Classic Letter A knitting pattern
Welcome back to a true Oh La Lana! staple. While we recently introduced our sleek Modern series, our Classic Alphabet Collection remains the heart of many heirloom projects.
The Classic Letter A features the bold, wide block-style silhouette that has been a community favorite for years. Whether you’re matching an existing blanket or you simply love a sturdier monogram, this pattern is a timeless choice. Like all our letters, it follows the 52SP Standard (43 stitches x 63 rows in total), ensuring it fits seamlessly into your sampler projects.
Looking for a slimmer silhouette?
Check out our Modern Letter A—part of the updated 2026 Alphabet collection.
| 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 classic letter A 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!
Classic Letter A: 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, A knitting pattern over 35 sts, 4 garter sts
You can follow either the row-by-row written instructions or the chart below for the A 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.
Classic Letter ‘A’ Knitting Pattern: Row-by-Row Instructions
Row 1) and every following odd row (RS): Knit all stitches
Row 2) Purl all stitches
Row 4) Purl all stitches
Row 6) p1, k10, p13, k10, p1
Row 8) p1, k10, p13, k10, p1
Row 10) p1, k10, p13, k10, p1
Row 12) p3, k6, p17, k6, p3
Row 14) p3, k6, p17, k6, p3
Row 16) p4, k6, p15, k6, p4
Row 18) p5, k6, p13, k6, p5
Row 20) p5, k6, p13, k6, p5
Row 22) p6, k23, p6
Row 24) p7, k21, p7
Row 26) p7, k21, p7
Row 28) p8, k6, p7, k6, p8
Row 30) p9, k6, p5, k6, p9
Row 32) p9, k6, p5, k6, p9
Row 34) p10, k6, p3, k6, p10
Row 36) p11, k13, p11
Row 38) p11, k13, p11
Row 40) p12, k11, p12
Row 42) p13, k9, p13
Row 44) p13, k9, p13
Row 46) p11, k13, p11
Row 48) p11, k13, p11
Row 50) p11, k13, p11
Row 52) Purl all stitches
Row 54) Purl all stitches
Row 55) Knit all stitches
Classic Letter ‘A’ 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.
A is for… Airplane!
If you are looking for a block buddy for the A, check out this pattern from the Travel Log Library:
<– Return to the Alphabet Library
Download the Printable PDF
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