Garter Stitch Knitting Pattern for Beginners

The Garter Stitch is the most basic knitting pattern. It is easy to knit, reversible, lays flat, and is stretchy. Knitted flat, you simply use the knit technique on all rows.

Get your free written pattern instructions with video tutorials below. You may also purchase my ad-free Knit Stitch Pattern Book in both hardcopy and e-book formats.

Table of Contents

• Knitting Techniques
• Knitting Instructions
• Does Garter Stitch Curl?
• Is the Knitted Garter Stitch Reversible?
• How to Change Yarn Colors in Garter Stitch
• Knitting Pattern Book (ad-free)
• Printable Knitting Instructions

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Knitting Techniques

Find my entire library of Knitting Techniques to help knit up this project.

• How to Cast On Without a Slip Knot or Slip Knot
• Cast On
• K = Knit Stitch
• P = Purl Stitch
• Cast Off
• Weave-in Yarn Ends

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Knitting Instructions

Garter Flat on Straight Needles

Cast On any number of stitches onto your straight knitting needle.

Row 1: Knit All Stitches.
The first row is the right side of your work, which is the side that will be visible once it is knitted up.

Row 2: Knit All Stitches.
Yes, the second row is to knit all stitches again while on the wrong side of the work. It doesn’t get any easier than this!

Row Repeats: Knit all rows until your work is the length you desire, then cast off your stitches and weave in your ends.

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Garter in the Round on Circular Needles

Cast On any number of stitches onto your circular knitting needle.

Row 1: Knit All Stitches.

Row 2: Purl All Stitches.

Row Repeats: Continue knitting Rows 1 and 2 until your work is the length you desire, then cast off your stitches and weave in your ends.

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Does Garter Stitch Curl?

No, this pattern does not curl on the edges and easily lays flat. In fact, for patterns that do tend to curl up, it’s advisable to add a garter border because it allows the edges of your work to look great!

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Is the Knitted Garter Stitch Reversible?

Yes, the Garter Stitch is a reversible pattern because each side of your work, the right and wrong sides, look exactly the same. This 2-Row Repeat Knit Stitch Pattern is an easy-level project with a simple combination of knits and purls.

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How to Change Yarn Colors in Garter Stitch

To avoid purl dash lines when knitting with two or more yarn colors, change yarn at the beginning of your knit row on the right side of your work. I have a great trick on how to change yarn color when knitting stripes for more knit stitch patterns for you.

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Knitting Pattern Book (ad-free)

Find the Garter Stitch on page 3 of my Knit Stitch Pattern Book. Get your free printable pattern further down in this post!

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Thank You for Visiting Studio Knit

I hope you are inspired to knit up this Garter Stitch in your next knitting project. Check out my entire library of free stitch patterns!

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Happy knitting to you!