LITTLE GEMS knitting pattern
This pattern was originally published in 2019 as block #2 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.
intro
If you love texture as much as I do, you are going to enjoy the Bumpy Ride block! This design from our Textures & Geometric Collection is all about tactile flow. The repeating zig-zag motifs create a dense, ‘bumpy’ fabric that is as fun to knit as it is to touch. It’s an ideal choice for those looking to practice their charting skills while creating a modern, graphic look for a sampler blanket or a durable, high-scrub dishcloth.
| 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 Little Gems 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!
Little Gems: Knitted 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, Little Gems knitting pattern over 35 sts, 4 garter sts
Note: Work the entire 8-row pattern 6 times complete, and then rows 1) to 7) again.
You can follow either the row-by-row written instructions or the chart below for the Little Gems 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.
Little Gems Knitting Pattern: Row-by-Row Instructions
- The stitch pattern repeats over 10 stitches and 8 rows. I added 5 more stitches to reach 35 stitches of internal space.
- Work the instructions between brackets 3 times.
Click to expand
Row 1) (RS) k1, p1, [k1, p1, k7, p1], k1, p1, k1
Row 2) p2, k1, [p4, k1, p4, k1], p2
Row 3) k2, [k4, p1, k1, p1, k3], k3
Row 4) p3, [p2, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p3], p2
Row 5) k2, [k4, p1, k1, p1, k3], k3
Row 6) p2, k1, [p4, k1, p4, k1], p2
Row 7) k1, p1, [k1, p1, k7, p1], k1, p1, k1
Row 8) k1, p1, k1, [p1, k1, p5, k1, p1, k1], p1, k1
Little Gems 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.
Download the Printable PDF
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Looking for more blocks?
Check out these patterns from the Alphabet Gallery, the Botanical Garden, and The Animal Kingdom:
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Oh my goodness…. a treat for us down under and it is oh so gorgeous!
Thank you!! 😀
I didn’t mean to be anonymous… I’m Dale, nztails on Rav. Busy working at the moment but as soon as that’s done, I’m all about the block!
Thank you for the Christmas blocks and now for the 52 Pickup blocks. I downloaded both copies each time but really prefer row by row so will be using that one.
Thank you for knitting along! And thank you too for the feedback about files 🙂
Thanks again for all of your wonderful blocks! I download the first file because I like to read the charts. Unfortunately, the pdf for this block did not include the chart.
Hello Jeanne! I must have made a mistake when uploaded the file. I’ll check right away and let you know in a bit.
I checked and uploaded the files again for square 1 (FLAGS) and square 2 (LITTLE GEMS). You should be able to see now the charts on both “printer friendly” versions. Since square 3 I’ll include the chart in the row-by-row file in order to create and upload just one file that contains everyting 🙂
Thank you for making me aware of my mistake. Have a lovely weekend!
That’s a great idea! Thanks so much!
That’s a great idea! Thanks so much!
I definitely only use the row by row pdf file. Thanks.