How to Knit a Perfect Mitered Square for Beginners

Inside: Knit Mitered Square pattern with tutorial video.

Which way does it go?

Mitered squares looks unique because the row changes direction in the middle. This eye-catching design is most noticeable when you use stripes, but a solid mitered square has it’s place in the knitter’s toolbox too.

This classic knit mitered square pattern creates a perfect square without having to calculate stitch or row gauge. Why knit a swatch if you don’t have to?

You can use the same pattern for any yarn or needle size and always create a perfect square.

The best part of the knit mitered square pattern? It’s easy enough for a beginner knitter to master.  

Knit a mitered square by casting on two sides of the square then working a series of decreases in the middle of the row.  Those central decreases cause the stitches on either to lean toward the center. This creates the visual turn each row takes from horizontal to vertical.

Mitered squares make great washcloths or baby lovies on their own. I love combining them into a larger project. Dozens of small squares make a beautiful colorblock blanket or poncho.

After you knit your first square you’re going to have hard time stopping!

Traditional Knit Mitered Square Pattern

By Kristen Mangus

An ad-free downloadable PDF of this pattern is available for purchase in my GoodKnit Kisses online store, Etsy or Ravelry at the links below:

MATERIALS

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Yarn
Medium weight (#4) Red Heart Chic Sheep (100g / 3.5oz, 170 m / 186 yards)
Color Green Tea used in sample.

Needles 
US 8 – 5mm
Knitters Pride Dreamz Interchangeable used in sample.

Stitch marker(s)
Tapestry needle

ABBREVIATIONS

Approx. = Approximately
K = Knit
K2tog = Knit 2 together
Pm = Place marker
Rem = Remain(ing)
Rep = Repeat
RS = Right side
Ssk = Slip, slip, knit
St(s) = Stitch(es)
WS = Wrong side

New to knitting? I’ve got a How to Knit Beginner Video Series to teach you ALL the basics.

GAUGE
19 sts x 40 rows in 4” in garter stitch

SKILL LEVEL Easy

MEASUREMENTS
8” x 8” (20.3 x 20.3 cm)

NOTES

This pattern is adjustable to any size square using any weight yarn.  Be sure to cast on an even number.

INSTRUCTIONS

Cast on 76 sts.

Row 1 (WS): K 38, pm, k38.

Row 2: (RS): K to 2 sts before marker, k2tog, slip marker, ssk, k to end of row.
Row 3: K all.

Rep Rows 2-3 until 4 sts rem.

Row 4: K2tog, ssk.

Break yarn and pull tail through last 2 sts. Weave in ends. 

Knit Mitered Square Tutorial Video

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Right handed

Left handed

Grab your needles and yarn and knit a perfect mitered square today!