This pattern was originally published in 2019 as “Lines”, block #9 of the original “52 Square Pickup” KAL. It has been fully updated for 2026 with a new high-resolution chart, revised instructions and project summary.

The Garter Lines knitting pattern is one of the easiest blocks you could ever knit! Part of the Textures & Geometric Collection, this minimal design uses only knit and purl stitches to create a vertical, eye-catching texture.

hand knitted blue cotton square featuring the free garter lines dishcloth or blanket block pattern, texture relief created using only knit and purl stitches

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 Garter Lines 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!

Garter Lines: Knitted square instructions

hand knitted blue cotton square featuring the garter lines dishcloth or blanket block pattern, from Oh La Lana! Texture Collection, with an 52SP standard badge on the top right corner

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, Garter Lines knitting pattern over 35 sts, 4 garter sts
You can follow either the row-by-row written instructions or the chart below for the Garter Lines 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.

Garter Lines Knitting Pattern: Row-by-Row Instructions

The stitch pattern repeats over 5 stitches and 2 rows (I told you it was easy!).
Work the instructions between brackets 7 times.

Row 1) (RS) Knit all stitches

Row 2) [p1, k3, p1]

Garter Lines Block: 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.