A gray knitted square featuring a textured diagonal branch motif using knit and purl stitches, displayed on a wooden background.
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BRANCH knitting pattern | Into the Woodlands MKAL Clue #2

Welcome to the second stage of our journey into the forest! For Clue #2 of the Into the Woodlands MKAL, we are looking upward toward the canopy with the Branch pattern. This elegant design uses strategic knits and purls to create a rhythmic, reaching motif that perfectly complements the theme we began in Clue #1. Whether you’re knitting this as a standalone dishcloth or as the next block in your nature-inspired sampler blanket, the Branch adds a beautiful, organic movement to your needles.

A gray knitted square featuring a textured diagonal branch motif using knit and purl stitches, displayed on a wooden background.

Project DetailRequirement
Skill LevelBeginner (only knits and purls)
Yarn WeightDK or Worsted
Needle Size4mm / US 6 (and 4.5mm / US 7 to casting on and binding off sts)
Finished Size8.5” x 8.5” (22 cm x 22 cm)

Materials & Tools for the Branch 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: US 6 / 4mm (and US 7 / 4.5mm 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!


Branch Knitting Pattern

Abbreviations:

  • CO: cast on
  • RS: right side
  • WS: wrong side
  • st(s): stitch(es)
  • k: knit
  • p: purl

The Pattern: General Instructions

Already joined? Log in to your account here (or in Ravelry!) to download the updated PDF, including Clue #2, for your project bag!

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Main pattern with garter stitch side borders

    Continue working the next 55 rows as follows:
    4 garter sts, BRANCH knitting pattern over 35 sts, 4 garter sts
    You can follow either the row-by-row written instructions or the chart below for the BRANCH knitting pattern.

  4. Garter stitch top border

    Knit 4 rows.

  5. Bind off

    Bind off all sts with a US 7 (4.5 mm) needle. Cut yarn and weave in ends.

  6. (Optional) Blocking

    Block your square to its final measures.


Branch Knitting Pattern: Row-by-Row Instructions

Row 1) and every following odd row (RS): Knit all stitches

Row 2) p16, k4, p15

Row 4) p1, k3, p8, k12, p11

Row 6) p3, k3, p4, k11, p14

Row 8) p5, k3, p1, k9, p17

Row 10) p8, k3, p24

Row 12) p7, k1, p3, k3, p21

Row 14) p5, k3, p5, k3, p5, k6, p8

Row 16) p4, k4, p7, k2, p1, k13, p4

Row 18) p3, k5, p8, k2, p2, k9, p6

Row 20) p2, p6, p5, k3, p1, k2, p3, k5, p8

Row 22) p2, k5, p4, k4, p3, k2, p15

Row 24) p2, k5, p3, k5, p3, k2, p15

Row 26) p2, k4, p3, k6, p4, k2, p14

Row 28) p2, k2, p5, k5, p5, k2, p2, k7, p5

Row 30) p2, k1, p6, k4, p6, k2, p1, k11, p2

Row 32) p9, k3, p5, k2, p1, k2, p2, k5, p6

Row 34) p9, k2, p4, k4, p1, k2, p13

Row 36) p9, k1, p4, k5, p1, k2, p4, k4, p5

Row 38) p13, k5, p3, k2, p1, k9, p2

Row 40) p13, k4, p4, k2, p3, k5, p4

Row 42) p13, k3, p3, k3, p1, k2, p10

Row 44) p13, k1, p4, k3, p3, k2, p9

Row 46) p17, k4, p3, k5, p6

Row 48) p16, k4, p5, k5, p5

Row 50) p16, k3, p7, k5, p4

Row 52) p16, k1, p11, k4, p3

Row 54) p31, k1, p3

Row 55) Knit all stitches


Branches Knitting Chart

  • Read all odd rows from right to left, and all even rows from left to right.

New to reading charts? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! You can find my step-by-step guide in the Oh La Lana! Academy: How to Read Knitting Charts for Beginners. It breaks down exactly how to follow the grid so you can knit your woodland friend with confidence!

Note: 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.

high contrast chart for the branch knitting pattern from Oh La Lana! into the woodlands mkal
legend for knit and purl charts

Did you miss Clue#1?

Don’t worry, the Bear is waiting for you here:

close up of bear pattern for dishcloths and blanket blocks

More patterns you’ll love

If you are looking to make a larger Woodland Blanket you can check out the 🐾 Paw Print and Bunny patterns. They have the same size as “Branch” and “Bear”, and are fully compatible!

paw print knitting pattern block in blue cotton yarn, with 52SP badge on the right top corner
bunny knitting pattern swatch in brown cotton yarn, with and 52SP badge on the right top corner

Pin it!

You can use the image below to save this pattern into your Pinterest knitting board.


© Cecilia Fameli, 2026. The instructions, charts, photos, and illustrations contained in this post are subject to copyright protections. The patterns are for personal use only and may not be used for profit. You can, however, sell items made with my pattern. Thanks in advance for being respectful with my work.

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