Lowercase letter l knitting pattern: Free Alphabet block
Sometimes the most useful designs are the simplest ones! Today we are adding the lowercase letter ‘l’ to our Knitting Alphabet collection. While it might just be a straight vertical line, it is the ‘unsung hero’ of the alphabet—the essential building block for countless names and words. Whether you are knitting a personalized nursery blanket or a quick washcloth, this beginner-friendly square is as relaxing as it is practical. Let’s get these five little purl stitches on your needles!
| 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 l 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.
Lowercase letter k: 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, Lowercase letter l knitting pattern over 35 sts, 4 garter sts
You can follow either the row-by-row written instructions or the chart below for the Lowercase letter ‘l’ 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 ‘l’ 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) to Row 50) p15, k5, p15
Row 52) Purl all stitches
Row 54) Purl all stitches
Row 55) Knit all stitches
Lowercase ‘l’ Knitting Pattern: Chart
- 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.
Pin it!
Use the image below to save this pattern into your Pinterest knitting board.
Looking for more blocks?
If you are looking for more blocks with the same size to join into a blanket, check out the growing Free Square Patterns Library! Here three suggestions from The Animal Kingdom, the Travel Log, and the Texture Collection:
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.