Lowercase letter q
Continuing our journey through the alphabet, the lowercase letter q is here to join the Oh La Lana! 52SP Standard collection. This textured block features a clean, simple silhouette that is perfect for spelling out names on personalized baby blankets or creating unique monogrammed dishcloths. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced knitter, this quick knit-and-purl project is a versatile building block for your next meaningful gift.
| 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 for the letter q 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 ‘q’: 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, q knitting pattern over 35 sts, 4 garter sts
You can follow either the row-by-row written instructions or the chart below for the ‘q’ 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 ‘q’ 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) to Row 18) p24, k5, p6
Row 20) p14, k5, p5, k5, p6
Row 22) p12, k9, p3, k5, p6
Row 24) p10, k13, p1, k5, p6
Row 26) p8, k21, p6
Row 28) p7, k8, p5, k9, p6
Row 30) p7, k6, p9, k7, p6
Row 32) to Row 38) p7, k5, p11, k6, p6
Row 40) p7, k6, p9, k7, p6
Row 42) p7, k7, p7, k8, p6
Row 44) p8, k8, p3, k10, p6
Row 46) p9, k14, p1, k5, p6
Row 48) p11, k11, p2, k5, p6
Row 50) p14, k6, p4, k5, p6
Row 52) Purl all stitches
Row 54) Purl all stitches
Row 55) Knit all stitches
Lowercase ‘q’ Knitting 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.
Looking for more letters?
- Explore the full Uppercase Alphabet Series!
- Browse the growing Lowercase Collection.
Want to see all my patterns in Ravelry? Click HERE!