How to Knit the Lowercase Letter i: Free Alphabet Block Pattern
The Alphabet series continues! Today we are knitting the lowercase letter “i”.
This “i” square uses our new high-contrast chart design, making it simple to follow along on your tablet or phone.
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| 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: 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 to 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!
Lowercase 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.
Lowercase Letter “i” Knitting Pattern: Row-by-Row Instructions
Bookmark this page or keep it open on your tablet so you don’t lose your place while knitting!
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: p15, k5, p15
Row 14: p15, k5, p15
Row 16: p15, k5, p15
Row 18: p15, k5, p15
Row 20: p15, k5, p15
Row 22: p15, k5, p15
Row 24: p15, k5, p15
Row 26: p15, k5, p15
Row 28: p15, k5, p15
Row 30: p15, k5, p15
Row 32: p15, k5, p15
Row 34: p15, k5, p15
Row 36: p15, k5, p15
Row 38: p15, k5, p15
Row 40: p15, k5, p15
Row 42: Purl all stitches
Row 44: p16, k3, p16
Row 46: p15, k5, p15
Row 48: p15, k5, p15
Row 50: p16, k3, p16
Row 52: Purl all stitches
Row 54: Purl all stitches
Row 55: Knit all stitches
Lowercase Letter “i” Knitting Pattern: Chart
Not sure how to read this chart? Visit Section 2: Stitches & Textures in our Knitting Academy.
- Read all odd rows from right to left, and all even rows from left to right.
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.
If you are knitting these letters to turn them into a personalised nursery blanket, head over to my Joining Guide (in Section 4: Finishing & Assembly of Oh La Lana! Knitting Academy). You will find techniques explained in detail and helpful tips to transform your hard work into a masterpiece.
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© Cecilia Fameli, 2025. The instructions, charts, photos, and illustrations contained in this post (How to Knit the Lowercase Letter i: Free Alphabet Block Pattern) 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.
