Tuesday, March 21, 2006

Stitch pattern: the garter stitch

Garter stitch has introduced many to knitting. It is one of (if not the) easiest stitch pattern to work: simply knit all rows. If a firmer fabric is required simply knit into the back of each stitch.
In her book Knitting for Dummies Pam Allen traces the history of the garter stitch back the 1500s "when hand-knit stockings were a major industry in England." Garter stitch was worked on the top of the stocking "where it needed to expand for the thigh."
Notice that garter stitch lays nicely flat. It also appears the same on both sides making it a wise choice for blankets, scarves and for other items were both sides are visible.
To count rows, count each ridge twice.
Take a careful look at the samples above. Where they both worked in garter stitch? Seems like a lam question. Clearly the answer is yes. ...and yet

is not garter stitch. To make the green sample, I worked each stitch in purl. There is an advantage to doing so. Much like working into the back of each stitch, purling each stitch results in firmer fabric.
This pretty lace pattern is so easy to knit. Click on the picture to enlarge.

What you do is this: Normally to knit you wind the yarn around once to form a new stitch. For the lace pattern you wind the yarn twice. Next row you treat each double wrapped stitch as one stitch. (Clear as mud? Email me and I will attempt to clarify.) This results in the pretty lace pattern.

In previous posts I have introduced you to double knitting. This is simply a combination of garter stitch and slipped stitches.
I have also introduced I-cord. I-cord is simply garter stitch done on double pointed needles. There is a trick, however. To learn the trick, please read the post on "making I-cord".

I have incorporated garter stitch in these designs.

"September's Promise" features a figure flattering centre panel. As well the collar is worked in garter stitch. The advantage of working the collar is that is looks the same on both sides and lays flat.
"Safe Harbour" Both the sweater and scarf feature garter stitch. For best results, work the sweater in a non-stretch yarn such as wool.

"Muffin" This adorable baby hoodie features garter stitch on the hood, waist, pocket and cuffs.

Wouldn't you know it I forgot one of my patterns which features garter stitch. Can you guess which one? Thankfully, the other stitch pattern used is Stockinette stitch which is the topic of the next post. So log in tomorrow to see if you guessed correctly.


To learn how-to work garter stitch, visit this helpful site: http://www.knittinghelp.com/knitting/basic_techniques/misc.php

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