This pattern was originally published in 2019, as block #44 of the original “52 Square Pickup” KAL. It has been fully updated for 2026 with a new high-resolution chart, revised instructions and project summary.

Experience the beauty of complex-looking textures without the stress! The Mock Drop Stitch block is a favorite from the original 52 Square Pickup that I’m thrilled to re-introduce with a 2026 refresh. Part of the Textures & Geometric Collection, this pattern uses clever knit and purl combinations to create elongated, vertical stitches that mimic a drop-stitch look—but without ever actually dropping a stitch! Now updated with a high-contrast chart, it’s the perfect choice for an elegant dishcloth or a sophisticated blanket block.

hand knitted camel brown cotton square featuring the mock drop dishcloth or blanket block pattern, texture relief created using only knit and purl stitches

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 Mock Drop Stitch 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!

Mock Drop Stitch: Knitted square instructions

hand knitted camel brown cotton square featuring the mock drop dishcloth or blanket block pattern, from Oh La Lana! Texture Collection, with an 52SP standard badge on the top right corner

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, Mock Drop knitting pattern over 35 sts, 4 garter sts
Note: Work the entire 20-row pattern 2 times complete, and then rows 1) to 15) again.
You can follow either the row-by-row written instructions or the chart below for the Mock Drop Stitch 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.