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Garter stitch – the classic knitting technique of working every row in knit stitch to create a textured, reversible fabric – has been a long-time favorite among knitters, both beginners and experts. Its simplicity, softness, reversible sides, and flat edges make it a great choice for various projects.
Have you ever wondered how this simple, yet amazing stitch has evolved throughout history?
The Journey of Garter Stitch
Infant’s Leggings in Garter Stitch, 1900s Pattern
The method known to us today as garter stitch likely originated during the 5th century in the Middle East when knitting as a craft is believed to have emerged. Unlike more complex patterns requiring knowledge of purling, garter stitch only requires the knitter to master the basic knit stitch. This made it an intuitive choice for early knitters, especially those working with rudimentary tools like bone or wooden needles.
Fun Linguistic Facts
The English term “garter stitch” originates from the 14th-century use of the stitch in garters, elastic bands to hold up stockings, as noted in historical sources. The Italian “punto legaccio” (“garter stitch”) has the same etymology. Similarly, the Russian “платочная вязка” (“shawl or headscarf stitch”) refers to shawls and headscarves which were often worked in this stitch.
Other languages include metaphors describing the texture of garter stitch. Examples are “point mousse” in French and “ponto musgo” in Portugese (both stand for “moss stitch”); “rillestrikk“ in Norwegian and “ribbelsteek” in Dutch (both mean “ridged stitch”). The German term “kraus rechts” means “rough right” or “crinkled right”.
In several Nordic countries, knitters refer to the technique of garter stitch, calling it “ainaoikein” (“always knit”) in Finnish, “retstrik” (“right knitting, knit stitch”) in Danish, and “rätstickning” (“right knitting”) in Swedish. Similarly, the Turkish term “haraşo örgü” means “knit stitch knitting”.
The Spanish “punto bobo” (“simple stitch”) reflects the simplicity of garter stitch.
Japanese knitters adopted the English term: ガーター編み (“gātā ami”).
Infant’s Saque in Garter Stitch, 1900s Design
Knitting guilds, established in cities like Paris and London by the 15th century, standardized techniques like garter stitch. These guilds trained apprentices in the craft, and garter stitch would have been one of the first patterns taught.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, garter stitch remained a common technique for rural knitters producing goods for local markets. In Scotland knitters used garter stitch to create sturdy fishermen’s scarves and mittens, taking advantage of its thickness and warmth.
Ladies’ Eton Waist, the Columbia Book of Yarn, 1901
The invention of knitting machines in the 18th and 19th centuries shifted much of textile production to factories. Machine knitting favored smoother fabrics like stockinette. However, garter stitch retained its place in hand-knitting traditions, particularly among working-class communities. It was widely used, in particular for quick projects such as simple shawls, scarves, and afghans. Knitters used garter stitch to make collars for cardigans or borders for lace shawls, leveraging its non-curling properties to frame intricate patterns. Similarly, in Scandinavian countries, garter stitch was often used in combination with colorwork in mittens and sweaters, adding texture to traditional designs.
Ladies’ Armlets, the Columbia Book of Yarn, 1901
The 20th century marked a resurgence of interest in hand-knitting, driven by both necessity and love for this craft. During the World Wars, knitting became a patriotic act, with civilians knitting socks, scarves, and blankets for soldiers. Garter stitch was a popular choice for these projects due to its speed and simplicity. Patterns from the era, such as those published by the Red Cross and Priscilla Publishing, often featured garter stitch.
Illustration from 1940s Priscilla War Book
Throughout the second half of the 20th century, garter stitch remained a constant in knitting, bridging the gap between tradition and innovation. Its simplicity empowered beginners, its texture inspired designers, and its practicality suited a range of cultural moments—from post-war thrift to bohemian creativity and high-fashion experimentation.
Unisex Garter-Stitch Cardigan – Free 1950s Pattern
Jiffy Poncho – Free Vintage 1950s Pattern
Jacket with Crochet Edging – Vintage 1980s Pattern
Today, garter stitch remains a beloved technique for both beginners and experienced knitters. Modern designers use it in innovative ways, such as in modular knitting or in minimalist, textured garments. Its stretch and thickness make it a popular choice for scarves, cowls, and blankets, while its non-curling edges are often used as borders for stockinette-based projects.
Novice Vest– Easy Pattern by Red Basket Crafts
Eyelet Heart Top – Knitting Pattern by Red Basket Crafts
Throughout its history, garter stitch has been valued for its practicality and accessibility. Its simplicity made it a gateway for generations of knitters, while its unique properties—reversibility, stretch, and flat edges—ensured its utility across a wide range of projects.
