SWAN 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.
Add a touch of quiet elegance to your knitting bag with the Swan block. Part of The Animal Kingdom Collection, this design uses the simple interplay of knit and purl stitches to reveal a graceful, serene silhouette. It’s a perfect beginner-friendly project that looks sophisticated in any color, whether you’re creating a standalone dishcloth or a special panel for a baby blanket. With the help of our clear, high-contrast chart, you’ll watch this elegant bird take shape stitch by 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.
Swan 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, SWAN knitting pattern over 35 sts, 4 garter sts
You can follow either the row-by-row written instructions or the chart below for the Swan 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.
Swan knitting pattern: Written instructions
Click to expand
Row 1) and every following odd row (RS): Knit all stitches
Row 2) Purl all stitches
Row 4) Purl all stitches
Row 6) p8, k15, p12
Row 8) p7, k17, p11
Row 10) p6, k19, p10
Row 12) p4, k23, p8
Row 14) p3, k24, p8
Row 16) p3, k24, p8
Row 18) p3, k24, p8
Row 20) p3, k24, p8
Row 22) p3, k25, p7
Row 24) p3, k8, p2, k16, p6
Row 26) p4, k6, p5, k16, p4
Row 28) p6, k5, p4, k11, p1, k5, p3
Row 30) p7, k5, p4, k11, p8
Row 32) p9, k5, p3, k12, p6
Row 34) p5, k2, p4, k4, p4, k11, p5
Row 36) p5, k2, p5, k4, p5, k11, p3
Row 38) p5, k3, p4, k4, p6, k10, p3
Row 40) p4, k6, p2, k4, p19
Row 42) p4, k6, p2, k4, p19
Row 44) p4, k12, p19
Row 46) p4, k11, p20
Row 48) p6, k8, p21
Row 50) p7, k6, p22
Row 52) Purl all stitches
Row 54) Purl all stitches
Row 55) Knit all stitches
Swan block pattern: CHART
- Read all odd rows from right to left, and all even rows from left to right.
⚠️ 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.
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Looking for more patterns?
Check out these three from The Animal Kingdom, the Travel Log, and the Texture Collection:
Planning a Blanket?
You might find useful our guide on How to Join Knitted Squares!