How to Knit the Openwork Garter Stitch (2 patterns + video)

Today, I’m sharing how to knit two variants of the Openwork Garter Stitch.

It’s a lovely pattern, pretty versatile, and super easy… totally beginner-friendly (easier than the first lace pattern I shared with you).

Honestly, this is the first lace pattern I learned, and what I like the most is that the Garter Stitch sections can be as fine as you prefer.

For example, when I made the sweater shown in the pictures, I used the 2-row repeat pattern (see the instructions below).

On the contrary, if you want to have a less open fabric, choose the 6-repeat row pattern (you’ll find the instructions further down below). It’s up to you!

Furthermore, the Openwork Garter Stitch is identical on both sides, doesn’t curl, and no purling is required. YAYYY 🙂

I think it’s a wonderful pattern for Summer sweaters and tops.

However, if you want to knit a scarf or wrap, don’t forget to add a nice edge on each side, in Garter stitch, to make the sides neater.

Last but not least, it looks pretty not only in cotton yarn, wool or its blends are also an option.

Enough chatting, my little Woolly.

Grab your needles and some yarn, and let’s knit a lovely swatch!

Abbreviations

CO: Cast on

st: Stitch

RS: Right side of the work

K: Knit

BO: Bind off

WS: Wrong side of the work

Notes Before Starting:

For both patterns:

The odd rows form the right side of the work.

There are no selvage (edge) stitches (the first and the last) included.

If you like to have them, add two stitches to your cast on row.

For the 2-row repeat variant only:

After row 1 you’ll have the double of loops; after row 2, you’ll get back to the original number of stitches.

For the 6-row repeat variant:

After row 5 you’ll have the double of loops; after row 6, you’ll get back to the original number of stitches.

Openwork Garter Stitch Knitting Pattern (2-row repeat)

For symmetry, CO an even number of stitches.

1º row: *insert the needle as of to knit, wrap the yarn twice around the right-hand needle, and knit*. Repeat from * to *, to end

2º row: *insert the needle into the first loop (you’ll see 2 stitches), knit, and drop both loops*. Repeat from * to *, to end

These two rows create the pattern. Repeat them until the desired length is reached.

When finished, BO knitwise, after row 1 (WS).

This is the other side of the work:

Openwork Garter Stitch Knitting Pattern (6-row repeat)

For symmetry, CO an even number of stitches.

1º, 2º, 3º and 4º rows (RS): K across

5º row: *insert the needle as of to knit, wrap the yarn twice around the right-hand needle, and knit*. Repeat from * to *, to end

6º row: *insert the needle into the first loop (you’ll see 2 stitches), knit, and drop both loops*. Repeat from * to *, to end.

These six rows create the pattern. Repeat them until the desired length is reached.

When finished, BO knitwise, after row 3 (WS).

Enjoy the video tutorial: