Stockinette stitch (single knit)
Also known as: Stocking stitch, Stockinette, Single jersey knit, Plain knit
Simplest single-face knit — knit stitches on the face, purl stitches on the reverse; edges curl strongly.
Description
Stockinette stitch — in hand knitting known as „stocking stitch", in circular knitting as single jersey — is the most basic of all single-face knit structures. The face shows smooth V-shaped columns (knit stitches), the reverse horizontal waves (purl stitches). It is much more elastic widthwise than lengthwise and shows a pronounced curling tendency at the edges — selvedge edges curl towards the reverse, cast-on/off edges towards the face.
Because the structure is so „simple", it produces the thinnest and lightest knit fabrics — classic T-shirt goods, fine-gauge pullovers, thin womenswear knit dresses, circular-knit underwear. For contrast: rib knit (1×1 / 2×2) is thicker, more elastic and does not curl; garter/seed stitch (links-links) is identical on both sides and also curl-free. The curling tendency of stockinette is usually offset with rib cuffs at hem, sleeves and neckline.
- Face: knit stitches (V-pattern), reverse: purl stitches (waves)
- Very elastic in width, less so in length
- Strong curling tendency — reason for rib cuffs on finished goods
- Basis for T-shirt single jersey, fine knits, underwear
Properties
| Structure type | Single-face knit |
|---|---|
| Face view | Knit stitches (V) |
| Reverse view | Purl stitches (waves) |
| Characteristic | Curls, high crosswise elasticity |
Related product categories
Sources & references
2- Wikipedia: Stockinette stitch Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stockinette_stitch
- Wikipedia: Knitted fabric Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knitted_fabric
