In the world of knitting, two basic stitch patterns reign supreme: stockinette and garter stitch. Both commonly used in various knitting projects, these two stitches differ in their appearances and textures. Stockinette stitch creates a smooth and sleek fabric with “V” shaped stitches, while garter stitch produces a raised, textured fabric with ridges. Whether you’re a beginner knitter or an experienced crafter, understanding the difference between stockinette and garter stitch is essential in selecting the right stitch pattern for your project and achieving the desired outcome.
What is Stockinette Stitch?
Stockinette stitch, also known as stocking stitch, is one of the most basic and widely-used knit stitches. It creates a smooth and uniform fabric that is commonly seen in a wide range of garments and accessories. The stockinette stitch is created by knitting one row, then purling the next row, repeating this pattern continuously.
Definition
Stockinette stitch is a knit fabric pattern that consists of alternating knit and purl rows. It is formed by knitting all the stitches on one side of the fabric, while purling all the stitches on the other side. This creates a “V” shaped pattern on the knit side and a horizontal row of bumps, known as purl bumps, on the purl side.
Appearance
The stockinette stitch has a smooth and glossy appearance on the right side, making it ideal for showcasing yarn colors and intricate stitch patterns. The “V” shaped knit stitches create a visually appealing texture that is often associated with professional-looking knitwear. However, the purl bumps on the wrong side can sometimes be less desirable, as they are more visibly prominent than the knit side.
Fabric Characteristics
Stockinette stitch creates a fabric that is both lightweight and breathable. Due to its structure, the knit side tends to be smooth and sleek, offering a professional and polished appearance. The purl side, on the other hand, is often less smooth and can have a tendency to snag or catch on objects. Additionally, the fabric produced with stockinette stitch has a tendency to curl at the edges, which can be both a benefit or a disadvantage depending on the project.
What is Garter Stitch?
Garter stitch is another fundamental knit stitch pattern that produces a distinct and recognizable texture. Unlike the stockinette stitch, which consists of alternating knit and purl rows, the garter stitch is created by knitting every row. This repetitive pattern makes it a great stitch for beginners and it also serves as the foundation for many other stitch patterns.
Definition
Garter stitch is a knit fabric pattern that is formed by knitting every stitch in every row, creating a series of ridges that run horizontally across the fabric. Unlike stockinette stitch, there is no purling involved in garter stitch.
Appearance
Garter stitch has a distinctive and textured appearance on both the right and wrong sides of the fabric. It creates a series of horizontal ridges that give the fabric a bumpy and three-dimensional texture. This texture is often preferred for its rustic or cozy aesthetic, making it a popular choice for scarves, blankets, and other warm and comfortable garments.
Fabric Characteristics
Garter stitch produces a fabric that is dense and squishy, making it perfect for cozy and warm projects. The nature of the stitch pattern also makes the fabric more stable and less likely to curl at the edges, unlike the stockinette stitch. Additionally, garter stitch has excellent stretch and elasticity, which allows for a comfortable and flexible fit.
Difference in Construction
Knit and Purl Patterns
The main difference between stockinette stitch and garter stitch lies in the pattern of knitting and purling. Stockinette stitch alternates between knit and purl rows, creating a smooth and sleek texture on one side and purl bumps on the other. On the contrary, garter stitch is created by knitting every stitch in every row, resulting in a bumpy texture on both sides.
Row Formation
While both stockinette stitch and garter stitch consist of repeating rows, the way these rows are formed differs. In stockinette stitch, one row is knitted, followed by a row that is purled. This alternating pattern creates the distinct “V” shape on the knit side. Conversely, garter stitch is formed by knitting every row, resulting in a series of ridges that run horizontally across the fabric.
Ease of Knitting
Difficulty Level
Both stockinette stitch and garter stitch are considered beginner-friendly stitches, but they offer different levels of ease. Stockinette stitch requires slightly more attention and focus, as the alternating knit and purl rows can be easily confused. Garter stitch, on the other hand, is easier to master as it only involves knitting every stitch in every row.
Speed
In terms of speed, garter stitch tends to be faster to knit than stockinette stitch. Since garter stitch only involves knitting, there is no need to switch between knit and purl stitches. This makes it a great choice for projects that need to be completed quickly, such as scarves or blankets.
