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Independent craft blog since 2007

Garter Stitch Knitting Patterns for New Knitters

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The first knitting stitch that most people learn is Garter Stitch because it’s the easiest. Just learn the knit stitch and repeat it. This sounds like it might be boring but there’s actually a lot you can make just with this one stitch pattern. Here are some fun and easy Garter Stitch knitting patterns for new knitters to try.

The Lily Sugar’n Cream knit dishcloth is a perfect beginner knitting project. It’s worked with their classic cotton yarn and big needles so it works up fast. The free pattern is available at Yarnspirations.

Nostalgic Fingerless Mitts (Ravelry link) by Stephanie Bonner are worsted weight mitts work flat and sideways, with a provisional cast on for the thumb. This isn’t a beginner technique but you could just knit a rectangle to your desired width and sew it together, leaving a hole for the thumb. This is a free pattern.

The Ellis Garter Sweater from Stitch & Story is a simple chunky sweater worked flat in pieces. It’s a great first sweater project and because of the bulky yarn it won’t take that long to knit, either.

Or if you’re in summer mode, try the Soho top Garter Stitch tank top pattern from Caidree on Etsy. The pattern is available in English and French and comes in 10 sizes up to a chest measurement of 53.5 inches.

Knit a Garter Stitch shawl for an 18-inch doll and you’ll have a cute little project where you can also learn your basic increases. This is a free pattern from ABC Knitting Patterns.

If you want a person-sized Garter Stitch shawl, check out the Simple Garter Stitch Shawl by Diane Stavola on Ravelry. This one uses worsted weight yarn, and you can use a multicolored yarn or make it a stash busting project if you have stash that needs using.

Gina Michele has cute Garter Stitch sweaters for babies. You can find her cardigan and pullover options as free patterns on her blog.

Give your Garter Stitch a little twist with this simple headband from Marianna’s Lazy Daisy Days. So cute and a great gift idea that doesn’t look like a beginner made it!Looking for more knitted socks designs and patterns to keep you warm this winter? Check out these knitted sock patterns Etsy. And these Knitting Pattern books on Annies.

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Samplers to Cross Stitch for the Fourth of July

I already shared some cross stitch patterns specific to America 250, but if you want to cross stitch something more general for the Fourth of July, these patriotic sampler style patterns are a great place to start. 

Stitch up some classic July 4th symbols, from the Statue of Liberty to hot dogs, with this sampler from Voluur. At 197 by 197 stitches, it comes out to 12.31 inches or 31.27 cm on 16 count fabric. It uses 38 colors and one blend, and has full and half cross stitches as well as back stitching. 

This sampler from Wombat Stitching is a little more traditional, but it does still have fireworks, something that looks like an ice cream, birds in hats and a stack of sheep for some reason. This one uses nine colors and is 193 by 103 stitches. That makes it 13.8 inches or 35 cm on 14 count fabric. 

This smaller sampler from Wonder Stitch US has a rocket, fireworks, flag, star and other elements. It is 86 by 86 stitches and uses 11 colors. On 16 count fabric it comes out to 5.5 inches, or 14 cm square. (I also love their Liberty design, with a house, woman holding a flag, a big flowers stitched like classic star motifs from quilting. There’s also a cat.)

Or try this one from Aliton Embroidery, which features a women in stars, stripes and a festive hat, an eagle, stars, fireworks and a flag, with a fun red, white and blue border. At 98 by 67 stitches, I think it uses five colors or thereabouts. It measures 7 by 4.8 inches, or 17.78 by 12.16 cm, when stitched on 14 count fabric.

Get a totally classic sampler look with this patriotic design that’s not specific to the Fourth of July. Made by Happiness is Heart Made, it features a house, flowers, hearts, classic starts, an alphabet, bunting and more. It uses four colors and measures 129 by 213 stitches. On 14 count fabric it measures 9.21 by 15.21 inches, or 23.4 by 38.6 cm.