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 written pattern instructions below for both flat and in the round pieces, along with a helpful knitting chart and video tutorial.

Two garter stitch knitting swatches in white and pink color yarn.

About the Vintage Garter Stitch

Easiest Knit Stitch Pattern

Yes, this is the easiest stitch pattern to learn, perfect for beginner-level knitting projects. Once you have cast on and learned the knit stitch, the garter stitch pattern will likely become your go-to favorite. Easy-to-memorize patterns are great for knitting on the go, as well!

Lays Flat and Does Not 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!

Reversible Stitch Pattern

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.

The Garter Stitch is a reversible pattern because each side of your work, the Right and Wrong sides, look the exactly the same.

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.

Garter stitch knitting pattern flat on straight knitting needles.

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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.

Garter stitch knitting pattern knitted in the round on circular knitting needles.

Knitting Chart

Find your printable knitting chart in the pattern card below. Here’s a helpful tutorial about how to read knitting charts for beginners >

Knit Stitch Chart Graphics on Mobile Tablet screen with woman's hand.

Knit Stitch Pattern Book

Love easy knitting? Get 50 stitch patterns from my Knit Stitch Pattern Book available in both print and digital formats.

Knitting Techniques

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

Design Suggestion: The Slip Stitch Knitting technique is a favorite way to create smooth edges on the right and left sides of your project. If you’re knitting up a flat scarf, dishcloth, or blanket, you may wish to add selvedge stitches to create a more finished look.


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.

Changing from white to purple yarn on knitting needles.

Printable Knitting Instructions

Garter stitch knitted flat on straight knitting needles in pink color yarn.

Printable Knitting Pattern

The Garter Stitch is the most basic Knit Stitch Patterns in which you simply knit stitch every row. It is easy to knit, reversible, lays flat, and is stretchy.

Makes: Garter Stitch
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Active Time: 2 hours
Additional Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Difficulty: Experienced Beginner

Materials

  • Yarn - Any Gauge

Tools

  • Knitting Needles - Appropriate Size for Yarn
  • Tapestry Needle
  • Scissors

Instructions

KNITTED FLAT ON STRAIGHT NEEDLES:

Cast On Any Number of Stitches

  1. Row 1 (Right Side): Knit All
  2. Row 2 (Wrong Side): Knit All

or

IN THE ROUND ON CIRCULAR NEEDLES:

Cast On Any Number of Stitches

  1. Row 1 (Right Side): Knit All
  2. Row 2: Purl All

Notes

Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until your piece is the length you desire.

Reversible Knit Stitch Pattern

2-Row Repeat

Lays Flat, Does Not Curl Up

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KNITTING TECHNIQUES

  • Slip Knot 
  • CO = Cast On Long Tail Method
  • K = Knit Stitch 
  • P = Purl Stitch
  • BO = Bind Off
  • Weave In Ends

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KNITTING CHART

Knitting chart diagram of the Garter Stitch by Studio Knit.

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Kristen McDonnell
Author & Designer

After publishing her first knitting tutorial video, Kristen founded StudioKnit LLC. Enamored with teaching online, she films knitting lessons and designs from her vibrant production studio on Half Moon Bay’s California coast.

Kristen McDonnell is the author of the highly acclaimed book Knit Stitch: 50 Knit + Purl Patterns featuring vintage and unique designs.

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