SHAMROCK 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.
Just in time for the luckiest season of the year, the Shamrock block has joined our 2026 library! This design holds a special place in the collection, serving as both a botanical beauty and a festive seasonal favorite.
Part of The Botanical Garden Collection, this block features the iconic three-leaf silhouette in a crisp, textured purl-on-stockinette design. With the same original 52SP size, it now includes a high-resolution chart and revised project notes. Whether you’re knitting a St. Patrick’s Day heirloom or simply adding a touch of nature to your next project, the Shamrock is a classic staple that brings a bit of luck to every stitch.
| 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
- Yarn: approx. 70 yds (64 m) of DK weight yarn. Cotton is recommended for dishcloths; wool or acrylic blends work beautifully for blankets.
- Needles: 4 mm (US 6) straight needles (I suggest using 4.5 mm / US 7 needles specifically for casting on and binding off to keep your edges flexible).
- Tools: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors.
- Gauge: 21 sts x 28 rows = 4″ (10 cm) in stocking stitch.
You can change the yarn weight and needle size to obtain different sized blocks.
Shamrock Dishcloth or Blanket Square
Abbreviations
- CO: cast on
- RS: right side
- WS: wrong side
- st: stitch
- 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, SHAMROCK knitting pattern over 35 sts, 4 garter sts
You can follow either the row-by-row written instructions or the chart below for the Shamrock 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.
Shamrock knitting pattern: Written instructions
Row 1) and every following odd row (RS) Knit all stitches
Row 2) Purl all stitches
Row 4) Purl all stitches
Row 6) p15, k3, p17
Row 8) p15, k3, p17
Row 10) p16, k2, p17
Row 12) p6, k6, p4, k2, p5, k5, p7
Row 14) p5, k9, p2, k2, p3, k9, p5
Row 16) p4, k11, p2, k1, p2, k11, p4
Row 18) p4, k12, p1, k1, p1, k12, p4
Row 20) p4, k12, p1, k1, p1, k11, p5
Row 22) p3, k13, p1, k1, p1, k13, p3
Row 24) p2, k14, p1, k1, p1, k14, p2
Row 26) p2, k31, p2
Row 28) p2, k31, p2
Row 30) p2, k13, p1, k3, p1, k13, p2
Row 32) p3, k9, p2, k7, p2, k9, p3
Row 34) p5, k5, p2, k11, p2, k5, p5
Row 36) p11, k13, p11
Row 38) p10, k15, p10
Row 40) p9, k17, p9
Row 42) p9, k17, p9
Row 44) p9, k17, p9
Row 46) p10, k15, p10
Row 48) p11, k13, p11
Row 50) p13, k3, p3, k3, p13
Row 52) Purl all stitches
Row 54) Purl all stitches
Row 55) Knit all stitches
Shamrock block pattern: CHART
- Read all odd rows from right to left, and all even rows from left to right.
New to reading charts? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! You can find my step-by-step guide in the Oh La Lana! Academy: How to Read Knitting Charts for Beginners. It breaks down exactly how to follow the grid so you can knit your pattern with confidence!
⚠️ 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 patterns?
Check out these three from The Animal Kingdom, the Travel Log, and the Icon & Symbol Gallery:
Planning a Blanket?
You might find useful our guide on How to Join Knitted Squares!
Download the Printable PDF
Oh La Lana! shop
You can also buy this pattern on Etsy and Ravelry.
Pin it!
You can use the image below to save this pattern in your Pinterest knitting board.
I love your patterns! I prefer to use the charts for picture cloths and it would help me immensely if you could make darker lines on the grid after every 10 sts. It really helps with the counting. Thanks!
Hi, thanks for your comment, that’s a great idea! I will definitely implement it. How do you think it will be better to start counting? Left to right, or right to left?
Since your blocks are the same size, I’d make up a basic grid with the border stitches already in it. I don’t know which charting software you use, but dropping in your picture shouldn’t be hard once you have the basic template. And since we start reading our knitting at the bottom right, I’d count in tens from the right-hand border. I have to admit to knitting blanket/dishcloth blocks by other designers, so I know you can find examples to look at. A darker line after every 10 rounds/rows would be great, too.
I use the basic KnitCompanion software and it has a highlight bar that keeps good track of the rows/rounds, but for stuff like cables or lace the grid is the thing I go by. I’m finding that as I get older I need all the help I can get! I don’t print patterns here (and haven’t for years) to stay as green as possible and save the trees.
Love the Squirrel and Cat. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you! I’m happy you like them 🙂
On row 6 it say p15 k3 and p17. I have done that but am left with 8 sts on my left needle. What did i do wrong?????