Seed Stitch Sofa Throw
A reversible, flat-lying seed stitch throw worked on an odd stitch count, so every row is exactly the same.
- Yarn
- Worsted (4) wool or wool blend. Tweeds and heathers show off seed stitch well.
- Needles
- US 8 (5 mm) 40 in (100 cm) circular, used flat
- Sizes
- Throw 50 × 60 in (127 × 152 cm)
- Example gauge
- 18 sts and 32 rows = 4 in (10 cm) in seed stitch
- Yarn needed
- About 3,100 yd (2,850 m) in worsted. Seed stitch uses about the same as garter, so pick “Garter or ribbing” for the stitch type.
Do the math
The examples use the gauge above. Put your own swatch into the gauge calculator first, then use your numbers in each formula.
| Step | Formula | Example | Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stitches per inch | sts per 4 in ÷ 4 | 18 ÷ 4 = 4.5 | Gauge Calculator |
| Cast on | width × sts per in, rounded to an odd number | 50 × 4.5 = 225 sts (already odd) | Cast-On Calculator |
| Total rows | length × rows per in | 60 × 8 = 480 rows | By hand |
Materials
- Worsted (4) yarn (see yarn needed)
- US 8 (5 mm) 40 in (100 cm) circular, used flat
- Tapestry needle
Gauge swatch
Cast on 25 sts. Every row: *k1, p1; rep from * to last st, k1. Work 5 in, block, then measure the centre 4 in.
Instructions
Cast on
Cast on the odd number from the math box (example: 225 sts).
Body
Every row: *K1, p1; rep from * to last st, k1.
Because the count is odd, every row starts and ends with a knit stitch and the pattern lines up by itself. If you see ribs forming, you have an even count or skipped a stitch.
Work until the throw measures 60 in (152 cm) or your chosen length.
Bind off
Bind off in pattern, knitting the knits and purling the purls, loosely.
Finishing
- Weave in ends on the side you prefer (both sides look the same).
- Wet block and dry flat.
Designer’s notes
- Seed stitch is slow. Try knitting the purl stitches continental-style to speed up.
- For a queen-size version use 90 × 100 in in the calculator; plan on a 60 in cable or work in three panels.
Counter set-up
Counter 1: rows. Counter 2: rows since last length check (reset every 40 rows, about 5 in).
Open the row & stitch counter for several counters, or use the quick one below.
Tools for this pattern
- Gauge CalculatorEnter your swatch counts to get stitches and rows per 4 in (10 cm).
- Cast-On CalculatorEnter your width and gauge; it rounds to the stitch multiple for you.
- Yarn Quantity CalculatorPick the project, size and yarn weight to get total yardage and skeins to buy.
- Size ChartsLook up the finished measurements for the size you are making.
- Row & Stitch CounterSet up the counters listed below; the screen stays awake while you work.