The Number 3 has long been a staple in our library, but it was time to give this essential digit a fresh, modern glow-up. As part of our Library Renovation, I’ve polished the instructions and upgraded the chart to our new high-contrast standard.

Maintaining the 52SP size you know and love (43×63 stitches), the Number 3 is now easier to read than ever. Whether you’re celebrating a third birthday, knitting a milestone blanket, or just love the rhythmic curves of this numeral, this ‘restored’ version ensures your knitting experience is as smooth as the final result.

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number 3 knitting pattern swatch in orange yarn, milestones series

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 Number 3 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!

Number 3: Knitted square instructions

orange cotton square featuring the number 3 knitting pattern, knit and purl texture forming the number 3 in relief, with garter stitch borders, with a 52SP standard badge in 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, Number 3 knitting pattern over 35 sts, 4 garter sts
You can follow either the row-by-row written instructions or the chart below for the Number 3 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.

Number 3 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) p11, k13, p11

Row 8) p8, k19, p8

Row 10) p6, k23, p6

Row 12) p4, k26, p5

Row 14) p4, k9, p5, k12, p5

Row 16) p4, k7, p9, k10, p5

Row 18) p4, k5, p11, k9, p6

Row 20) p19, k8, p8

Row 22) p18, k8, p9

Row 24) p15, k9, p11

Row 26) p12, k11, p12

Row 28) p12, k9, p14

Row 30) p12, k11, p12

Row 32) p15, k9, p11

Row 34) p18, k8, p9

Row 36) p19, k8, p8

Row 38) p4, k5, p11, k9, p6

Row 40) p4, k7, p9, k10, p5

Row 42) p4, k9, p5, k12, p5

Row 44) p4, k26, p5

Row 46) p6, k23, p6

Row 48) p8, k19, p8

Row 50) p11, k13, p11

Row 52) Purl all stitches

Row 54) Purl all stitches

Row 55) Knit all stitches

Number 3 Knitting Chart

Read all odd rows from right to left, and all even rows from left to right.

💡Note & Tip: 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. I recommend using stitch markers to separate the borders from the main design area.