Knitting Stitch Alternatives and When to Use Them

Knowing the infinite number of stitches in knitting will help you create a versatile craft. What will you do if the stitch pattern doesn't precisely match the texture and drape? This is when alternative knitting comes into the picture. Most importantly, knowing which stitch to swap and when to use it in the project makes all the difference. Let's explore in this blog these substitute stitches and make a unique pattern with your Knitting Needles.

Why do you need these alternative stitches?

Let's find out why these are required before we look at these substitute stitches:

1. Adding different textures to your fabric, like softer and structured ones.
2. Beginners love to crochet basic or simple stitches instead of complex and tricky ones.
3. You have noticed that every stitch type is different, which generally affects the drape and texture.
4. To add an eye-catching visual appearance to your project.

Think about a few alternative stitches in your mind, and with the right Knitting Accessories, make your project more professional.

1. Garter vs Seed Stitch

Make an easy garter pattern by knitting every row with circular knitting needles, which produces squishy, stretched, textured, and curled fabric.

Knitting Seed stitch is not complex; you can make a combination of knit-purl on each row, alternating every stitch. In this way, you get a bumpy, textured effect, which lies flat and doesn't curl.

When to use a Garter or Seed Stitch on your Project?

1. If you are looking stretchy, plush texture for scarves, baby blankets, or cozy cuffs, use garter stitch.
2. Want a flat fabric with more decorative texture, such as on borders or hats, then go with seed stitch.

2. Stockinette vs Broken Rib Pattern

Stockinette Stitch involves alternating knit and purl rows; with this, you get a smooth stitch on the front side, while a bumpy texture on the back side, which tends to curl.

Broken Rib stitch follows a 2-row repeat, which means alternating knit and purl stitches, but with slight variations. This will make the fabric less stretchy, flatter, and not reversible, and both sides will show a different texture.

Read More: BEGINNERS GUIDE TO KNIT THE STOCKINETTE STITCH

When to use Stockinette or Broken Rib?

1. To give a sleek and classic look to your garments, such as sweaters or hats with DPNs, use stockinette stitch.
2. For a distinct texture and less flexibility, such as washcloths or hems, work with broken rib stitch.

3. 1x1 Rib stitch vs Fisherman's Rib

1x1 rib stitch is (K1P1) in this technique, knit one and purl one, repeated across the row. To make it versatile, you can add variations like a 2x2, seed, or cable rib stitch.

Fisherman's Rib: This simple technique involves knitting below the active stitch (K1b), knitting one below; as a result, you get bulkier and warmer stitches.

More like this: BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO KNIT RIB STITCHES

When to use rib stitch or fisherman's?

1. To add elasticity and a smooth drape to your project, like in hats or sock cuffs, you can work with 1x1 rib stitch.
2. For warm and thicker fabric, especially winter garments, you can work with a fisherman's rib pattern.

4. Lace Stitch vs Cable

Lace stitch: To create an airy and openwork stitch that involves yarn over and decrease to make a lace pattern.

Cable stitch: This stitch involves twisting a set of stitches over one another, with a cable needle. In case you drop any stitches, you can use a crochet hook from Lantern Moon, handcrafted by skilled artisans. Refer to our guide to learn cable stitches.

When to use lace stitch or cable?

1. Lace stitch can be used for summer projects, such as shawls, or light garments, and intricate designs.
2. To give depth and texture to your knitted fabric, use cable stitch.

5. Slip Stitch vs Mosaic Knitting

Slip stitch: This versatile technique involves passing a stitch from the left to the right needle without knitting it, often used to create a color pattern.

Mosaic Stitch: It is a form of colorwork that uses slip stitches to create intricate motifs with just one color per row. Learn 7 popular color methods with our blog.

When to use slip stitch or mosaic?

1. For adding a structure or design element, you can use slip stitch.
2. When working with colorful yarn, but want an easy method for the complex-looking result, use Mosaic stitch.

Tips to choose the right alternative

Here is some advice that you can follow to make your design easy:

1. Using the textured or layered stitches add warmth to your project, like fisherman's rib.
2. To make a structured fabric, use slip stitch, cable, or Tunisian crochet, and make it professional.
3. To add flexibility, add rib or garter stitch.
4. For a flat project, use seed or broken rib stitch.

You don't have to be scary to switch up your knitting stitches. Having a basic understanding of the different types of stitches and using premium knitting accessories such as a finishing needle, you can make stylish and create anything you want.