Seed Stitch Shrug Knitting Pattern

If you love the classic texture of seed stitch and the warmth of super bulky yarn, this shrug is the perfect knitting project for you!

Whether you’re looking for a stylish layering piece or a cozy wrap for chilly evenings, this easy-to-knit shrug delivers both comfort and elegance.

multiple pics of a seed stitch knitted shrug on a model

About the Pattern

Available Sizes: 7 (XS – 3XL)
Pattern Format: Written Pattern, No Chart
Pattern Language: English
Skill Level: Beginner
PDF Format: Printer-Friendly
Pattern Name: Extraordinary

Why You’ll Love This Pattern

  • Quick to Knit – Super bulky yarn means your project will come together in no time.
  • Simple Construction – A basic rectangle folded and seamed to create elegant sleeves.
  • Textured & Reversible – The seed stitch pattern adds beautiful texture and is fully reversible.
  • Beginner-Friendly – If you can knit and purl, you can make this shrug!

Techniques

Here are some of the knitting skills you need to know before getting started:

Knit Flat
Knit & Purl Stitches
Sew Seams

Fall in LOVE with the Seed Stitch!

  1. Beautiful Texture – The alternating knit and purl stitches create a bumpy, nubby texture that looks elegant and sophisticated.
  2. Reversible – It looks the same on both sides, making it perfect for scarves, blankets, and other projects where both sides are visible.
  3. Squishy and Cozy – The stitch pattern creates a slightly thicker, cushioned fabric, adding warmth and softness.
  4. No Curling – Unlike stockinette stitch, seed stitch lays flat naturally, so there’s no need for a border to prevent rolling.
  5. Classic Yet Modern – It has a timeless appeal, working well for both traditional and contemporary designs.
  6. Great for Beginners – While it requires attention to alternating stitches, it’s an easy stitch to master and a great way to practice knits and purls.
  7. Versatile – It works well in a variety of yarn weights and fibers, from delicate baby garments to chunky winter accessories.

Yarn & Substitutions

Yarn Weight: Super Bulky
Yardage: 580 – 776 yards (530 – 710 meters)
Suggested Yarn: Bernat Forever Fleece Yarn

Alternative Yarn Substitute Options:

Check out Yarnsub’s for more yarn substitutions.

Needles & Notions

Needle Size: US 13 (9mm) Circular Needles with a 32” (80cm) Cable
Needle Size (optional for casting-on): US 15 (10mm) Circular Needles with a 32” (80cm) Cable

Gauge

9 STS & 18 rows per 4” (10cm) square, knit in the seed stitch pattern

knitted swatch of a seed stitch shrug with a wood gauge

Details

Model Details:
– Height: 5’9″ (175cm)
– Weight: 130lbs (59kg)
– Bust: 35″ (88cm)
– Waist: 25″ (63cm)
# of CO stitches: 104, very oversized for a medium sized frame
Measurements: 47″ wide x 32″ (120cm x 80cm)
Weight: 1lb 13.8oz (845g)

Sizes

SizeW”xL”# of CO STS (width)Skeins NeededMeters NeededYards Needed
XS43x28963428468
S45x301003479524
M47x321043534584
L49x341084592647
XL51x361124652713
2XL53x381164715782
3XL55x401205781854

Notes

  • Reversible.
  • Knit top down.
  • Knit using the garter stitch, rib stitch and seed stitch.
  • Knit flat, back & forth on circular needles, which are used to accommodate the large number of CO stitches, do not join in the round.

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Knitting Abbreviations

*– * – repeat between the asterisks to end of row
BO – bind-off in pattern
CO – cast-on (long-tail cast-on method)
K – knit stitches (K1 means to knit 1 stitch)
P – purl stitches (P2 means to purl 2 stitches)
RS – right side
STS – stitches
WS – wrong side

Save it for Later

Do you enjoy working from a paper copy? Get the downloadable, printer-friendly PDF completely ad-free.

That way you can have lifetime access to it and download it to any device and view it from anywhere, without ads (and the pattern might not be around forever).

seed stitch knitted shrug on a model

Expert tips:

  • Are your CO edge stitches cinched up or too tight? Try casting-on with size 15 needles to get a stretchier CO edge.
  • CO using a 60″ cable, and knit 4 rows, so you can try it on to see if you like the size.

Pattern Instructions

CO the number of STS from the chart above

Tip: If you CO with size 15 needles, don’t forget to switch to size 13 needles when you’re finished casting-on.

2×2 Rib Stitch Border:
1-5: *K2, P2*

Seed Stitch Body:

1: K6 *P1,K1* K6

2: K6 *K1, P1* K6

To help keep track of the border STS, place a stitch marker after the first 6 stitches and before the last 6 stitches. It’s just a physical reminder where the pattern changes from the edge to the body, so you don’t have to count stitches or think really. ;)

Before weaving in the ends, steam-block lightly to even out the stitches.

Modification Option:

Do you prefer a 1×1 rib instead of the 2×2?

You can *K1, P1* for the border instead, without having to adjust the number of CO STS. 

How to Seam the sleeves

  1. Steam blocking lightly before sewing the sleeves.
  2. Lay it flat, with the wrong side up.  
  3. On one side, bring the CO and BO corners together, with the garter stitch edges together.
  4. Sew about 6″(15cm) from the corner up to create the sleeves.
  5. Repeat on the other side.
  6. Weave in all your ends.
shrug laying flat showing where to seam it.