How to stocking stitch

Front : Stocking stitch is when you alternate one row of knit and one row of purl. When knitted up, the front of stocking stitch looks like rows of 'V' shapes. When you pick up your knitting and are unsure whether to knit or purl, if the 'V' side is facing you, then you must do a knit row.

Back: The back of stocking stitch looks like rows of wavy bumps. Patterns that require you to achieve this effect will call it 'reverse stocking stitch' (r st st or rev st st). If this side is facing you, then you know that you must purl the row.