Double Moss Knit Stitch Tutorial for Beginners

The double moss knit stitch pattern creates a beautiful, textured fabric that is perfect for many different types of projects.  It requires you to know how to make knit and purl stitches, but that is all.  It is perfect for the absolute beginner.

Double moss stitch swatch on needles worked in pink yarn.Double Moss Stitch Tutorial

How Does the Double Moss Differ From the Moss Stitch?

Both the double moss and the moss knit stitches are worked on a four-row repeat.  But with the double moss stitch, you alternate between two purls and two knits across the row.  Making the moss stitch requires that you alternate between one knit and then one purl stitch across the row.

Knit moss stitch pattern worked in blueMoss Stitch
The double moss knit stitch swatch, 350-234pxDouble Moss

How Does the Double Moss Stitch Differ from the Irish Moss Stitch Pattern?

The Irish Moss Stitch is another name for the Moss Stitch, so it is not the same as the Double Moss Stitch.

Skill Level

Easy

Abbreviations

CO - Cast On

K - knit

P - purl

BO - Bind off

RS - Right Side

WS - Wrong Side

*   *  Repeat the instruction between the two asterisks for the number of times indicated in the pattern.

Skills Needed

Supplies Required

  • Yarn:  I am using a 100% worsted weight acrylic yarn
  • Needles:  Use needles that are appropriate for the yarn you are using.  This information is printed on the yarn label.  I am working with U.S. 7 (4.5 mm) needles.
  • Scissors
  • Tapestry or Yarn Needle for weaving in ends.

Notes

  • All instructions are written in U.S. terms.
  • The double moss knit stitch is also called the checkerboard stitch, double Irish moss stitch, two stitch check, box stitch, or double seed stitch, depending on where you are located in the world.
  • This pattern is reversible.
  • This stitch is worked on an even number of stitches and a four-row repeat.
  • Knit and Purl Stitch Pattern
Double moss knit stitch showing right side of fabricDouble Moss Knit Stitch: Right Side
Double Moss Knit Stitch: Wrong SideDouble Moss Knit Stitch: Wrong Side

Written Directions

Cast on an even number of stitches.  For this tutorial, I CO 24 stitches to make the swatch.

Row 1: (RS): *k2, P2, repeat the instructions from the * until you reach the last two stitches. K2.

Row 2: (WS): P2, *K2, P2, repeat from * to end of row.

Row 3:  *P2, K2, repeat from * to last two stitches, P2.

Row 4:  K2, *P2, K2, repeat from * to end of row.

Repeat rows 1 to 4 until you reach your desired length.  Bind off in pattern after row 4.  Weave in Ends, block if desired.

Bind Off in Pattern

Using the standard bind off method, knit the two knit stitches, pass the first one over the second and off the needle.  Purl the purl stitches, one at a time.  Pass the knit stitch over the purl.  Repeat across the row.

Double Moss Knit Stitch:  Chart Directions 

Double Moss Knit Stitch chart

The Double Moss Knit Stitch is an easy knit pattern that can be followed using written instructions.  However, it is always good to learn how to read knit charts so that when you have gained confidence and go onto more complicated projects, reading charts will be second-natured.  

Remember to begin to read charts at the lower right hand corner where you see 1, read to the right and then up one row.  There you will read towards the left and so forth.

Pro Tips

This is a straight-forward knit pattern but I do have a couple of pointers to make your fabric look more professional.

  1. Keep track of where you are, especially if you need to set your knitting down.  Jot down where you left off, or learn to read the stitches on the needle.

  2. If you have problems keeping the two knitted stitches the same size, tug a little on the yarn after you insert your right needle into the next purl stitch.

  3. If your edges don't look great, here is something you can do.
  • If your first two knit stiches of the row doesn't look great, knit the first stitch and then tug a little on the yarn to tighten, then knit the second stitch.
  • If your first two purl stitches of the row doesn't look great, purl the first stitch and then tug a little on the yarn to tighten, then purl the second stitch.

What Can You Make with the Double Moss Knit Stitch

There are so many ideas for using the double moss knit stitch because it is so versitile.  Here are just a few:

  • Wearables such as hats, headbands, scarves, and cowls
  • Sweaters, vests, and other clothing
  • Pillow covers
  • Washcloths, placemats, and mug rugs
  • Cup cozies
  • Blankets of all sizes

Last Words

The Double Moss Stitch, that goes by many different names is truly a beginner-friendly stitch that is created with only knit and purl stitches and no other techniques that could make it more complicated.  It is so versitile that there is virtually nothing that can't be made with this textured, lovely fabric.

So, grab your needles and some scrap yarn, and let's knit together,

Janice

Double Moss Knit Stitch:  Pin for Future Reference

Double Moss Stitch Knit Pattern Pin ImageDouble Moss Knit Stitch Pin Image

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