Classic Stockinette and Reverse Stockinette Stitch Tutorials (Worked Flat and in the Round)

Stockinette stitch is one of the basic knitting stitches, and one of the first that beginner knitters learn. It is very versatile and can be used for a variety of different projects, as well as yarn weights and fibers. Stockinette is also the basis for many textured, eyelet, and cable patterns. There are two variations to Stockinette stitch, the first, shown above, is the classic version; the second, shown below, is Reverse Stockinette, which uses the wrong side of the fabric as the right side. In this tutorial I will explain both versions in further detail. Stockinette stitch is worked differently flat than in the round, as circular knitting does not work with the wrong side of the fabric. In this tutorial I will show how to achieve stockinette and reverse stockinette for both flat and circular knitting.

Skill Level

Beginner (basic understanding of knitting required)

Materials

• Knitting needles, single pointed and/or needles for knitting in the round (circular or DPNs)
• Yarn (for the purposes of this tutorial I used Aran Weight yarn)
• Stitch markers

Abbreviations and Techniques

• ​DPNs: Double Pointed Needles
• RS: Right Side
• WS: Wrong Side
• St(s): Stitch(es)
• Rnd: Round

Flat Stockinette and Reverse Stockinette

Begin by casting on any number of stitches. For the purposes of this tutorial I cast on 16. If you are a beginner knitter I would recommend casting on a number between 6 and 20, as fewer stitches are easier to keep track of and handle. Fortunately Stockinette stitch can be worked on any number of stitches. So, let's get started.

For Classic Stockinette:
​Row (RS): knit all stitches
Row 2: (WS): purl all stitches.

​Repeat Rows 1-2 for Stockinette Stitch

For Reverse Stockinette:
Row 1 (RS): Purl all stitches.
​Row 2 (WS): knit all stitches

Repeat Rows 1-2 for Reverse Stockinette

Stockinette and Reverse Stockinette in the Round

For Classic Stockinette in the round:
​Rnd 1: Knit all stitches

For Reverse Stockinette in the round:
Rnd 1: Purl all stitches.

Repeat Row 1 for Reverse Stockinette

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. If you have any questions about the above instructions, you may leave a comment on this post (but please be respectful!). Until next time!