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Multiple Ways to Use Garter Stitch

Updated on October 26, 2022
MariaMontgomery profile image

Maria is a master gardener and master of public health. She and her husband, Bo, are known online as The Gardener & The Cook.

Ruffled Scarf Made in Garter Stitch

Source

I Was Surprised at What Could Be Done with this Simple Knitting Stitch

The garter stitch is often thought of as plain, and not very pretty. For years I completely ignored it, refused to use it. Recently though, probably because it is so easy I can almost knit it without looking at my work, I began to look for more interesting ways to use this stitch, and came up with multiple ways to use garter stitch. I found more uses for it than I expected. In this photo you see my favorite of all the things I have made using this one stitch. Below I have shared with you some of the items I have knitted using only, or primarily, this stitch. This photo is a ruffled scarf I made for one of our granddaughters who is a college student. This dark blue is one of her school's (Auburn University) colors. She has graduated, and now her younger sister is now a student at Auburn.


Zoomed in on Garter Stitch

Zoomed in on the Stitches of the Afghan Shown Below
Zoomed in on the Stitches of the Afghan Shown Below | Source

What Is Garter Stitch?

This very simple stitch is the pattern that emerges when every row is knitted -- no purls, no yarn overs, only knit stitches. It produces a fabric that looks the same on both sides. Sometimes it's a plus to have a reversible garment. This photo shows a worked garter stitch. The scarf in this photo was knitted on size 10 needles. The ruffle was formed by gradually decreasing the number of stitches used. I cast on about 300 stitches, then decreased on every other row. To make the ruffle at the other end, just reverse the process by gradually increasing the number of stitches.

The winter-white afghan shown below shows the stitches really well. For a closer look at this stitch worked, as well as the directions for the border used on that afghan, please see my lens entitled, "Free Simple Afghan Pattern for Beginning Knitters".

Ivory Garter Stitch Afghan

An Afghan Done in This Versatile Stitch with an Embellished Border
An Afghan Done in This Versatile Stitch with an Embellished Border | Source

These are the circular needles I used to knit both afghan shown in this article

Knitter's Pride-Dreamz Fixed Circular Needles 40", Size 15/10mm
Knitter's Pride-Dreamz Fixed Circular Needles 40", Size 15/10mm
I have these circular needles in multiple sizes. They are so pretty, and handle well, plus they are available in several beautiful colors. I have enjoyed using these needles, and highly recommend them.
 

Zoomed in on Shaggy Garter Stitch Scarf

Source

Zoomed In On a "Shaggy" Scarf

Here you can see how "shaggy" type yarn works up in garter stitch. It makes a thick and opaque fabric that is especially nice on very cold days. With this type yarn, the stitches cannot be seen at all. This is one of my favorite scarves, but it is really too long for me -- I'm pretty short. So I have passed it on to my daughter who is 4 or 5 inches taller than me.

Pay attention to the growing length when knitting scarves. With this one, I was watching a movie, and kept on knitting until I ran out of yarn. Opps! My finished product was a really, really long scarf. A downside to this type yarn is that it is difficult to take out stitches, so this one remains too long for shorties like me.

Shaggy Garter Stitch Scarf

My Daughter, Modeling Her "New" Shaggy Scarf
My Daughter, Modeling Her "New" Shaggy Scarf | Source

These are the needles I used to knit this scarf.

Clover Takumi 9-Inch Single Point, Size 10
Clover Takumi 9-Inch Single Point, Size 10
I have these bamboo needles in several sizes. They are so lightweight and smooth. They don't get rough places on them, so there's nothing to catch or pick the yarn, or your clothing. I highly recommend these needles.
 

Garter Stitch Border

Close-up of the Afghan Border Replacing Stockinette Stitch with Garter
Close-up of the Afghan Border Replacing Stockinette Stitch with Garter | Source

Variegated Garter Stitch Afghan with Fringe

Either a Varigated Yarn or a Dark Color Will Disguise the Plain Pattern of This Stitch
Either a Varigated Yarn or a Dark Color Will Disguise the Plain Pattern of This Stitch | Source

Ruffled Garter Stitch Scarf

The Scarf Pattern From the Intro Photo, Knitted on Larger (Size 11) Needles, and With A Shorter Ruffle
The Scarf Pattern From the Intro Photo, Knitted on Larger (Size 11) Needles, and With A Shorter Ruffle | Source

A Poll About Knitting Stitches

What is your favorite knitting stitch pattern?

See results

Are you a knitter, or do you do other types of needlework? Please share your thoughts / experiences on various stitches with all of us knitters, cross-stitchers, and needlepointers. And, thank you for visiting.

© 2013 MariaMontgomery

working

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