Swirly Square Stitch Knitting Pattern
Discover the charm of the Swirly Square Knit Stitch Pattern—a delightful, whimsical design that brings a modern touch to your knitting experience. I love its unique texture, gentle curves in the seams, and the stylish graphic appearance.
Table of Contents
About the Swirly Square Knitting Pattern
When you start knitting this pattern, you’ll work in the round, beginning right at the center. Follow the alternating knit and purl increase rows as you continue knitting round and round. Keep it small for a sweet dishcloth or continue knitting until it’s a large blanket of your choice.
You can get really creative with your Swirly Square. Create your colorwork knitting piece in one color, switch up our colors, make a square for a blanket or dishcloth, or keep going for a baby blanket or afghan. My colorful blanket is one of my favorites. I knit up for myself because I’m knit-worthy, too!
Knitting Supplies
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- Worsted or Aran Weighted Yarn, in any fiber of your choice
My colorful blanket used Malabrigo Worsted Merino Wool - 5 – Double Pointed Knitting Needles
- Circular Needles in various increasing lengths, as needed
- Scissors
- Tapestry Needle
- Knitting Blocks and T-Pins (optional): Blocking is highly recommended.
Knitting Techniques
Need to brush up or learn a new technique? Check out my entire library of Knitting Techniques to help you along as you knit up this project. If you’re new to knitting, you’ll love my Absolute Beginners Knitting Series!
• Slip Knot
• CO = Cast On Long Tail Method
• K = Knit Stitch
• KFB = Knit Front and Back (increase)
• P = Purl Stitch
• Change Yarn Color
• BO = Bind Off
• Weave In Ends
Watch Video Tutorial
Steps to Knit a Swirly Square
Step 1: Set-Up on Double Pointed Needles
We knit in the round on 4 Double Pointed Needles, starting from the very center. Increasing one stitch on each needle.
Step 2: Switch to Circular Needles
As your Swirly Square gets larger, you will need to switch to circular needles. Continue increasing the length of your circular needles, as needed.
Step 3: Knit the Size of Your Choice
Continue knitting in the round on circular needles. Once you’re ready to finish your work, we will make 4 rows in the Garter Stitch, which in the Round is alternating rows of Knit and Purl stiches.
When to Change Yarn Colors
You can get really creative with your Swirly Square. Knit it all in one color or change yarn colors. Each color change should occur prior to knitting Row 1 of the 8-Row Repeat in the knitting pattern. Printable pattern available below!
In my example, I knitted with 5 different yarn colors. Again, you will change your yarn color prior to knitting up Row 1 in the pattern.
Printable Knitting Instructions
Printable Knitting Pattern
The Swirly Square Knit Stitch Pattern is so fun, whimsical, and modern. It has great texture and curving seams.
Materials
- Yarn - Any Gauge
Tools
- 5 Double Pointed Knitting Needles
- Circular Knitting Needles - Appropriate Size for Yarn
- Tapestry Needle
- Scissors
Instructions
Cast On 8 Stitches
Divide stitches evenly among 4 Double Pointed Needles. (2 stitches per needle)
Knitting Rows. Knit All Stitches in the round on each needle with one stitch remaining, then KFB last stitch.
- Row 1: On each needle: * K1, KFB * (12 stitches)
- Row 2: On each needle: * K2, KFB * (16 stitches)
- Row 3: On each needle: * K3, KFB * (20 stitches)
- Row 4: On each needle: * K4, KFB * (24 stitches)
Purling Rows. Purl All Stitches in the round on each needle with one stitch remaining, then Purl Increase last stitch.
- Row 5: On each needle: * P5, Purl Increase * (28 stitches)
- Row 6: On each needle: * P6, Purl Increase * (32 stitches)
- Row 7: On each needle: * P7, Purl Increase * (36 stitches)
- Row 8: On each needle: * P8, Purl Increase * (40 stitches)
Repeat these 8 rows by continually adding a stitch at the end of each needle until your piece is the size you desire.
Want to Change Yarn Colors? Change yarn prior to knitting Row 1.
Bind Off
Notes
Pattern Repeat: Repeat pattern between the * * asterisks
Switch to increasingly longer circular needles as your piece gets larger to continue knitting.
To help piece lay flat, finish with 4 rows of Garter Stitch.
Blocking your Swirly Square Pattern will give the best results.
Reversible Knit Stitch Pattern with one yarn color. Not Reversible when knitting with 2 or more yarn colors.
Thank You for Visiting Studio Knit
I hope you are inspired to knit up this Swirly Square Knit Stitch Pattern for your next knitting project.
