AIRPLANE knitting pattern
This pattern was originally published in 2020. It has been fully updated for 2026 with a new high-resolution chart, revised instructions and project summary.
Reach new heights with this Airplane Dishcloth knitting pattern! ✈️
Whether you are looking for a whimsical addition to your kitchen or the perfect transport-themed block for a baby blanket, this beginner-friendly design is a joy to knit. Using only knit and purl stitches, the textured airplane shape emerges beautifully from the fabric, making it an ideal project for those just starting their knitting journey.
To make your experience even smoother, I have updated this post to include our new High-Contrast “Block Colour” chart system. This design is specifically created to be easy on the eyes, ensuring you can follow along without stress—whether you’re an experienced elder or a brand-new maker.
A quick tip for beginners: This pattern is worked over a total of 43 stitches. This includes 35 stitches for the central airplane design and a sturdy 4-stitch garter border on each side to keep your edges neat and flat.
Ready to cast on? The full written instructions and the new high-contrast chart are below!
| Project Detail | Requirement |
| Skill Level | Beginner (only knits and purls) |
| Yarn Weight | DK or Worsted |
| Needle Size | 4mm / US 6 (and 4.5mm / US 7 for casting on and binding off stitches) |
| Finished Size | 8.5” x 8.5” (22 cm x 22 cm) |
Materials & Tools for the Airplane block
- Yarn: 70 yds (64 m) of DK yarn (8 ply). OR 140 yds (128 m) of light fingering yarn (approx 3 ply) USED DOUBLE.
- Needles: 4mm / US 6 (and 4.5mm / US 7 for casting on and binding off stitches).
- Tools: tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends, scissors.
- Gauge: 21 sts x 28 rows in stocking st with US 6 (4 mm needles) and DK yarn = 4” x 4” (10 cm x 10 cm)
NOTE: You can change the yarn weight and needle size to obtain different sized blocks. Let me know in the comments if you need help!
AIRPLANE: Knitted square instructions
Abbreviations:
- CO: cast on
- RS: right side
- WS: wrong side
- st(s): stitch(es)
- k: knit
- p: purl
The Pattern: General Instructions
- Cast on sts
CO 43 sts with US 7 (4.5 mm) needles.
I always cast on and bind off stitches with larger needles than I use for the main work. This prevent my cast on and bind off rows from being too tight. - Garter stitch bottom border
With US 6 (4 mm) needles, knit 4 rows.
Slip first stitch on every row as if you were to knit it, but without knitting it (except on the first row). It will form a neat and sturdy border. - Main pattern with garter stitch side borders
Continue working the next 55 rows as follows:
4 garter sts, AIRPLANE knitting pattern over 35 sts, 4 garter sts
You can follow either the row-by-row written instructions or the chart below for the AIRPLANE knitting pattern. - Garter stitch top border
Knit 4 rows.
- Bind off
Bind off all sts with a US 7 (4.5 mm) needle. Cut yarn and weave in ends.
- (Optional) Blocking
Block your square to its final measures.
Airplane Knitting Pattern: Row-by-Row Instructions
Row 1) and every following odd row (RS): Knit all stitches
Row 2) Purl all stitches
Row 4) Purl all stitches
Row 6) p8, k5, p10, k5, p7
Row 8) p7, k7, p8, k7, p6
Row 10) p6, k8, p7, k9, p5
Row 12) p4, k10, p5, k11, p5
Row 14) p3, k11, p4, k12, p5
Row 16) p2, k11, p4, k13, p5
Row 18) p2, k13, p1, k13, p6
Row 20) p3, k13, p1, k12, p6
Row 22) p9, k8, p1, k9, p8
Row 24) p9, k9, p1, k6, p10
Row 26) p11, k1, p1, k6, p1, k4, p11
Row 28) p8, k5, p1, k6, p1, k3, p11
Row 30) p7, k7, p1, k10, p10
Row 32) p6, k10, p1, k9, p9
Row 34) p4, k13, p1, k9, p3, k3, p2
Row 36) p3, k15, p1, k8, p2, k4, p2
Row 38) p3, k14, p2, k8, p1, k4, p3
Row 40) p2, k14, p4, k4, p1, k4, p6
Row 42) p2, k12, p11, k3, p7
Row 44) p2, k11, p11, k2, p9
Row 46) p3, k9, p10, k3, p10
Row 48) p4, k7, p10, k3, p11
Row 50) p20, k3, p12
Row 52) Purl all stitches
Row 54) Purl all stitches
Row 55) Knit all stitches
AIRPLANE Knitting Pattern: Chart
- Read all odd rows from right to left, and all even rows from left to right.
💡Note & Tip: These charted instructions represent the 35-stitch design area. Remember to work your 4-stitch garter borders at the beginning and end of every row. I recommend using stitch markers to separate the borders from the main design area.
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Need more? Build your next project with these patterns!
If you enjoyed knitting the “AIRPLANE”, you’ll love exploring the rest of the Oh La Lana! collection. Here are a few ideas to help you complete your personalized blanket or gift:
- Things That Go: Building a blanket for a little one? Add more movement with our Transport Series, featuring bicycles, trains, and sailboats.
- Letters: For initials or names, browse our full Alphabet Library.
- Animals: Add some friends to the blanket! Check out the Animal Kingdom collection to find inspiration.
- Need help joining your blocks? Once you’ve finished your squares, follow my step-by-step guide on How to Join Knitted Squares to Assemble a Blanket.
Here are some suggestions for your next block:
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I got these patterns and in reviewing noticed after about row 6 instead of 43 stitches there’s only 35 stitches what happened to the 8 stitches???? Do you finish each row a knit 8??? Each pattern is this way????curious.☺thanks
Hi there. Each block of the series has 4 rows of garter sts at each end (bottom and top) and 4 garter sts at each side (left and right). If you look at the instructions after knitting the first 4 garter st rows, it says “Continue working as follows: 4 garter sts, AIRPLANE pattern over 35 sts, 4 garter sts (55 rows).”
Those 4 + 4 sts at the sides are the ones you’re missing 🙂