Garter Checkerboard Pattern

The garter checkerboard stitch pattern is a textured stitch pattern that uses only knit stitches and purl stitches. This stitch pattern is fun to work into any knitting project, including cowls and hats. In this video, Jen Lucas demonstrates how to knit this stitch pattern.

The stitch pattern is created by working sections of Stockinette stitch and garter stitch over a multiple of 10 plus 5 stitches over 14 rows. Jen notes that a garter stitch checkerboard pattern can be created with different stitch counts and number of rows worked. The Wrong Side of the fabric creates a much more subtle checkerboard pattern, as the reverse stockinette stitch and garter stitch that appear on the Wrong Side blend into each other. She also compares the swatch to a traditional checkerboard pattern, which is reversible.

GARTER CHECKERBOARD STITCH PATTERN

Working the stitch pattern over a multiple of 10 plus 5 stitches, Jen works the following rows on her swatch:

• – Row 1 (RS): *K5, P5; rep from * to last 5 sts, k5.
• – Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
• – Row 3: Rep Row 1.
• – Row 4: Purl all stitches.
• – Row 5: Rep Row 1.
• – Row 6: Purl all stitches.
• – Row 7: Rep Row 1.
• – Row 8: *K5, P5; rep from * to last 5 sts, k5.
• – Row 9: Knit all stitches.
• – Row 10: Rep Row 8.
• – Row 11: Knit all stitches.
• – Row 12: Rep Row 8.
• – Row 13: Knit all stitches.
• – Row 14: Rep Row 8.

Repeat Rows 1–14 for pattern.

ABBREVIATIONS:

• k: knit
• p: purl
• rep: repeat
• RS: Right Side
• WS: Wrong Side