Introduction:

The garter stitch is one of the simplest knitting stitches and a great starting point for beginners. It creates a classic, textured fabric perfect for cozy blankets, scarves, and more. In this article, you’ll learn how to knit the garter stitch in just 11 easy steps.

Step 1: Gather your supplies

To knit the garter stitch, you’ll need knitting needles and yarn in your desired weight and color. Beginners may find it easiest to work with medium-weight yarn and corresponding knitting needles.

Step 2: Make a slipknot

Create a slipknot by making a loop with the yarn, then pulling another loop through it. Place the loop on your right-hand needle and tighten it. This will be your first stitch.

Step 3: Cast on

To begin, cast on the desired number of stitches for your project using your preferred method. The long-tail cast-on method is recommended for its elasticity.

Step 4: Hold the needles

Hold the needle with the stitches in your left hand and the empty needle in your right hand.

Step 5: Insert the right needle into the first stitch

Slide the tip of your right needle into the first stitch from left to right, under the left needle.

Step 6: Wrap the yarn around the right needle

Place the working yarn around the tip of your right needle counterclockwise, making sure it’s behind both needles.

Step 7: Pull through a new loop

Using your right needle’s tip, catch the wrapped yarn and pull it through the first stitch, creating a new loop on your right needle.

Step 8: Slide off the old stitch

Allow the old stitch to slide off your left needle as you maintain tension on the working yarn with your right hand. You have now knit one stitch!

Step 9: Repeat

Continue to knit each stitch on your left needle by following steps 5-8 until you reach the end of the row. Turn your work so that the needle with stitches is now in your left hand, and start another row.

Step 10: Repeat rows for the garter stitch pattern

Knit every row by following steps 5-9 until your project reaches the desired length. This repetitive knitting will create the garter stitch pattern.

Step 11: Bind off and weave in ends

When you’ve finished knitting, bind off your stitches to secure them, then cut the yarn, leaving a tail. Use a tapestry needle to weave in the ends neatly.

Conclusion:

Congratulations, you’ve mastered the garter stitch! This versatile and beginner-friendly knitting technique creates a charming texture perfect for various projects. Now it’s time to put your skills to use and create cozy scarves, blankets, or any other item you desire. Happy knitting!