SAILBOAT knitting pattern
This pattern was originally published in 2020. It has been fully updated for 2026 with a new high-resolution chart, revised instructions and project summary.
Set sail on your next knitting adventure with the Sailboat blanket block. This nautical design is a favorite for nursery blankets and coastal-themed home decor, featuring a crisp silhouette of a boat catching the wind.
Originally designed as part of my 52SP collection, I’ve given this pattern a full ‘2026 makeover.’ It remains perfectly scaled to the 52SP Standard (43×63 stitches), but now features our premium high-contrast chart and a streamlined layout. Whether you’re knitting a single dishcloth or a full fleet for a baby blanket, these updated instructions make the journey smoother than ever.
| 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 Sailboat 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!
Sailboat: Knitted 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, SAILBOAT knitting pattern over 35 sts, 4 garter sts
You can follow either the row-by-row written instructions or the chart below for the SAILBOAT 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.
Sailboat 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) p12, k17, p6
Row 8) p11, k19, p5
Row 10) p9, k21, p5
Row 12) p8, k3, p1, k2, p1, k2, p1, k2, p1, k2, p1, k2, p1, k3, p5
Row 14) p7, k23, p5
Row 16) p6, k6, p6, k2, p1, k2, p5, k3, p4
Row 18) p4, k5, p9, k2, p1, k4, p10
Row 20) p2, k4, p2, k2, p5, k2, p1, k2, p1, k12, p2
Row 22) p6, k10, p2, k2, p1, k11, p3
Row 24) p5, k11, p2, k2, p1, k9, p5
Row 26) p4, k11, p3, k2, p1, k8, p6
Row 28) p3, k12, p3, k2, p1, k7, p7
Row 30) p3, k11, p4, k2, p1, k6, p8
Row 32) p2, k12, p4, k2, p1, k5, p9
Row 34) p2, k12, p4, k2, p1, k4, p10
Row 36) p2, k12, p4, k2, p1, k4, p10
Row 38) p3, k11, p4, k2, p1, k3, p11
Row 40) p4, k10, p5, k1, p1, k2, p12
Row 42) p6, k9, p4, k1, p1, k1, p13
Row 44) p7, k9, p3, k3, p6, k2, p5
Row 46) p9, k9, p1, k1, p1, k2, p2, k4, p6
Row 48) p11, k6, p2, k9, p7
Row 50) p19, k1, p1, k3, p11
Row 52) Purl all stitches
Row 54) Purl all stitches
Row 55) Knit all stitches
Sailboat 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.
Looking for more blocks?
Check out these patterns from the Textures Collection, the Animal Kingdom, and the Botanical Garden:
Download the Printable PDF
Oh La Lana! shop
You can also buy this pattern in Etsy and Ravelry.
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Hey, Ceci – weren’t you going to start making 10-square darker grid lines in your charts? It would make reading them so much easier. I use a tablet and don’t print out the charts so I can’t mark them up. Thanks!!
Hi! I thought about it, and then forgot!! I’ll modify this one and write to you again, so you can tell me what you think.
Oops! I forgot to say thanks for the neat new patterns. I love this Sailboat with the sail out in front.
Thank you! I just added 2 charts at the end of the post. Which one do you find more helpful, B or C? I’m used to follow written instructions, so I would love your opinion. Since the even rows are the ones more difficult to follow, I would think “C” (numbers from left to right), but you’re the expert!!
I’m SO sorry!! I didn’t mark the box to get responses by email and forgot to come back. Anyway, I love the darker lines and I think that since your patterns are all 35 sts wide, you should put the “extra” 5 sts on one side or the other. I doubt it makes much difference to many of us – just having a reference point ever 10 sts will make counting so much easier!!