Q&A for How to Knit the Garter Stitch

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When the instructions say "knit four rows garter stitch," does that mean eight rows of knitting?

LibraryMouse

Community Answer

No, just four rows. Knitting patterns are very rarely, if ever, written in ridges instead of rows.

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Question

Is this the same as stockinette stitch?

Community Answer

No. Stockinette stitch is one row knit, one row purl. Garter stitch is only knit or only purl (aka "reverse garter").

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Question

How do I count rows in garter stitch?

LibraryMouse

Community Answer

Garter stitch comes out in ridges. Each ridge is 2 rows, so just count the ridges and then double it.

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Question

What is garter stitch?

Community Answer

A garter stitch is a basic pattern/design created by "knitting" every row. You can also "purl" every row instead. It looks like little wavy bumps, and is very stretchy.

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Question

How do I bind off the garter stitch?

Michele

Top Answerer

There are many ways to bind off. For some examples, see How to Cast Off .

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Question

Why do most sweater patterns start with rib stitch?

LibraryMouse

Community Answer

The rib stitch creates a nice edging on the piece.

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Question

What if my last stitch is very big?

Marshy_Neko

Community Answer

If the last stitch is very big then just tug on the working end a little and it should tighten up.

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Question

How do I do the second row? I keep trying, but I can't seem to get it.

Michele

Top Answerer

The second row is done exactly as you would the first row and all rows after. As noted in Step 7, switch hands and with the empty needle in your right hand, insert the needle into the front of the first stitch from left to right and knit the stitch. Continue until your fabric reaches the length you want or you need to work a different stitch Such as cables, purls, etc.

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Question

How do I mark the ridge to denote the right side after knitting one row?

Michele

Top Answerer

Use a stitch marker that can be open and closed through one of your first ridges on the front. I move it up every now and then to make it easy to see.

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Question

Is garter stitch knit every row?

Community Answer

Yes, but you can also purl every row instead. The design will be the same on both sides of the piece, regardless of which stitch you used.

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Question

It looks like the green arrow in 3 is going the wrong way, shouldn't it go counter-clockwise?

Michele

Top Answerer

No, it’s correct. You’re pulling the yarn over from left to right, not right to left, an important distinction.

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Question

How would I start the cast off?

Community Answer

You would knit the first two stitches, then take the first stitch and pull it over the second. Then, continue until there are no stitches left.

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Question

Which is the right side of knitting?

Community Answer

The right side is the side with all the knit stitches, while the wrong side is the side with all the purl stitches. With a garter stitch, however, there is no right or wrong side; both are the same!

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Question

What is a moss stitch in knitting?

Community Answer

The moss stitch is a combination of knit and purl stitches. The British moss stitch is the same as the seed stitch, where you alternate knit 1, purl 1. The American moss stitch is more complex. To learn how to do both, check out How to Knit the Moss or Seed Stitch .

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Question

What does "knit all sts in RS and WS" mean?

Jenny Marie

Community Answer

It means to use knit stitches throughout. Do not make any "pearl" stitches until instructed to do so.

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Question

What is the difference between knit and garter stitches?

Community Answer

Knit is the stitch you use to knit, and garter stitch is a combination of knit stitches.

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Question

I am not sure about Part 2 Step 5, can someone help me with this?

GirlyGirl36975

Community Answer

Garter stitch is basically just doing the knit stitch all the way to the end of the row.

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Question

How do I place a marker every 24 stitches in garter stitch?

Michele

Top Answerer

Count. You’ll need to count off 24 stitches, place your maker, count off he next 24, place your marker and continue until you’re done. You can do this in the beginning when you cast on to make it easier, especially if you’re making something large like a cowl or blanket.

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Question

Is the garter stitch the same as the knit stitch?

Community Answer

Sort of. You knit continuously to create a garter stitch. The knit stitch is combined with purl to create a stockinette stitch.

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Question

Is the garter stitch always a knit stitch or can it be a purl stitch?

Xinga

Community Answer

You can just purl across all rows; this is known as reverse garter stitch.

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