Rich Man’s Garter

By Gaye Glasspie

Instagram handle: @GGmadeit

Gaye is a 50-something knitter who fell in love with knitting late in life. She has been knitting for a little over 11 years. Something that started out as “let me see if I can do this” turned into a lifesaving craft. When her life fell apart, she knitted it back together. 

Inspiration: I came across this stitch in a pattern by Gina Bonomo called Verdant. I love texture, and the sleeves caught my eye. I went to YouTube to find a tutorial and found nothing, so I created one.

Tip: When working this stitch, keeping track of your rows is key. I use a note app to keep track of rows 1 and 3. 

Finished Stitch Block Measurements

8 x 8 inch/20 x 20cm stitch block square, blocked (including garter stitch borders) 

Materials

Worsted weight yarn

Size 7 (4.5mm) needles

Gauge

21 sts and 21 rows = 4 inches/10cm in Rich Man’s Garter stitch pattern

Rich Man’s Garter Stitch Pattern (over an even number of stitches)

CO an even number of stitches. 

Row 1 (WS): *K1, sl 1 wyib; rep from * across. 

Rows 2 & 4: Knit.

Row 3: *Sl 1 wyib, k1; rep from * across. 

Rep rows 1-4 for pattern. 

Stitch Block Instructions

Bottom Garter Stitch Edging

CO 42 sts.

Knit 4 rows.

Square Body

Row 1 (WS): K3, work Rich Man’s Garter pattern row 1 to last 3 sts, k3.

Row 2 & 4: Knit. 

Row 3: K3, work Rich Man’s Garter pattern row 3 to last 3 sts, k3.

Rep rows 1-4 until stitch block measures 7½ inches/19cm. 

Top Garter Stitch Edging

Knit 4 rows.

BO all sts.