STAR knitting pattern
This pattern was originally published in 2025. It has been fully updated for 2026 with a new high-resolution chart, revised instructions and project summary.
Add some celestial charm to your knitting with the Star block. This pattern is a wonderful example of how basic knit and purl stitches can create a striking, iconic silhouette. Whether you’re knitting a single star as a festive dishcloth or repeating the motif for a dreamy nursery blanket, this design is as fun to make as it is to look at. It’s a low-difficulty, high-reward project that’s perfect for beginners looking to venture beyond simple textures and into the world of knitted shapes.
A quick tip for beginners: This pattern is worked over a total of 43 stitches. This includes 35 stitches for the central star design and a sturdy 4-stitch garter border on each side to keep your edges neat and flat.
Ready to cast on? The full written instructions and the new high-contrast chart are below!
| 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 Star 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!
STAR: 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 prevent 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, STAR knitting pattern over 35 sts, 4 garter sts
You can follow either the row-by-row written instructions or the chart below for the STAR 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.
Star 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) Purl all stitches
Row 8) Purl all stitches
Row 10) p7, k1, p19, k1, p7
Row 12) p8, k2, p15, k2, p8
Row 14) p9, k4, p9, k4 p9
Row 16) p9, k6, p5, k6, p9
Row 18) p10, k7, p1, k7, p10
Row 20) p10, k15, p10
Row 22) p11, k13, p11
Row 24) p11, k13, p11
Row 26) p9, k17, p9
Row 28) p7, k21, p7
Row 30) p4, k27, p4
Row 32) p2, k31, p2
Row 34) p14, k7, p14
Row 36) p15, k5, p15
Row 38) p15, k5, p15
Row 40) p16, k3, p16
Row 42) p16, k3, p16
Row 44) p17, k1, p17
Row 46) p17, k1, p17
Row 48) Purl all stitches
Row 50) Purl all stitches
Row 52) Purl all stitches
Row 54) Purl all stitches
Row 55) Knit all stitches
STAR Knitting Pattern: 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.
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