You’re at the top of the curve. The learning curve. As a fellow loom knitter I’ve been there. You’ve been watching videos and practicing how to cast on, then knit, then bind off. Now you’re ready to MAKE SOMETHING! These easy garter stitch patterns for loom knitters are the exact patterns you need.
You can get some much needed practice knitting and purling but still finish your project in no time.
Both patterns use the garter stitch as a border only. And why not? That’s how we often see garter stitch used. It’s the perfect stitch to stabilize the edges of your knitting so it won’t curl.
If you need a loom knitting refresher, check out the basics here:
13 Questions from Beginner Loom Knitters
Basic Dishcloth
By Kristen Mangus
Easier than the one Grandma taught you how to do? You bet! Loom knit the Basic Dishcloth with just 2 stitches: knit and purl. This beginner pattern features a stockinette stitch center surrounded by a garter stitch border. Add one or two of these to a spa set or housewarming gift to add a lovely homemade touch.
The pattern includes written instructions and a video link to GoodKnit Kisses’ YouTube channel to show you all the skills you need to make this project.
MATERIALS
Links below are affiliate links to products I used to create this pattern/video. Clicking the links costs you nothing, but helps support GoodKnit Kisses.
Yarn: Medium weight (#4) cotton yarn
Lion Brand Yarn Re-Up in color Grey used in sample. (2.5 oz/70g/ 115 yds/105 m). Makes 2.
Loom: ⅜” small gauge (SG) loom with at least 36 pegs
Knitting Board Premium Round Loom used in sample.
8 Stitch markers or 2 small rubber bands
Tapestry needle
Measuring tape
GAUGE
19 sts x 38 rows = 4” x 4” (10 x 10 cm) in stockinette stitch
SKILL LEVEL Beginner
MEASUREMENTS
Medium: Approx. 8” x 8” (20.5 x 20.5 cm)
NOTES
Cast on: I recommend the chain cast on.
Bind off: I recommend the basic bind off.
Place rubber bands or stitch markers over the first 4 and last 4 pegs to mark stitches for garter edge.
You may make this pattern using the Ewrap knit stitch instead of the U knit stitch. Note that it will make the dishcloth slightly larger and the stockinette center will have more texture than if you use the U knit.
INSTRUCTIONS
Cast on 36 stitches.
Beginning Border
Row 1: Knit all stitches.
Row 2: Purl all stitches.
Repeat Rows 1-2 5 more times. (12 rows total in this section). Approximately 1.25” (3.5 cm)
Edge Borders and Stockinette field
Row 3: Knit all stitches.
Row 4: Purl 4, knit until 4 stitches remain, purl 4.
Repeat Rows 3-4 27 more times. (56 rows total in this section). Approximately 6.75” (17 cm) from cast on including beginning border.
Ending Border
Rows 5-6: Repeat Rows 1-2 6 times.
Repeat Row 1 once more. (13 rows in this section).
Bind off and weave in ends.
Basic Coasters
By Kristen Mangus
Need a quick gift? Have some scrap yarn left over from another project? Loom knit a set of Basic Coasters with just 2 stitches: knit and purl. This beginner pattern features a stockinette stitch center surrounded by a garter stitch border.
The pattern includes written instructions and a video link to GoodKnit Kisses’ YouTube channel to show you all the skills you need to make this project.
MATERIALS
(Materials list may contain affiliate links to products I used to make this project. Using these links cost you nothing, but helps support GKK.)
Yarn: Super Bulky weight (#6) acrylic or wool yarn
Bernat Beyond in colors Slate & Lilac used in sample. (4.2 oz/120 g/ 80 yds/120 m).
Loom: ⅝” large gauge (LG) loom with at least 11 pegs
Knitting Board Chunky Round Loom with 24 pegs used in sample
(Alternate: Knifty Knitter 24-peg blue round loom or equivalent).
2-4 Stitch markers or 2 small rubber bands
Tapestry needle
Measuring tape
GAUGE
SKILL LEVEL Beginner
2.75 sts x 5.5 rows = 1” x 1” (2.5 x 2.5cm) in Stockinette stitch pattern
MEASUREMENTS
Medium: Approx. 3.67” x 3.75” (9.3 x 9.5 cm)
NOTES
Instructions are for 1 coaster.
Cast on: I recommend the chain cast on.
Bind off: I recommend the basic bind off.
Place rubber bands or stitch markers over the first 2 and last 2 pegs to mark stitches for garter edge.
You may make this pattern using the Ewrap knit stitch instead of the U knit stitch. Note that it will make the coaster slightly larger and the stockinette center will have more texture than if you use the U knit.
INSTRUCTIONS
Cast on 11 stitches.
Beginning Border
Row 1: Knit all stitches.
Row 2: Purl all stitches.
Repeat Rows 1-2 1 more time. (4 rows total in this section). Approximately 1” (2.5 cm)
Edge Borders and Stockinette field
Row 3: Knit all stitches.
Row 4: Purl 2, knit until 2 stitches remain, purl 2.
Repeat Rows 3-4 6 more times. (12 rows total in this section). Approximately 2.75” (7 cm) from cast on including beginning border.
Ending Border
Rows 5-6: Repeat Rows 1-2 2 times.
Repeat Row 1 once more. (5 rows in this section).
Bind off and weave in ends.
