How to Make the Seersucker Knit Stitch Pattern

How to Make the Seersucker Knit Stitch Pattern  by Janice Jones     |Updated 02-07-2024

The seersucker stitch is an easy and versatile knit pattern that creates a fabric with a unique texture. Its distinctive puckered appearance is achieved by alternating sections of knitted and purl stitches, creating a beautiful textured fabric.

Seersucker fabric originated in India and was introduced to the Western world in the 19th century. Its name comes from the Persian words "shir o sheer," meaning "milk and sugar."

The fabric gained popularity for its ability to keep the wearer cool in hot climates due to its puckered texture, which enhances air circulation when worn in warm air temperatures.

Seersucker fabric has been traditionally used for clothing in warmer regions and is commonly associated with summer suits and dresses. As a knit stitch fabric, its name is derived from its puckered appearance that resembles a cotton seersucker fabric.

Where Can You Use the Seersucker Pattern?

The seersucker stitch is perfect for lightweight summer garments, baby clothes, dishcloths, and accessories such as scarves or wraps. Its unique texture and breathable nature make it an excellent choice for warm-weather knitting projects.

It is also equally appropriate for cold weather wearables, scarves, hats, wraps, and sweaters. The fabric drapes well and is forgiving when hiding minor imperfections, making it an ideal choice for beginner knitters. The seersucker stitch pattern works best with smooth, solid color yarn to see the interesting texture.

Is the Seersucker Stitch Reversible?

This is not a reversible knit and purl stitch.  Notice the difference between the right and wrong side of the fabric.

Skill Level

Advanced Beginner

It is made entirely of knit and purl stitches, making it easy for the beginner. However, an 8-row repeat makes the fabric slightly more challenging than the basic knit and purl type of knitting stitches.

Skills Needed

• Knit Stitch
• Purl Stitch
• Cast On
• Bind Off
• Weave in Ends
• Understanding how to read written instructions

Abbreviations

K - knit
P - purl
* * - Repeat the instructions between the two asterisks for the number of times indicated.
WS - wrong side
RS - right side
CO - cast on
sts - Stitches

Seersucker Knit Stitch Pattern: Notes

• Requires the ability to understand the knitting techniques of knit and purl
• Worked on an 8-row repeat knit stitch pattern
• Cast on a stitch count of multiples of 4 + 1
• It is not a reversible pattern, meaning the wrong side does not look like the right.
• Slightly stretchy
• It can be worked on straight needles or circular needles
• It lays flat, but you may prefer to block it for a professional look
• Resembles seersucker fabric, a beautiful texture suitable for many projects

Materials Needed:

• Yarn: Choose a solid color, smooth yarn to see your stitches easily. 
• Knitting needles: Use the recommended size for your yarn. 
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle
• Measuring tape or ruler

For this tutorial, I used US size 7 (4.5 mm) needles and Plymouth Yarn, Galway worsted-weight yarn in colorway #162.

Written Instructions for Straight Knitting Needles

I am providing two different ways of knitting the Seersucker Knit Stitch Pattern.  Chose the one best for you.

Seersucker Knit Stitch Pattern:  Method One

The first way I found this stitch created is by casting on a multiple of 4 stitches . The result looks similar to the one below, so feel free to try one or both or the one that works best for you.

Cast on a multiple of 4 stitches (8, 12, 16, 20, 24, and so forth.)

For this tutorial, I cast on 24 stitches.

Row 1 and 2: *K 1, p 1* across row

Row 3: *P1, k3* across row

Row 4: *P3, k1* across row

Row 5 and 6: *K 1 p1* across row

Row 7: K 2, *p1, k3, rep from * to last 2 sts, p1, k1

Row 8: Purl 1 *knit 1, purl 3, rep from * to last 3 sts, k1, p2

Repeat rows 1 to 8 until you reach your desired length. Bind off and weave in ends.

Seersucker Knit Stitch Pattern: Method Two

This one is my personal favorite, but don't let me sway you.  Try both and see which one works best for you.

Cast on a multiple of 4 + 1 (stitch multiples of 4 and then add 1).

For this tutorial, I cast on 25 sts.

Row 1 (RS): * K1, P1; repeat from * to last st.  K1.
Row 2 (and all wrong side rows) Knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches as they face you.
Row 3: * P1, k3; repeat from * to last st, P1.
Row 4:  (and all wrong side rows) Knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches as they face you.
Row 5: Repeat Row 1 
Row 6:(and all wrong side rows) Knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches as they face you.
Row 7: K2, *P1, K3;   rep from * to last 3 sts. P1, K2.
Row 8:  Re peat row 2

Work rows 1 to 8 until you reach your desired length. Bind off and Weave in ends. You may wish to block your work for a more professional look.

Learning to Read a Knitting Chart

Using a written pattern, this is an easy pattern to follow, but I am providing a chart for you to see. It's never too early to get comfortable following knitting charts. As you progress as a skilled knitter, you may encounter charts, especially if you enjoy lace knitting or working with color.

Did you find this tutorial helpful? May I suggest you check out these different stitch patterns?

Conclusion

I hope you found the seersucker knit pattern instructions helpful. Can you see how you might be able to use it in your next knitting project? Please check back frequently, for I update this site regularly with new knitting stitch patterns.

Happy Knitting,
Janice

Disclosure:   This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase from one of these links I will get a small  commission.

Hi, there, I'm Janice, the voice behind this website and avid knitter and crochet enthusiast. I want to share my passion with you and help you learn how to knit or crochet, smarter.

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