If you're a beginner in the world of knitting, learning the basics is essential. One of the most used and fun stitch to learn is the garter stitch. The garter stitch is an easy-to-learn stitch pattern that is created by knitting every row. It creates a textured fabric that is ideal for scarves, blankets, and dishcloths.
In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of how to knit garter stitch step-by-step:
What is Garter Stitch?
Garter stitch is a knitting stitch pattern that produces a reversible, ridged fabric. Unlike stockinette stitch, which produces smooth, flat fabric, garter stitch creates a bumpy, textured pattern. It is created by knitting every row, resulting in a fabric that is entirely composed of knit stitches.
How to Knit Garter Stitch
In case you need it, here's a tutorial to help you cast on stitches to get started.
- On the Right Side (RS), knit every stitch as follows:
- Insert right needle from left to right into first stitch on left needle.
- Wrap your yarn clockwise around tip of right needle.
- Pull the right needle out of the stitch, pulling the created yarn loop with it.
- Drop the original stitch off of the left needle.
- Work all remaining stitches in the row in this manner.
- On the Wrong Side (WS), knit every stitch in the same way.
Tips for Knitting Garter Stitch
Here are some helpful tips for knitting garter stitch:
- Keep your tension consistent. This will ensure that your stitches are even.
- Use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning of each row.
- Don't worry if your fabric curls at the edges. This is normal for garter stitch, and blocking can help straighten it out.
It is possible, once you have learned the basics, to add more finishing details which would addslip stitch edgesor I-cord edgesto create a more finished edge to your work.
FAQs
Q: Is garter stitch reversible?
A: Yes, garter stitch is reversible, meaning both sides of the fabric look the same.
Q: Can you use garter stitch for blankets?
A: Yes, garter stitch is great for blankets because it creates a thick, warm fabric.
Q: How do I fix a mistake in garter stitch?
A: To fix a mistake in garter stitch, you can use a crochet hook to pick up the stitch and re-knit it.
Q: What is the difference between garter stitch and stockinette stitch?
A: Garter stitch is created by knitting every row, while stockinette stitch is created by alternating knit and purl rows.
Q: What types of projects are best for garter stitch?
A: Garter stitch is perfect for projects that require a textured fabric, such as scarves, blankets, and dishcloths.
FAQs
Garter stitch is a knitting stitch pattern that produces a reversible, ridged fabric. Unlike stockinette stitch, which produces smooth, flat fabric, garter stitch creates a bumpy, textured pattern. It is created by knitting every row, resulting in a fabric that is entirely composed of knit stitches.
Is garter stitch knit every row? ›
Garter stitch is a knitting stitch pattern that produces a reversible, ridged fabric. Unlike stockinette stitch, which produces smooth, flat fabric, garter stitch creates a bumpy, textured pattern. It is created by knitting every row, resulting in a fabric that is entirely composed of knit stitches.
Do you purl in garter stitch? ›
So, to have every row in the garter, you will need to mark the start of the round. After one round of knit, make sure to work on the round of purl stitches.
What is the easiest stitch to knit? ›
The garter stitch is one of the most common and most basic knit stitches. Garter stitching is simply knit stitching every row. The end result is simple and elegant.
What is knit one purl one called? ›
If you know how to knit and purl, then you can make a textured pattern called single rib, or “knit one purl one”. k1p1 single rib. Single rib is a stretchy piece of knitting often used for cuffs and hems. To make single rib you will knit one stitch, then purl the next stitch, and repeat to the end of the row.
What is it called when you purl every row? ›
You can create garter stitch by purling every row, too.
What knit stitch uses the least yarn? ›
Based on this comparison, projects completed in stockinette will require the least yardage, while projects crocheted all in single crochet will use the most yardage.
Why is it called garter stitch? ›
Elastic is a modern invention, as are tights and pantyhose, and even the most cleverly knitted socks will slide down your leg without a little bit of help. The name for the stitch was taken from the name for these bands—supposedly garters were knit in garter stitch (which is much more elastic than stockinette stitch).
What is the difference between garter and stocking stitch? ›
The main difference between the Reverse Stockinette stitch and the Garter stitch is the texture they create. Reverse Stockinette has a bumpy, textured right side with a smooth wrong side, while Garter stitch produces a fabric with a uniform texture on both sides.
What is the most difficult thing to knit? ›
For example, one of the most difficult skills to learn is knitting Stocking Stitch perfectly over a wide area. It is generally thought that plain Stocking Stitch is perfect for a beginner project, but the opposite is the case as there is nowhere to hide and the eye will catch the smallest imperfection.
The 10 Best Beginner Knit Stitches
- Rib Stitch. Rib Stitch is all about stretch. ...
- Seed Stitch. Seed Stitch is a pretty nubby pattern that's made up of knits and purls. ...
- Moss Stitch. Moss stitch is very similar to seed stitch. ...
- Mistake Rib Stitch. ...
- Double Woven Rib. ...
- Hurdle Stitch. ...
- Purse Stitch. ...
- Open Honeycomb Stitch.
Top 3 of good beginner knitting projects:
- Scarves. A good beginner scarf is knitted in the round on a circular needle, and you therefore only need to knit garter sts in a long tube. ...
- Hats or beanies. A hat is also a great beginner project. ...
- Dish cloths. You can never have too many dish cloths in your kitchen.
Garter Stitch produces a series of wave-like ridges. To count how many rows of knit stitches you've worked, you'll count the ridges on both sides of your work and add them together. Your cast on row doesn't count as a row of knitting!
Should you slip the first stitch when knitting garter stitch? ›
Creating a Chain Edge in Garter stitch
The first way to so this is to slip the first stitch of every row purlwise with the yarn in the front. Then when you want to work the next stitch you need to move the yarn to the back.