Stretch and Elasticity
Stockinette Stitch
Stockinette stitch offers a moderate amount of stretch and elasticity, making it suitable for various garments. The way the yarn is pulled under and over the needles during the knitting and purling process creates a fabric that has a good amount of give. This allows for comfortable movement and a flexible fit.
Garter Stitch
Garter stitch is known for its excellent stretch and elasticity. The bumpy texture of the fabric allows it to expand and contract easily, making it ideal for projects that require a snug fit. This stitch pattern is often used for items like hats, socks, and gloves, where stretch and flexibility are crucial.
Curling Tendency
Stockinette Stitch
One of the main challenges of stockinette stitch is its tendency to curl at the edges. The fabric has a natural inclination to roll inward, causing the edges to curl. This can be both a benefit and a disadvantage, depending on the project. Some knitters embrace the curled edges for their aesthetic appeal, while others prefer to add a border or stitch pattern to prevent the curling.
Garter Stitch
Garter stitch has a unique characteristic of being a stable stitch pattern that does not curl at the edges. The repeated knitting of every stitch creates a fabric that lies flat and maintains its shape. This makes garter stitch a great choice for projects that require a neat and non-curling edge, such as scarves or dishcloths.
Uses and Applications
Stockinette Stitch
Stockinette stitch is widely used in a variety of knitting projects. It is commonly seen in garments like sweaters and cardigans, where the smooth and polished appearance of the knit side is desired. Additionally, it is often used in projects where the focus is on showcasing the color or texture of the yarn, such as scarves, shawls, and hats.
Garter Stitch
Garter stitch is popular for its cozy and rustic appearance. It is commonly used in projects like scarves, blankets, and baby garments, where the bumpy texture adds an element of warmth and comfort. Garter stitch is also frequently used as a border or edging, as it lies flat and does not curl, providing a clean and finished look.
Pattern and Texture Opportunities
Stockinette Stitch
Stockinette stitch provides a smooth and even canvas for a wide range of stitch patterns and textures. Its sleek surface allows for intricate lace, cable, or colorwork designs to stand out. Additionally, it is a great stitch for showcasing variegated yarns or creating subtle striping effects.
Garter Stitch
Garter stitch offers its own unique texture that can be enhanced with certain stitch patterns. The ridges created by the repeated knitting of every stitch can be used to create interesting texture variations. For example, adding simple knit or purl stitches within the garter stitch pattern can create raised or sunken designs, adding depth and visual interest to the fabric.
Edge Treatments
Stockinette Stitch
Dealing with the curling tendency of stockinette stitch at the edges is a common challenge for knitters. To combat this, various edge treatments can be utilized. These include adding a border of ribbing, seed stitch, or garter stitch to stabilize the edges and prevent curling. These edgings not only provide a functional solution but also add a decorative element to the finished piece.
Garter Stitch
One of the advantages of garter stitch is that it naturally produces a clean and non-curling edge. This eliminates the need for additional edge treatments in most cases. However, for aesthetic enhancements or for joining multiple pieces, knitters can still choose to add border stitches or other decorative elements to the garter stitch fabric.
Visual Effects
Stockinette Stitch
Stockinette stitch is often favored for its smooth and sleek appearance on the right side. The “V” shaped knit stitches create an elegant and sophisticated look that is ideal for showcasing the color or texture of the yarn. This makes stockinette stitch a popular choice for projects that require a polished and professional finish.
Garter Stitch
Garter stitch, with its bumpy and textured surface, offers a distinct visual effect that is warm and inviting. The horizontal ridges give the fabric a sense of depth and dimension, creating a cozy and homely aesthetic. This makes garter stitch suitable for projects that aim to create a rustic or casual look.
In conclusion, the stockinette stitch and garter stitch both have their own unique characteristics, making them suitable for different projects. Stockinette stitch offers a smooth and sleek appearance with moderate stretch, while garter stitch provides a cozy and textured fabric with excellent stretch and stability. The choice between these two stitches depends on factors such as the desired aesthetic, the project’s purpose, and the knitter’s skill level. Whether you opt for the polished simplicity of stockinette stitch or the rustic charm of garter stitch, both stitches have their place in the world of knitting.