TRAIN 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.
All aboard for the latest addition to the Library Renovation! There is something truly nostalgic about a steam engine, making the Train block a perennial favorite for nursery blankets and playroom decor.
This pattern is design in the 52SP Standard size (43×63 stitches), ensuring it aligns perfectly with the rest of our transport and alphabet series. The new high-contrast chart makes navigating the silhouette of the engine and those ‘puffy’ steam clouds simpler than ever. Whether you’re knitting a standalone dishcloth or a full ‘Things That Go’ heirloom blanket, this updated Train is ready to pull into your station.
| 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 Train 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!
Train: 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, TRAIN knitting pattern over 35 sts, 4 garter sts
You can follow either the row-by-row written instructions or the chart below for the TRAIN 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.
Train 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
Row 6) p9, k3, p10, k4, p9
Row 8) p8, k5, p8, k6, p8
Row 10) p7, k21, p7
Row 12) p7, k21, p7
Row 14) p3, k4, p1, k5, p7, k8, p1, k3, p3
Row 16) p4, k4, p1, k3, p1, k6, p1, k8, p1, k3, p3
Row 18) p5, k4, p3, k8, p1, k6, p1, k4, p3
Row 20) p6, k15, p1, k4, p1, k5, p3
Row 22) p8, k14, p4, k4, p5
Row 24) p5, k25, p5
Row 26) p4, k26, p5
Row 28) p4, k26, p5
Row 30) p4, k17, p6, k3, p5
Row 32) p4, k17, p6, k3, p5
Row 34) p4, k17, p6, k3, p5
Row 36) p5, k16, p6, k3, p5
Row 38) p7, k15, p4, k4, p5
Row 40) p9, k4, p4, k6, p2, k5, p5
Row 42) p9, k4, p4, k13, p5
Row 44) p8, k6, p3, k13, p5
Row 46) p8, k6, p3, k13, p5
Row 48) p17, k14, p4
Row 50) p17, k14, p4
Row 52) Purl all stitches
Row 54) Purl all stitches
Row 55) Knit all stitches
Train 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.
Looking for more blocks?
Check out these patterns from the Textures Collection, the Animal Kingdom, and Travel Log Library:
Download the Printable PDF
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You can also buy this pattern in Ravelry.
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Thank you for the pattern. I have two great grandsons that will love it!
I have to print out patterns as i am a slow knitter and usually takes a bit longer cause i get distracted very very easy… love them all still