Knitting a Square Using Short Rows

Knit a square using the garter stitch pattern to create study edges.

Knitting short rows is a method in which you knit a number of stitches in a row without reaching the end of the row, then turn the work back down the shortened row. Using short rows to create knitted square motifs gives the shapes a mitered appearance, with lines of stitches running both vertically and horizontally. Use virtually any size knitting needles or type of yarn to craft squares suitable to sew together into blankets, pillow covers or other projects. The garter stitch used in this pattern is accomplished by knitting each row, and keeps the edges of the square from curling.

Things You'll Need

• Yarn
• 1 pair of knitting needles
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle

Instructions

1. Cast 45 stitches with the yarn onto one of the knitting needles.

2. Knit the first 43 stitches of the first row. Slip the next stitch onto the right-hand needle and bring the yarn to the front of the work. Slip the stitch back onto the left needle and bring the yarn to the back of the work to complete wrapping the stitch. Turn the work around and knit to the end of the row.

3. Knit the first 42 stitches of the next row. Wrap the next stitch as you did in the first row, then turn the work around and knit to the end of the row.

4. Knit the first 41 stitches of the next row, wrap the next stitch, turn the work around and knit to the end of the row. Continue reducing the number of knitted stitches by one before wrapping, turning and knitting back down the row. Stop once you've knitted the first stitch, wrapped the next stitch, turned the work and knitted to the end of the row.

5. Knit the first two stitches of the next row, wrap the yarn, turn the work around and knit to the end of the row. On the next row, knit the first three stitches, wrap the yarn, turn the work and knit to the end of the row.

6. Continue increasing the number of knitted stitches at the beginning of each row by one until you've knitted 45 stitches across the row.

7. Bind off all 45 stitches. Cut the yarn with scissors, draw it through the last stitch and weave in the loose ends with a tapestry needle.

References

• Knitty: Wrap Your Mind Around This
• The Journal Gazette: Square Short-Row Wash/Dish/Anycloth
• Lion Brand Yarn: Mitered Square Throw
• Stitch Diva Studios: Short Rows

Resources

• Lion Brand Yarn: Learn to Knit