Lowercase letter o
The journey through the alphabet continues! Today, we’re adding the lowercase letter o to our collection. This sweet, circular block is a fantastic project for practicing your knit and purl placement to create smooth, rounded curves. Whether you’re knitting a personalized baby blanket, a custom dishcloth, or just spelling out a favorite word, this simple 8.5″ x 8.5″ square is designed for ease and relaxation. Grab your needles and let’s cast on this little ‘o’ together!
Part of the Oh La Lana! Lowercase Alphabet series, this pattern includes a clear chart and row-by-row instructions to make your knitting journey smooth and enjoyable.
| 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 o 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 ‘o’: 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, o knitting pattern over 35 sts, 4 garter sts
You can follow either the row-by-row written instructions or the chart below for the ‘o’ 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 ‘o’ Knitting Pattern: Row-by-Row Instructions
Row 1) and every following odd row (RS): Knit all stitches
Row 2) to Row 10) Purl all stitches
Row 12) p13, k9, p11
Row 14) p11, k13, p11
Row 16) p9, k17, p9
Row 18) p8, k19, p8
Row 20) p7, k8, p5, k8, p7
Row 22) p7, k6, p9, k6, p7
Rows 24) to 30) p7, k5, p11, k5, p7
Row 32) p7, k6, p9, k6, p7
Row 34) p7, k8, p5, k8, p7
Row 36) p8, k19, p8
Row 38) p9, k17, p9
Row 40) p11, k13, p11
Row 42) p13, k9, p13
Row 44) to Row 54) Purl all stitches
Row 55) Knit all stitches
Lowercase ‘o’ 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.
Did you miss the ‘n’?
You can find the pattern for the letter ‘n’ (and all the others, as soon as I release them) in the Lowercase collection summary page.
Looking for more letters?
Explore the full Uppercase Alphabet Series!
Want to see all my patterns in Ravelry? Click HERE!
© Cecilia Fameli, 2026. The instructions, charts, photos, and illustrations contained in this post (How to Knit the Lowercase Letter m: Free Alphabet Block Pattern) are subject to copyright protections. The patterns are for personal use only and may not be used for profit. You can, however, sell items made with my pattern. Thanks in advance for being respectful with my work.