 2 ends with two purl stitches and round 3 starts with two purl stitches, you will be purling four stitches in a row. You may want to make note of this so that you won’t get confused. The same naturally applies between rounds 4 and 1 where you will be knitting four stitches in a row. Using a stitch marker to mark the beginning of rounds helps you to know that you didn’t accidentally work four purls or knits.

A purple knitting project and a flamingo shaped stitch marker on circular knitting needles — A stitch marker helps to identify the beginning of rounds especially between rounds 2 and 3 where there are four purls in a row.

Knitting a Symmetrical Edge

If you want to have a symmetrical edge that looks extra neat, you can add an additional two stitches at the very end when casting on. This way, you will have a little selvedge of 2 stitches and a purl or knit ridge on both sides of your knitted piece.

Here’s how to do it:

Cast on in multiples of 4 and add an additional 2 stitches at the end.

Row 1: Knit 2 stitches and purl 2 stitches until you have 2 stitches left. Knit the last 2 stitches.
Row 2: Knit 2 stitches and purl 2 stitches until you have 2 stitches left. Knit the last 2 stitches.
Row 3: Purl 2 stitches and knit 2 stitches until you have 2 stitches left. Purl the last 2 stitches.
Row 4: Purl 2 stitches and knit 2 stitches until you have 2 stitches left. Purl the last 2 stitches.

Repeat rows 1 to 4 until your piece is the length you desire.

A knitting project in double moss stitch on wooden knitting needles with scissors and a yarn ball laying next to it — A symmetrical edge looks very neat especially on smaller projects.

This symmetrical edge looks great especially when knitting smaller projects, such as coasters or dishcloths. The wider your project is, the less noticeable the edge will be.

Tips and Tricks for Knitting Double Moss Stitch

Knitting the double moss stitch is relatively straightforward, but a few tips and tricks can help you achieve the best results.

Tension and Gauge: Maintaining an even tension is crucial when knitting the double moss stitch. Irregular tension can affect the stitch definition and overall appearance of your fabric. Before starting a project, swatch and measure your gauge to ensure consistency. Adjust your needle size if necessary to achieve the desired tension.
Needle Size: Consider knitting the double moss stitch with smaller needles than usual to make the pattern really pop. For example, if the label of your yarn says needles size US 6 to 8 (4 to 5mm), take the smallest recommended size. Make note, though, that using smaller needles will also make the fabric a bit more rigid. So you may not want to use this tactic for certain projects, such as a scarf.
Counting Stitches: To avoid mistakes and ensure an accurate pattern repeat, check your work regularly. The K2, P2 sequence is simple, but it’s easy to lose track, especially when working on larger projects. Markers can be helpful to indicate pattern repeats and make counting stitches more manageable.
Binding Off: The double moss stitch is only moderately stretchy so you can very well use the standard bind off. Just make sure to bind off after you finish a 2-row repeat (you can finish after either one of the repeats). Also, remember to bind off all stitches as they appear, meaning that you will knit the knits and purl the purls.
Blocking: Blocking your finished double moss stitch project is essential to enhance the stitch definition and even out the fabric. Depending on the yarn used, blocking can help the stitches relax and settle into a more uniform texture. Follow the recommended blocking method for your specific yarn type to achieve the best results.
Yarn Choice: Consider the yarn fiber and thickness when selecting yarn for your double moss stitch project. In general, you can use any yarn, however, a smoother one will highlight the stitch definition better compared to fluffy fibers. Experiment with different yarn weights to achieve the texture you want for your project.
Pattern Variations: While the traditional double moss stitch creates a beautiful fabric on its own, you can enhance its appeal by exploring various pattern variations. For example, you can introduce multiple colors by using stripes or color blocks to add pops of color. And by playing with different yarn shades, you can create more subtle designs.

A color block baby blanket in white and purple on a stool next to a house plant — The moss stitch pattern easily lays flat making it a great knit stitch pattern for blankets, pillows, and scarves. Check out the free pattern for this color block baby blanket here.

What Is the Difference Between Moss Stitch and Double Moss Stitch?

The moss stitch and the double moss stitch are very similar stitch patterns as their names suggests. Both patterns create a textured fabric with a combination of knit and purl stitches.

In both patterns, you will first do the same thing for two rows and then the opposite thing for two rows, completing a 4-row repeat. The difference lies in the number of stitches used for each repeat.

In the moss stitch, the pattern repeat consists of a single knit stitch followed by a single purl stitch, alternating across the row. This creates a pattern of staggered knits and purls, resulting in a subtle, pebbled texture.

Whereas the double moss stitch is a variation that doubles the knit and purl stitches. This means that you knit two stitches, followed by purling two stitches (or vice versa) across the row. By doubling the stitches in the repeat, the fabric becomes denser and the texture more pronounced compared to the classic moss stitch.

So, while the moss stitch has a single knit and purl stitch alternating in the pattern, the double moss stitch has a double repeat of knit and purl stitches. This simple modification creates a distinct texture and gives a slightly different look and a bit stretchier feel to the resulting fabric.

A knitting swatch in moss stitch next to a knitting swatch in double moss stitch — Double moss stitch on the right and moss stitch on the left.

Conclusions

The double moss stitch opens up a world of possibilities for creating beautiful textures in your knitting projects. Its simplicity and versatility make it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced knitters alike.

By following these step-by-step instructions and exploring different variations, you can easily achieve stunning results. Whether you are knitting scarves, blankets, or garments, the double moss stitch adds a touch of elegance and visual interest.

With each stitch, you’ll witness the fabric come alive with a delightful pattern that’s sure to impress. So embrace this wonderful stitch and enjoy the process of creating textured wonders with the double moss stitch. Happy knitting!