In knitting, all stitch patterns work with knit and purl stitches made with any of your trusted knitting needles. Combined with other techniques, you make textured fabrics .  Among the wide variety, garter stitch pattern is a classic. One of the craft's basics is simply a pattern of knit stitches. You continue making knit stitches across rows. The stitch is not limited to beginners but even seasoned pros use the pattern for various purpose. The stitch pattern lends itself to almost every project imaginable from a dishcloth to a blanket and even garments. So, what are you waiting for? In this blog, let’s explore everything you need to know about garter stitch.

What is Garter Stitch?

The fundamental knitting stitch, garter is worked entirely in knit stitches. Another fundamental pattern is stockinette made of alternating rows of knit and purl stitches. Refer to our guide on how to knit and purl for beginners before getting started with garter. In knitting patterns, it is abbreviated as gt or GT, or garter.

As a beginner you’re basically taught to work the knit stitches on a pair of single pointed needles before moving on to the purl stitch and later to other techniques. When you continue knit stitches over rows the pattern is known as garter. The fabric is reversible and has added bonus of elasticity. It is admired for its simplicity and versatility. Think of projects such as a cozy scarf, warm blanket, or easy garments; the stitch pattern works beautifully. Even for complex patterns such as lace and cables or colorwork, they are the ideal backdrop to let texture shine.

The name ‘garter’ dates back to the 1300s. It comes from the garter that was basically a strip of garment used to tie the top of the stocking. The elastic purpose of the garment has a similar tendency to its knitted counterpart; therefore, the name knitting. Similarly, the name stockinette dates back to the 1500s, inspired by the garment stocking. Eventually, both names made their place in knitting. Garter is not basically a stitch but is referred to the knitted fabric made with knit stitches.

Knitting Garter Stitch Back and Forth

Choose any straight or circular knitting needles. Just make sure the knitting needle size matches the yarn weight. For yarn, if its for practice choose any DK weight yarn.

Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Make a slip knot on your knitting needle.

2. Choose any cast on method that suits your project. If you are working on a practice swatch, work any basic method.

3. Insert your right needle into the first loop on the left needle, wrap the yarn around the needle, and pull it through the stitch. This creates a new knit stitch on your right needle. Repeat this process for all stitches on the left needle. You have knit the row.

4. Turn your work; simply knit all stitches on the back to the empty needle.

5. Continue working on rows. You are creating the garter stitch.

6. Bind off when your project has reached desired the length and size.

Knitting Garter Stitch in the Round

Garter stitch is not just for flat projects. You can also use it to create seamless fabrics by knitting "in the round." You can work on hats, socks, and garments with double-pointed needles or circulars.

Now, there’s something you must know; knitting garter over rows is different than knitting garter in rounds. You do not make knit stitches every round but alternate with knit and purl stitches.

When you knit back and forth you basically work on the stitches on your left-hand needle and create new stitch on your right-hand needle. Once you’ve completed the stitches, you turn the project, and the needle with stitches goes to your left hand while creating a row on your right-hand needle. But when knitting in the round, you do not have to turn the project. Now, this means when you are knitting garter in the round it does not follow the same rule as knitting flat. As you are constantly working on the project's right side, the, alternate rounds of knit and purl stitches won’t create the usual stockinette but the rather garter stitch.

Step-by-step guide to knit garter stitch in the round

1. Start with a slip knot. But as you advance, you can forego it and start straight with cast on.

2. Cast on stitches using any technique that best suits your projects. If you are working with double-pointed needles, divide the cast on stitches equally. If you are working on the magic loop technique with a circular knitting needle with an extra-long cord, divide the stitches over the cord. Join the cast-on round with a slip stitch or any other preferred method.

3. Here, you’ll need one of the most essential knitting accessories- stitch markers. Place a stitch marker at the beginning of your round to help you keep track of where you are.

4. Knit the first round till you reach the stitch marker.

5. Purl the next round till you get to the stitch marker.

6. Continue knitting and purl rounds till you’ve reached the desired length and size.

7. Bind off once you’ve finished.

Expanding Possibilities of the Garter Stitch

A garter stitch is more than a simple stitch pattern; it has endless potential. Try adding stripes, cables, or colorwork. Another interesting pattern, condo knitting is based on garter but worked with two different knitting needle sizes.

The secret to fun knitting sessions is high-quality tools and accessories. Lantern Moon offers premium ebony wood knitting needles in options of straight, DPNs and circulars. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned maker, enjoy the luxury silk finish of the needles that makes stitch making a dream come true!