Knitting
How to Knit Garter Stitch
Take another look at Garter Stitch!
Garter Stitch is a simple knitting stitch which is often over looked by knitters – perhaps it is discounted by experienced knitters because it is such an easy stitch to create – and perhaps it brings back memories of the first raggedy knitting mishaps experienced by many knitters.
Garter Stitch, however is a highly versatile stitch, and when worked well has a pleasing texture. A good example of a designer who uses the key features of garter stitch to bring shape and style to her work is Hanne Falkenberg. A quick look at any of her designs will dispel any remaining fears you may have, and demonstrate how this stitch can be used for sophisticated designs.
One great feature about Garter Stitch is that it does not curl. Whereas stocking stitch (or stockinette) is inclined to curl at the base, garter stitch lies entirely flat making it a great stitch to use for an item where ribbing isn’t required.
Garter Stitch is created by working each row in Knit Stitch, and not Purling (which you would do to create stocking stitch or stockinette). This gives a textured surface which is formed by a series of ‘ridges’. One ‘ridge’ is equivalent to two rows.
One of the interesting features of Garter Stitch is that each stitch is equal to two rows of knitting – or one ‘ridge’. Therefore it is very easy to make accurate squares, for instance to make a square 50 stitches wide, simply work 50 ‘ridges of Garter Stitch.
The fact that the ratio of rows to stitches is 2:1 makes creating mitred edges and turning corners straightforward. True 90 degree angles can be turned by increasing or decreasing two stitches every ‘ridge’. Using two straight needles and knitting back and forth, simply by increasing or decreasing corners can be turned or interesting shapes made. This shaping is emphasized by working with different colors, thus emphasizing the multi directional style of knitting.
It is a great stitch to practice with - experiment and have fun!
To learn how to make a mitered square see the article HERE.