Broken seed stitch is a beautiful and fun stitch, particularly in two colors. It’s often used in sock patterns because it’s so easy to knit in the round.
To knit the two-color broken seed stitch flat on the other hand can seem a little confusing as the colors change for all rows.
Knitting one row with the main color and then a row with contrasting colors means the main color will be on the wrong side of the work when you need it next time.
You could cut your yarn after every row, but that would disturb your workflow, and just think of all the ends you would have to weave in later… Phew!
Luckily there’s a better solution!
The solution: Sliding instead of turning
The trick is to use a circular needle and slide the work along the needle instead of turning for every other row. This way you always have the right color ready to work with.
So, you knit one row with your main color. Then, instead of turning you slide the stitches along the needle and work row two (K1, P1) with your contrasting color.
For the third row, you turn the work over and purl with the main color. Then slide the stitches over for knitting row number four (K1, P1)
Knitting video: Broken seed stitch worked flat
I have recorded a short video and added text to make it clear what I’m doing. If you like this kind of knitting video, please follow this link and subscribe to my youtube channel. That way you won’t miss when I post a new video!
If you rather read the pattern scroll down, it’s below the video 🙂
Stitch pattern: Broken seed stitch flat with two colors
You will need:
- Two yarns of different colors, but similar in weight and fiber.
- Circular needle or two double pointed needles.
Cast on an uneven number of stitches.
Row 1: With MC, knit all stitches. Slide the stitches over to the other side of the needle.
Row 2: With CC, *K1, P1* repeat *–* until 1 stitch remains, K1. Turn your work over.
Row 3: With MC, purl all stitches, slide the stitches over to the other side of the needle.
Row 4: With CC, *K1, P1* repeat *–* until 1 stitch remains, K1. Turn your work over.
Keep repeating rows 1 to 4.
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