How to Knit a Seafoam Stitch

The seafoam pattern begins with two rows of simple stitches and then follows with a row of pattern stitches, two more rows of simple stitches and then ends with two rows of pattern stitches. Read on to learn how to knit a seafoam stitch.

Things You'll Need

• Ball of yarn
• Knitting needles

Instructions

1. Choose a sport or double-knit (DK) weight yarn. A thinner yarn makes a more attractive shawl or scarf but it's easier to tangle it when you drop stitches if you're not used to the technique.

2. Use larger needles than suggested on the ball band. A size 10 or 11 is appropriate when working with this pattern.

3. Cast on a multiple of 10 stitches plus six extra for the seafoam pattern. It's a good idea to add 2 stitches to each side for a border. Knit all stitches on rows one, two, five and six. A swatch of 30 stitches gives you plenty of practice.

4. Begin the third row by knitting six stitches. Alternate between yarn-overs and knitted stitches down the row in the following manner: yarn-over twice, knit one stitch, yarn-over three times, knit one stitch, yarn-over four times, knit one stitch, yarn-over three times, knit one stitch, yarn over twice and finally knit six stitches.

5. Make a yarn-over by bringing the yarn in front of the left needle as if to purl a stitch. Then bring it over the right needle as many times as the pattern says.

6. Create the next (fourth) row by knitting the knitted stitches and slipping the yarn-over stitches off the needle. You'll end up with a bunch of loose stitches hanging down from the needle.

7. Start the seventh row by knitting one stitch. Then knit the following pattern sequence: yarn-over twice, knit one stitch, yarn-over three times, knit one stitch, yarn-over four times, knit one stitch, yarn-over three times, knit one stitch, yarn over twice and finally knit one stitch.

8. Knit the eighth row as you knit the fourth (see Step 6). Block the swatch, being careful not to stretch the dropped stitches out of shape.

Tips & Warnings

• Knit with a smooth yarn to learn the Seafoam pattern, then start your project with mohair or something similar.

• A swatch that's 24 rows long lets you knit four repeats of the seafoam pattern.