BICYCLE 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.
Pedal into your next creative adventure with the Bicycle block. A favourite from the Transport Collection, this design captures the timeless silhouette of a classic bike using only simple knit and purl stitches. Now fully updated, this block is ready to join your modular blankets or serve as a charming, eco-friendly dishcloth. Whether you’re knitting for a cycling enthusiast or building a playful set for a child’s room, this textured pattern brings a sense of movement and joy to every stitch.
“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” — Albert Einstein
| 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 Bicycle 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!
Bicycle: 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 prevents 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, BICYCLE knitting pattern over 35 sts, 4 garter sts
You can follow either the row-by-row written instructions or the chart below for the BICYCLE 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.
Bicycle Knitting Pattern: Row-by-Row Instructions
Click to expand
Row 1) and every following odd row (RS) Knit all stitches
Row 2) Purl all stitches
Row 4) Purl all stitches
Row 6) Purl all stitches
Row 8) Purl all stitches
Row 10) Purl all stitches
Row 12) Purl all stitches
Row 14) p6, k4, p15, k4, p6
Row 16) p4, k2, p4, k2, p3, k2, p6, k2, p4, k2, p4
Row 18) p3, k2, p6, k2, p3, k1, p5, k2, p7, k2, p2
Row 20) p2, k2, p8, k2, p1, k3, p3, k2, p8, k2, p2
Row 22) p2, k2, p3, k7, p1, k3, p3, k2, p3, k2, p3, k2, p2
Row 24) p2, k2, p3, k2, p3, k2, p1, k2, p1, k1, p2, k2, p2, k2, p4, k2, p2
Row 26) p2, k2, p4, k2, p1, k2, p1, k1, p1, k1, p2, k2, p1, k4, p5, k2, p2
Row 28) p3, k2, p4, k3, p2, k1, p1, k2, p2, k2, p1, k2, p5, k2, p3
Row 30) p4, k2, p3, k2, p2, k1, p7, k2, p1, k2, p2, k2, p5
Row 32) p6, k3, p2, k1, p1, k1, p8, k2, p2, k2, p7
Row 34) p12, k11, p12
Row 36) p11, k2, p8, k2, p12
Row 38) p10, k4, p7, k2, p12
Row 40) p10, k5, p7, k2, p3, k1, p7
Row 42) p23, k4, p8
Row 44) Purl all stitches
Row 46) Purl all stitches
Row 48) Purl all stitches
Row 50) Purl all stitches
Row 52) Purl all stitches
Row 54) Purl all stitches
Row 55) Knit all stitches
Bicycle Knitting 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.
Download the Printable PDF
Oh La Lana! shop
You can also buy this pattern in Ravelry.
Pin it!
You can use the image below to save this pattern in your Pinterest knitting board.
Looking for more blocks?
Check out these patterns from the Textures Collection, the Animal Kingdom, and The Botanical Garden:
Busy gal! Good for us!
Well done, thank you