Lowercase Letter w Knitting Pattern
We are nearing the end of our journey through the alphabet, and today I’m thrilled to share the Lowercase letter ‘w‘ block. Following our 52SP standard, this pattern uses simple knit and purl textures to create a wide letterform that is as fun to knit as it is to read. Whether you’re finishing a personalized baby blanket or spelling out a favorite word for your home, this block offers a clean, modern aesthetic that fits seamlessly with the rest of our collection. It’s a wonderful example of how basic stitches can create clear, meaningful designs for your modular projects.
In this post:
- General Instructions for the Lowercase Letter ‘w’ Block
- Jump to Row-by-row written instructions
- Jump to Lowercase Letter ‘w’ Chart
- More patterns you might like
| 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 ‘w’ 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 ‘w’: 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 ‘w’ 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 ‘w’ 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 ‘w’ Knitting Pattern: Row-by-Row Instructions
Row 1) and every following odd row (RS): Knit all stitches
Rows 2) to 10) Purl all stitches
Row 12) p9, k5, p7, k5, p9
Row 14) p8, k7, p5, k7, p8
Row 16) p7, k9, p3, k9, p7
Row 18) p6, k11, p1, k11, p6
Row 20) p5, k6, p1, k11, p1, k6, p5
Row 22) p5, k5, p3, k9, p3, k5, p5
Rows 24) p4, k6, p3, k9, p3, k6, p4
Rows 26) and 28) p4, k5, p5, k7, p5, k5, p4
Row 30) p3, k6, p5, k7, p5, k6, p3
Rows 32) and 34) p3, k5, p7, k5, p7, k5, p3
Row 36) p2, k6, p7, k5, p7, k6, p2
Rows 38) and 40) p2, k5, p8, k5, p8, k5, p2
Row 42) p2, k5, p21, k5, p2
Rows 44) to 54) Purl all stitches
Row 55) Knit all stitches
Lowercase ‘w’ 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 blocks?
Check out the growing Free Square Patterns Library! Here are some suggestions:
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