Knit Power: Learn to Knit Garter Stitch Four Ways

In this tutorial you will learn how to knit the garter stitch pattern even in rows, even in rounds, increase in rows and increase in rounds.

Download the digital PDF pattern for this tutorial here:

Garter Stitch Knitting Tutorial Knit with Power

Knitting Even In Rows:

Working “even in rows” is the term used for knitting rows of stitches with the same number of stitches in each row. Generally there would be no increases or decreases. Working even in rows is the foundation for so many different kinds of projects. Once you know your gauge to create the width of your project, you can knit any two dimensional square or rectangular project. Here are some standard sizes for scarves,  afghans, dishcloths, and more.

Knit Bath Projects:

Wash cloth: 10 in (25cm) x 10 in (25cm)

Knit Blanket Projects:

Lovey: 10 in (25cm) x 10 in (25cm)

Security: 14 in (36cm) x 18 in (46cm)

Stroller: 30 in (76cm) x 36 in (91cm)

Receiving: 36 in (91cm) x 36 in (91cm)

Toddler: 40 in (102cm) x 50 in (127cm)

Swaddle: 48 in (122cm) x 48 in (122cm)

Lap: 35 in (89cm) x 40 in (102cm)

Throw: 50 in (127cm) x 60 in (152cm)

Twin: 60 in (152cm) x 85 in (216cm)

Full: 90 in (229cm) x 90 in (229cm)

Queen: 96 in (244cm) x 94 in (239cm)

King: 108 in (274cm) x 90 in (229cm)

California King: 110 in (279cm) x 98 in (249cm)

Knit Kitchen Projects:

Tea towel: 16 in (41cm) x 32 in (81cm)

Hand towel: 16 in (41cm) x 30 in (76cm)

Dish cloth: 8 in (20cm) x 8 in (20cm)

Pot scrubby: 4 in (10cm) x 4 in (10cm)

Rug: 18 in (46cm) x 36 in (91cm)

Floor runner: 18 in (46cm) x 60 in (152cm)

Table runner: 14 in (35cm) x 108 in (274cm)

Place mat: 12 in (30cm) x 18 in (46cm)

Coasters: 4 in (10cm) x 4 in (10cm)

Knit Scarf Projects:

Width:

3 in (8cm) to 5 in (13cm) for skinny scarf

5 in (13cm) to 8 in (20cm) for winter scarf

Length:

3 to 5 years: 36 in (91cm)

6 to 8 years: 44 in (112cm)

9 to 11 years: 50 in (127cm)

Preteen: 57 in (145cm)

Small Woman: 64 in (163cm)

Medium Woman: 68 in (173cm)

Large Woman: 69 in  (175cm)

Small Man: 67 in (170cm)

Medium Man: 70 in (178cm)

Large Man: 75 in (191cm)

Knit Stole/Wrap/Shawl Projects:

Small: 24 in (61cm) wide x 50 in (127cm) long

Medium: 30 in (76cm) wide x 60 in (152cm) long

Large: 36 in (91cm) wide x 72 in (183cm) long

Knitting Even in Rounds:

“Even in rounds” can be slightly different from knitting even in rows, and more so when we get into more  complicated stitch patterns. Knitting in the round means you knit  in a spiral and not actually join at the end of every round. Use a stitch marker to remember the beginning and end of each round.

Knit Cowl Projects:

For a small cowl, add 2 in (5cm) to hat circumference x 8 in (20cm) long

For a medium cowl, add 4 in (10cm) to hat

circumference x 10 in (25cm) long

For a large cowl, add 6 in (15cm) to hat

circumference x 12 in (30cm) long

Knit Hat Projects:

Knitting Increase in Rows Projects:

Top down triangular shapes (2 repeats) are a perfect beginning for a shawl.  You simply continue in the established pattern until you reach the desired length. They are also the fundamentals for top down raglan shaping of capes, cardigans and pullovers.Keep in mind that this is using this section for TWO repeats. You can also use the increase in rows section to create a half hexagon (3 repeats).

Shawl sizes:

Kerchief: 36 in (91cm) wide x 18 in (46cm) long

Shawlette: 24 in (61cm) – 30 in (76cm) wide x 48 in (122cm) to 60 in (152cm) wide

Full sized shawl: 36 in (91cm) – 40 in (102cm) long x 72 in (183cm) to 80 in (203cm) wide

Knitting Increase In Round Projects:

Square motifs in the round are classically known as the building blocks for motif projects whether you join them as you go with knit stitches or seams at the end. But singularly, there are many other applications for a square motif. Continue in pattern to make a singular square as large as you can possibly imagine! And keep in mind that this is using this section for FOUR repeats. You can use an “increase in rounds” section to create hexagons (6 repeats) or octagons (8 repeats) as well.

Earring: 2 in (5cm) – 3 in (8cm) wide

Coaster: 4 in (10cm) wide

Dishcloth: 9 in (23cm) wide

Bag: 12 in (30cm) – 16 in (41cm) wide

Rug:

Small: 4 ft (122cm) wide

Medium: 6 ft (183cm) wide

Large: 8 ft (244cm) wide

Square Shawls:

Small: 48 in (122cm) square

Medium: 60 in (152cm) square

Large: 72 in (183cm) square