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Swirly Square Stitch Knitting Pattern

The Swirly Square Knit Stitch Pattern is so fun, whimsical, and modern. I love its texture, curving seams and the entire graphic look of this design!

We knit in the round, starting from the very center, and continue knitting round and round, in alternating Knit and Purl increase rows.

You can get really creative with your Swirly Square. Either knit it all 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!

Swirly Square Knit Stitch Pattern texture in multiple yarn colors.

CLOSER LOOK at the Swirly Square Knitting Pattern

Complete step-by-step video and printable pattern are below.

We knit in the round on 4 Double Pointed Needles, starting from the very center. Increasing one stitch on each needle.

Knitting on 4 Double Pointed Needles for the Swirly Square Knit Stitch Pattern

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As your Swirly Square gets larger, you will need to switch to circular needles. Continue increasing the length of your circular needles, as needed.

Switching from Double Pointed Needles to Circular Needles for the Swirly Square Knit Stitch Pattern

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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.

Knitting on Circular Needles for the Swirly Square Knit Stitch Pattern

WATCH VIDEO TUTORIAL for the Swirly Square Stitch


CHANGING YARN COLORS of the Swirly Square Stitch

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!

Changing Yarn Colors of the Swirly Square Knit Stitch Pattern

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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.

Full Blanket in the Swirly Square Knit Stitch Pattern

KNITTING MATERIALS for Swirly Square Pattern

  • 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
  • Blocking Mats

KNITTING TECHNIQUES for Swirly Square Pattern

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


Printable Knitting Instructions

Swirly Square Knit Stitch Pattern texture in multiple yarn colors.

Swirly Square Stitch Knitting Pattern

Yield: Swirly Square Stitch Pattern
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Active Time: 4 hours
Additional Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Difficulty: Experienced Beginner

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
  • Ciircular 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.

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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. If you’d like even more, please make sure you join my mailing list. Subscribing to my YouTube channel Studio Knit is another easy way for us to stay connected and help support my work for free.

Happy Knitting to You!

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