Letter I knitting pattern
Embrace the beauty of clean lines! I am thrilled to introduce a brand-new addition to our Alphabet Collection: the Modern Letter I. This design reimagines the letter as a sleek, sophisticated column that embodies contemporary, minimalist style. Created through a rhythmic arrangement of knit and purl stitches, this 52SP-standard pattern is a meditative knit that yields a crisp, highly readable result—perfect for modern nursery banners, geometric statement blankets, and chic personalized home decor.
Looking for the original, wider block style? You can now find the Classic Letter I Pattern here! We’ve moved it to its own permanent home to make room for our new Modern series.
| 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 letter I 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!
Letter I: Knitted alphabet 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, I knitting pattern over 35 sts, 4 garter sts
You can follow either the row-by-row written instructions or the chart below for the I 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.
Free Letter I 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
Rows 6) to 10) p14, k7, p14
Rows 12) to 44) p15, k5, p15
Rows 46) to 50) p14, k7, p14
Row 52) Purl all stitches
Row 54) Purl all stitches
Row 55) Knit all stitches
Uppercase Letter ‘I’ 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.
Pin it!
Use the image below to save this pattern into your Pinterest knitting board.
Looking for more blocks?
Check out these patterns from The Travel Log, the Animal Kingdom, and the Seasonal Gallery:
Planning a Blanket?
You might find useful our guide on How to Join Knitted Squares!
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