Garter stitch for beginners: how to knit garter stitch
It may be the first, and simplest, stitch pattern you’ll learn, but you can do a lot with garter stitch! We'll show you how it's done, and more…
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In this guide you’ll learn everything you need to know about garter stitch. Garter stitch fabric is very easy to create and is the first stitch pattern that every new knitter works. It’s sometimes accused of being boring, but garter stitch is actually very versatile. Also known as plain knitting, garter stitch can be used for borders and hems on garments, as well as for edgings on large pieces like throws and blankets. It’s also super-cute for baby knits.
Here’s what you’ll find in our introduction to garter stitch. Click on the links below to jump straight to those sections.
How to knit garter stitch in the round
How to count garter stitch rows
Garter stitch knitting patterns
What is garter stitch?
Knitters describe the specific patterned effect created on the knitted fabric as a ‘stitch pattern’. If you knit every stitch on every row, back and forth, you’ll create what’s called a garter stitch pattern, or a piece of garter stitch fabric. You’ll see that the pattern creates rows of wavy bumps.
Garter stitch looks the same on both sides so it can be reversible. The wavy bumps are nicely spaced out, with rows of small ‘v’ shapes sitting in between each row of bumps.
Garter stitch (knitting abbreviation ‘g st’) creates a thick fabric with good drape – it tends to lie flat rather than curling up at the edges like stocking stitch. This means it’s really useful for scarves or scarf edges, and won’t roll up.
Garter stitch is also fab when knitting with textured yarns like fur, fleece or eyelash yarn. The pile is so dense that it’s hard to tell what stitch you’ve used, so you can get great results with just the quick knit stitch!
Once you’ve practised how to do a knit stitch to make garter stitch fabric, have a go at our simple garter stitch cowl pattern.
Main image: Garter Bow by Becky Skuse from Beginner’s Guide to Knitting 2019
How to knit garter stitch
To work garter stitch you need to knit every row, working back and forth on two needles. Simple! Here it is written out:
Cast on required number of stitches.
Row 1 (RS) Knit.
Row 2 (WS) Knit.
Repeat rows 1 & 2 until desired length is reached.
Any instructions you see that tell you to “work in garter stitch/g st” just mean to knit every row, as above.
How to knit garter stitch in the round
Working garter stitch in the round on circular or double-pointed needles is slightly different, because the right side of the work is always facing you. Here’s the pattern:
Cast on required number of stitches.
Row 1 (RS) Knit.
Row 2 (RS) Purl.
Repeat rows 1 & 2 until desired length is reached.
How to count garter stitch rows
Being able to count your rows is a very useful skill, as it lets you work out where you are in your pattern without having to use a row counter or write down what you’ve done so far. To be able to count rows in garter stitch, first you need to be able to identify the different parts of the fabric.
You Will Need
- Any yarn
- Knitting needles
Step 1
One stitch
Each stitch forms a loop that goes around and through a stitch on the row below.
Step 2
Purl bumps
The little lumpy bits in garter stitch are sometimes referred to as purl bumps, especially on US patterns.
Step 3
Two rows of garter stitch
This is what two rows of garter stitch look like. One row has the wavy bumps, the other row has small ‘v’ shapes.
When you need to count rows in garter stitch, you can use the ridges with wavy bumps and remember that each one of these represents two rows of knitting.
Learn how to knit
Take up a rewarding new hobby with our beginner’s guides to knitting. The first things you’ll need to know are how to make a slipknot, how to cast on knitting and how to cast off knitting. Then learn how to shape your knitting with how to decrease in knitting and how to increase a stitch in knitting. Plus see our knitting abbreviations guide for more on how to read knitting patterns.
Garter stitch blanket pattern
A garter stitch blanket is the perfect beginner pattern, and a great way to turn all those practice squares into something useful! Use the size of needles recommended on your yarn’s ball band and cast on enough stitches to create a 10cm square – the tension given on the ball band will tell you how many you need. If you’re using DK yarn, use 4mm needles and about 22 stitches to make a 10cm square. For a garter stitch square, knit every row until you have a square shape. In DK yarn this should be about 28 rows. When you have as many squares as you want, sew them together to create your blanket.
Garter stitch blanket square pattern for DK yarn
Cast on 22 sts.
Row 1 Knit.
Row 2 Knit.
Repeat rows 1 & 2 until you have worked 28 rows.
Cast off.
Make 16, 25 or 36 squares, or number needed to achieve the desired size, and sew together using mattress stitch or back stitch and matching yarn.
Why not knit up a square or two of each stitch pattern you practise making, using different colours if you want to, then sew them all together to make a gorgeous throw or blanket? We have lots of free patterns for you to choose from in our guides on moss stitch, rib stitch, how to cable knit, lace knitting and slip stitch knitting! Or check out our entire collection of knitting stitch patterns. As you build up more squares, your cosy throw will become a great stitch pattern reference guide.
Garter stitch knitting patterns
Get garter stitch-ing with our easy patterns for you to try today!
1. Super simple cowl
This easy-peasy project is a great first knit. Treat yourself to a gorgeous super-chunky yarn in your favourite colour and whip it up in a weekend.
Get the free garter stitch cowl knitting pattern.
2. Happy heart coasters
Discover how to add simple increases and decreases to shape your knitting when you make this garter stitch heart coaster. A sweet gift for a loved one!
Learn how to knit a heart coaster.
3. Colourful placemats
Changing colours to make knitted stripes is easier than you think! Master the technique with this vibrant garter stitch placemat.
Cast on the free knitted placemat pattern.
4. Easy baby hat
Welcome a new arrival with this adorable little garter stitch hat by Woman’s Weekly. The pattern also includes matching bootees – too cute!
Get the pattern from The Knitting Network.
5. Garter stitch sweater
If you can knit garter stitch you can knit these Stylecraft jumpers – yes, really! Give these beginner sweaters a go and you’ll have your own handmade wardrobe in no time.
Get the pattern from Lovecrafts
Learn more basic knitting techniques with our complete guide to knitting for beginners and how to knit section full of masterclasses for every level, then see our knitting patterns for what to knit next!
Authors
As well as spending her working life thinking about yarn, Sarah designs knitting patterns in her spare time, too!
