20+ Garter Stitch Knitting Patterns
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Knitting garter stitch is the first step in mastering the knit stitch. The garter stitch is the knit stitch on repeat on the front and back of your work creating a warm & squishy fabric. It’s the perfect stitch for beginner knitters.
Are you a stitch snob? Do you think less of the garter stitch? Because it’s too easy… because it’s for beginners? Well, I hope to win you over.
(🤫… I share my confession about my love/hate relationship with the garter stitch at the bottom.)
What’s to love?
- Airy & warm
- It’s reversable
- Soft & squishy
- It lays flat naturally
- It’s beginner-friendly!
The Garter Stitch is Therapeutic Too!
The repetitive motion of knitting—stitching the same way over and over—naturally helps calm the mind and reduce anxiety. My therapist has often said that repetition helps bind anxiety, and knitting is a perfect example of that. It not only soothes stress but also gives us a sense of purpose, sparks creativity, and connects us with a wonderful community. There’s so much to be grateful for in every stitch. 💕
Here are some Garter Stitch Patterns that you might love:
Asymmetrical Triangle Shawl
This pattern is knit using all knit stitches PLUS increase stitches on one side to get that asymmetrical part 🙃. Plus, it’s easier to memorize when all the increases are at the beginning of the row… that way I don’t I’m less likely to forget.
Super Simple Knitted Shawl Pattern
Can we just take a moment to admire all that beauty in the rows and rows of purl bumps?! This is a small triangle shawl that I like to wear as a scarf with the tips tucked under.
Free & Easy Shawl Knitting Pattern
Have you tried Lion Brand Landscapes Renewed yarn yet? It’s so soft & squishy! And the stitch definition is beautiful. This, too, is a small triangle shawl that I like to wear like a scarf around my neck.
Easy Shawl Knitting Pattern
Chunky yarn + garter stitch = ALL the squishiness 🫶.
Triangle Shawl Knitting Pattern
This is the first garment I pull out of storage at the first sight of spring. It’s my absolute favorite scarf! It’s so soft and cozy, my whole body just relaxes when I wrap up in it.
Beginner Scarf Knitting Pattern
The Garter Stitch is perfect for double sided projects… like a scarf! Then it doesn’t matter if it gets twisted up because it’s the same on both sides. Woot. Woot.🤷♀️(my niece has decided that this emoji is “raising the roof” and I’m here for it.)
Garter Stitch Plant Cozy
This is a great beginner project! It uses cotton yarn… and it’s not a dishcloth. You’re welcome. 😉
Farmhouse Potholder
I’ve been seeing potholders like this on the shelves at stores! They’re so stinking cute!
Garter Stitch Leg Warmers, Knit Flat
As you can tell… these leg warmers are well loved! I wore these things out! They’re knit flat, so they make a great project for a beginner knitter that’s not a scarf or dishcloth.
Garter Stitch Headband
This headband is knit in the round, so I had to do things a little different. lol.
Garter Stitch Hat
Here’s a hat to match your leg warmers (above)!
Garter Stitch Dish Towel
This is a beginner garter stitch pattern… with a splash of color. I used a self-striping yarn and I just love how they turned out. They make great oversized potholders too!
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Easy Diagonal Garter Stitch Dishcloth
This dishcloth is knit corner to corner, so even though it’s garter stitch it’s an engaging project!
Jute Twine Dish Scrubber
Looking for something that’s all natural and has some scrubbing power?! They make great gifts for men too@
Bulky Garter Stitch Cowl, Knit Flat
Just keep knitting the knit stitch until your muscles memorized it and it becomes second nature. If only I could be more productive and knit in my sleep. 🤔
Vertical Garter Stitch Cowl
This is a small cowl that stays snuggled up to your neck, protecting you from the cold winter winds.
Horizontal Garter Stitch Cowl
I wasn’t sure if I’d like vertical or horizontal rows better, so I knit both… and I’m still not sure. I like both!
One Skein Garter Stitch Cowl with Buttons
I love seeing what all I can do with one skein of yarn! This is probably my most popular project. The buttons are just there for looks. The end edges are sewn together, so you can easily slip it over your head. No fiddling with the buttons, but you still get the cute look!
Garter Stitch Blanket Knitting Pattern
The garter stitch is a wonderfully mindless stitch… just zone out and keep knitting until you run out of yarn.
Chunky Knit Triangle Scarf
This one is definitely Outlander inspired! It’s knit holding 2 strands of Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick yarn. 😲 Super chunky, super cozy, super warm. 💕
Knit Triangle Scarf Pattern
This came about because I love the Outlander style scarf (above), but I wanted something a little less chunky and this lovely scarf was created!
Teddy Bear Rectangle Shawl Wrap
And so my obsession with faux fur yarns began…
Oversized Beginner Scarf Knitting Pattern
For this pattern, I wanted something like a blanket, but that wasn’t too big to wrap up in when sitting around a campfire or snuggled up on the couch. It’s like an oversized scarf that I wrap up in like a shawl. It’s a win-win-win.
Chunky Knit Garter Stitch Scarf
This is a beginner scarf pattern, that’s knit with chunky yarn, so it knits up pretty quick too!
Beginner Shrug Knitting Pattern, Free
Confession Time
Honestly, when I first learned to knit, I avoided the garter stitch—I thought it was too simple for me. 🤦♀️🙈
For the first couple of years of knitting, I didn’t knit a single thing in garter stitch. Even after starting my knitting business, I went an entire year without using it.😲🫣
And while I’m confessing… it took me a year to get the courage to knit a cable stitch. 🙈
Now? The garter stitch is one of my absolute favorite stitches. And judging by the popularity of these patterns, I’m guessing it’s one of yours too! 🥰🤗
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