Everything you ever wanted to know to about the garter stitch knitting pattern for your next knitting project, this post is perfect for beginners!

I would be willing to wager that a majority of knitters’ first knitting project was a garter stitch scarf or blanket. It’s probably the easiest knitting project there is and it’s a great way to learn how to knit and gain confidence.

What is garter stitch?

Garter stitch, when knit flat, is made up of only knit stitches on both sides. The back side of a knit stitch is a purl stitch, they are opposites, so even though you knit all of your stitches, what you are seeing with garter stitch is the purl sides of the stitches making horizontal ridges. The traditional v-shape of the knit side is hidden between the purl ridges.

Garter stitch is super thick, squishy and stretchy. Garter stitch lays flat and does not curl. Because of that garter stitch is fantastic for any flat knitting project like scarves, blankets etc.

What does garter stitch look like?

Here is the front (right side) of garter stitch:

Here is the back (wrong side) of garter stitch:

Did you notice, they look the same! That’s another great quality about garter stitch, it’s reversible!

Tips & Tricks for Knitting Garter Stitch

• Remember, when knitting flat, garter stitch is all knit stitches for all rows, BUT when knitting garter stitch in the round, you have to alternate rounds of knit stitches with rounds of purl stitches.
• Although garter stitch doesn’t curl, blocking can help even out your stitches.
• Be careful to avoid adding accidental yarn overs to your garter stitch or you will get holes in your knitting. This is a very very common beginner mistake.
• Some knitters like to slip the first stitch of each row purlwise instead of knitting it to make the edges of their garter stitch a little neater.
• Garter stitch scrunches up vertically, the rows are not as tall as stockinette stitch, so it uses more yarn to knit a swatch of the same height.

Garter Stitch Knitting Pattern (knit flat)

Cast on any number of stitches.

All rows: knit all stitches

Here is a chart for garter stitch knit flat:

Garter Stitch Knitting Pattern (in the round)

Cast on any number of stitches.

Round 1: knit all stitches

Round 2: purl all stitches

Repeat rounds 1 & 2

Here is a chart for garter stitch knit in the round:

Garter Stitch Video Tutorial

Garter Stitch Troubleshooting

• Learn to knit a basic knit stitch with my easy tutorial.
• Learn to knit a basic purl stitch with my easy tutorial.
• Find out how to fix a dropped knit stitch.
• Find out how to fix a dropped purl stitch.

Yield: 1 swatch

How To Knit Garter Stitch

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Everything you ever wanted to know to about the garter stitch knitting pattern for your next knitting project, this post is perfect for beginners!

Materials

• Worsted weight yarn

Tools

• US 7 (4.5mm) straight knitting needles (for knitting flat)
• US 7 (4.5 mm) circular knitting needles

Instructions

Garter Stitch Knitting Pattern (knit flat)

1. Cast on any number of stitches.
2. All rows: knit all stitches

Garter Stitch Knitting Pattern (in the round)

1. Cast on any number of stitches.
2. Round 1: knit all stitches
3. Round 2: purl all stitches
4. Repeat rounds 1 & 2

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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  Lion Brand Yarn (1 Skein 860-108A Vanna's Choice, Dusty Blue Yarn
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  ChiaoGoo Single Point 9 inch (23cm) Bamboo Dark Patina Knitting Needle Size US 7 (4.5mm) 1031-7
• 
  Clover 3016/16-07 Takumi Bamboo Circular 16-Inch Knitting Needles, Size 7

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Cassie May

Craft and Knitwear Designer at Little Red Window Design

Welcome to Little Red Window! I’m Cassie, a professional craft and knitwear designer working in the field for more than 10 years. I have a degree in Art History from Northwestern University and a Master's Degree in Architecture and Design from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. I've designed more than 300 separate knitting patterns, hundreds of craft projects, and I love to bring joy to your crafts and knitting with well-designed, easy to understand tutorials and patterns.

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