HORSE 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.
Bring a touch of the countryside to your home with the Horse knitting pattern. This pattern features a graceful silhouette created through the intentional play of knits and purls, resulting in a design that is as sophisticated as it is functional. Now updated to our 2026 52SP Standard, the texture is crisper than ever, making it a beautiful standout piece for any modern kitchen and nursery blanket.
| 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 to casting on and binding off sts) |
| Finished Size | 8.5” x 8.5” (22 cm x 22 cm) |
Materials & Tools
- Yarn: approx. 70 yds (64 m) of DK weight yarn. Cotton is recommended for dishcloths; wool or acrylic blends work beautifully for blankets.
- Needles: 4 mm (US 6) straight needles (I suggest using 4.5 mm / US 7 needles specifically for casting on and binding off to keep your edges flexible).
- Tools: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors.
- Gauge: 21 sts x 28 rows = 4″ (10 cm) in stocking stitch.
You can change the yarn weight and needle size to obtain different sized blocks.
Horse Dishcloth or Blanket Square
Abbreviations
- CO: cast on
- RS: right side
- WS: wrong side
- st: stitch
- k: knit
- p: purl
The Pattern: General Instructions
💡 Prefer to knit off-line? You can purchase the ad-free, high-resolution printable PDF version of this pattern in the Oh La Lana! shop, or in my Etsy and Ravelry stores. It includes a clear, enlarged chart and row-by-row instructions, perfect for your project bag!
- 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, Horse knitting pattern over 35 sts, 4 garter sts
You can follow either the row-by-row written instructions or the chart below for the Horse 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.
Horse dishcloth knitting pattern: Written instructions
Row 1) and every following odd row (RS) k all sts
Row 2) p all sts
Row 4) p all sts
Row 6) p17, k13, p5
Row 8) p10, k2, p4, k13, p6
Row 10) p9, k2, p4, k13, p7
Row 12) p8, k3, p4, k12, p8
Row 14) p8, k2, p4, k12, p9
Row 16) p8, k3, p2, k13, p9
Row 18) p9, k2, p1, k13, p3, k1, p6
Row 20) p9, k16, p2, k1, p1, k1, p5
Row 22) p11, k16, p1, k1, p6
Row 24) p10, k16, p1, k1, p1, k1, p5
Row 26) p2, k2, p5, k4, p3, k11, p1, k1, p6
Row 28) p2, k10, p5, k12, p1, k1, p4
Row 30) p3, k6, p9, k10, p1, k1, p5
Row 32) p19, k10, p1, k1, p1, k1, p2
Row 34) p20, k10, p1, k1, p3
Row 36) p20, k9, p1, k1, p4
Row 38) p16, k12, p1, k1, p5
Row 40) p14, k14, p1, k1, p5
Row 42) p14, k15, p6
Row 44) p16, k11, p1, k1, p6
Row 46) p19, k9, p1, k1, p5
Row 48) p22, k3, p3, k1, p6
Row 50) p23, k2, p10
Row 52) p all sts
Row 54) p all sts
Row 55) k all sts
Horse block pattern: 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 pattern 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.
Looking for more Animal patterns?
Check out Oh La Lana! Animal collection to find more inspiration. Here are some ideas to keep your needles busy:
Cat
Duck
Bunny
Ready to put your blocks together?
See my Finishing & Assembly guide for the neatest way to join your squares.
Pin it!
You can use the image below to save this pattern in your Pinterest knitting board.
