SNAIL 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.
Take a slow, scenic route through your knitting with our newly updated Snail blanket block. A beloved member of our garden and woodland-themed collection, this little traveler is a masterclass in using texture to tell a story.
Created entirely with knit and purl stitches, the snail’s shell is defined by a beautiful, spiraling texture that stands out crisply against the smooth stockinette background. This pattern is an absolute delight for beginners who want to practice following a more detailed chart without learning complex new techniques. Whether it’s the centerpiece of a nature-inspired baby blanket or a whimsical addition to a nursery set, the Snail block brings a touch of quiet, handmade charm to your needles.
| 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.
Snail 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, SNAIL knitting pattern over 35 sts, 4 garter sts
You can follow either the row-by-row written instructions or the chart below for the Snail 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.
Snail 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) p8, k11, p1, k9, p6
Row 8) p7, k14, p1, k9, p4
Row 10) p5, k8, p1, k9, p5, k4, p3
Row 12) p4, k7, p1, k15, p4, k1, p3
Row 14) p3, k7, p1, k9, p1, k8, p6
Row 16) p3, k7, p1, k7, p1, k3, p1, k8, p4
Row 18) p3, k8, p1, k11, p1, k7, p4
Row 20) p3, k9, p1, k9, 1, k8, p4
Row 22) p3, k4, p1, k6, p1, k5, p1, k10, p4
Row 24) p3, k4, p2, k7, p3, k11, p5
Row 26) p5, k3, p2, k18, p7
Row 28) p6, k3, p3, k14, p9
Row 30) p7, k4, p3, k10, p11
Row 32) p5, k8, p3, k6, p13
Row 34) p4, k10, p21
Row 36) p3, k12, p20
Row 38) p3, k12, p20
Row 40) p5, k9, p1, k1, p19
Row 42) p7, k3, p3, k1, p2, k1, p18
Row 44) p13, k1, p2, k1, p18
Row 46) p12, k1, p3, k1, p18
Row 48) p10, k2, p3, k1, p19
Row 50) p13, k2, p20
Row 52) Purl all stitches
Row 54) Purl all stitches
Row 55) Knit all stitches
Snail 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 Seasonal Gallery, and the Botanical Garden:
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 in Ravelry.
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Lovie – you’ve outdone yourself! This is fabulous.
Thank you so much, Diana!! 💖
Just printed out five patterns will start on tomorrow since i am home bound anyway thank you
That’s great, Beverly. Stay healthy at home and please let me know if you need anything. xo