Garter Stitch: How to Do It Step by Step
Garter Stitch (garter st in US patterns) is a beginner-level knitting stitch that makes reversible ridges, lies flat, squishy, stretches lengthwise. Stitchers use it for scarves, dishcloths, baby blankets. To start, cast on any number of stitches and knit every stitch of every row. It is usually learned alongside knit stitch.
Garter Stitch is a beginner-level knitting stitch that makes reversible ridges, lies flat, squishy, stretches lengthwise. Patterns abbreviate it as garter st, in both US and UK terms. Makers use it for scarves, dishcloths, baby blankets, borders that do not curl. It uses about 46 percent more yarn than the base fabric for the same area.
The table below sums up garter stitch in one place: craft, abbreviation, difficulty and the projects it suits best. It uses about 46 percent more yarn than plain fabric of the same size.
| Craft | Knitting |
|---|---|
| US abbreviation | garter st |
| UK abbreviation | garter st |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Look and feel | Reversible ridges, lies flat, squishy, stretches lengthwise |
| Best for | Scarves, Dishcloths, Baby blankets, Borders that do not curl |
| Relative yarn use | 1.46x |
How do you work garter stitch?
- Cast on any number of stitches.
- Working flat: knit every stitch of every row.
- Working in the round: knit one round, then purl one round, and repeat.
- Count rows by the ridges: each ridge equals two rows.
Garter Stitch is one of the stitches covered in how to choose yarn weight. When you are ready to plan a project in it, the cast-on calculator will size a scarf or a blanket in it.
What are the most common garter stitch mistakes?
- Accidentally purling a stitch and creating a bump
- Adding stitches at the row edge by pulling the yarn over the needle
- Expecting it to match stockinette gauge
Practice on a swatch
Work a small sample before starting a project. It shows how the stitch looks in your chosen yarn or thread, and it is far easier to unpick a swatch than a finished piece.
Where does garter stitch lead next? Seed Stitch is the natural step up: seed stitch keeps the same flat, reversible behaviour with a pebbled surface instead of ridges.
Which stitches are related to garter stitch?
The 3 stitches below are the closest relatives of garter stitch, with the abbreviation and difficulty of each.
| Stitch | Abbreviation | Difficulty | Look and feel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knit Stitch | k | Beginner | Smooth V shape on the front; the basic stitch of most fabrics |
| Stockinette Stitch | St st | Beginner | Smooth Vs on the right side, purl bumps on the back; edges curl |
| Seed Stitch | seed st | Beginner | Pebbly, reversible, lies flat, firm |
What other beginner knitting stitches should you learn?
- Knit Stitch: first lessons, garter and stockinette fabrics
- Purl Stitch: stockinette on flat pieces, ribbing
- Stockinette Stitch: sweaters, hats
- Reverse Stockinette Stitch: cable backgrounds, textured panels
- Seed Stitch: borders, washcloths
- Moss Stitch: blankets, textured sweaters
- 1x1 Rib: cuffs, hat brims
- 2x2 Rib: hat brims, sweater hems
- Slip Stitch (Knit): heel flaps, neat selvage edges
- Knit Two Together: hat crowns, shaping
- Yarn Over: lace, eyelet buttonholes
- Knit Front and Back: easy increases, toe-up socks
Tools for knitting
Clover Universal Knitting Counter
Under $25A simple row counter so you never lose your place in a stitch pattern.
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KnitIQ Blocking Mats, 9 piece set with T-pins
Under $100Blocking evens out stitches and opens up texture patterns; interlocking mats make it easy.
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ChiaoGoo Twist Red Lace Interchangeable Set, Complete, 5 inch tips
Under $250A complete interchangeable set covers every needle size a pattern calls for.
Check pricePrices change often, so confirm on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently asked questions
What is garter stitch?
Garter Stitch is a knitting stitch that makes reversible ridges, lies flat, squishy, stretches lengthwise. Makers reach for it for scarves, dishcloths, baby blankets, borders that do not curl. It uses about 46 percent more yarn than the base fabric for the same area. It is rated beginner here, so it is a good stitch to learn early and practice on a small swatch before a real project.
How do you do garter stitch step by step?
1. Cast on any number of stitches. 2. Working flat: knit every stitch of every row. 3. Working in the round: knit one round, then purl one round, and repeat. 4. Count rows by the ridges: each ridge equals two rows. Work slowly for the first few repeats, keep your tension even, and check the result against the steps before continuing across a whole row or motif.
What is the abbreviation for garter stitch?
US patterns abbreviate garter stitch as garter st. UK patterns use the same abbreviation, garter st, so this one reads the same on both sides of the Atlantic. Pattern keys list every abbreviation used, usually near the materials list.
What projects use garter stitch?
Garter Stitch suits scarves, dishcloths, baby blankets, borders that do not curl. Budget about 46 percent more yarn than plain fabric of the same size, because the texture eats it. To size a project before you start, the cast-on calculator will size a scarf or a blanket in it, and how to choose yarn weight walks through a full project from the beginning.
What are common mistakes with garter stitch?
The most common problems are: accidentally purling a stitch and creating a bump; adding stitches at the row edge by pulling the yarn over the needle; expecting it to match stockinette gauge. Most are easy to spot if you pause after a few repeats and compare your work with the steps. Good light helps a great deal, especially with dark yarn or thread.
What should you learn after garter stitch?
Seed Stitch is the usual next step, because seed stitch keeps the same flat, reversible behaviour with a pebbled surface instead of ridges. It is rated beginner here, against beginner for garter stitch. Its own step-by-step page is at seed stitch.
What stitches are similar to garter stitch?
Stitches closely related to garter stitch include Knit Stitch, Stockinette Stitch, Seed Stitch. Learning them together makes patterns easier to read, because many designs switch between related stitches to change texture, height or line. Each has its own step-by-step page in the stitch dictionary.
How we research: we compare manufacturer specifications, owner manuals, published standards and recurring themes in verified owner reviews. We do not test products in person, and this is researched guidance, not professional advice. Follow your machine manual and pattern, and take care with rotary cutters, hot irons and needles. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
