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How to Knit a Perfect Mitered Square for Beginners

How to Knit a Perfect Mitered Square for Beginners

Inside: Knit Mitered Square pattern with tutorial video.

Which way does it go?

Mitered squares looks unique because the row changes direction in the middle. This eye-catching design is most noticeable when you use stripes, but a solid mitered square has it’s place in the knitter’s toolbox too.

knit mitered square pattern
The classic mitered square. Notice how the rows change direction?

This classic knit mitered square pattern creates a perfect square without having to calculate stitch or row gauge. Why knit a swatch if you don’t have to?

You can use the same pattern for any yarn or needle size and always create a perfect square.

The best part of the knit mitered square pattern? It’s easy enough for a beginner knitter to master.  

Knit a mitered square by casting on two sides of the square then working a series of decreases in the middle of the row.  Those central decreases cause the stitches on either to lean toward the center. This creates the visual turn each row takes from horizontal to vertical.

Mitered squares make great washcloths or baby lovies on their own. I love combining them into a larger project. Dozens of small squares make a beautiful colorblock blanket or poncho.

After you knit your first square you’re going to have hard time stopping!

Traditional Knit Mitered Square Pattern

By Kristen Mangus

MATERIALS

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Yarn
Medium weight (#4) Red Heart Chic Sheep (100g / 3.5oz, 170 m / 186 yards)
Color Green Tea used in sample.

Needles 
US 8 – 5mm
Knitters Pride Dreamz Interchangeable used in sample.

Stitch marker(s)
Tapestry needle

ABBREVIATIONS

Approx. = Approximately
K = Knit
K2tog = Knit 2 together
Pm = Place marker
Rem = Remain(ing)
Rep = Repeat
RS = Right side
Ssk = Slip, slip, knit
St(s) = Stitch(es)
WS = Wrong side

New to knitting? I’ve got a How to Knit Beginner Video Series to teach you ALL the basics.

GAUGE
19 sts x 40 rows in 4” in garter stitch

SKILL LEVEL Easy

MEASUREMENTS
8” x 8” (20.3 x 20.3 cm)

NOTES

This pattern is adjustable to any size square using any weight yarn.  Be sure to cast on an even number.

INSTRUCTIONS

Cast on 76 sts.

Row 1 (WS): K 38, pm, k38.

Row 2: (RS): K to 2 sts before marker, k2tog, slip marker, ssk, k to end of row.
Row 3: K all.

Rep Rows 2-3 until 4 sts rem.

Row 4: K2tog, ssk.

Break yarn and pull tail through last 2 sts. Weave in ends. 


knit mitered square pin image

Knit Mitered Square Tutorial Video

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Right handed



Left handed

Grab your needles and yarn and knit a perfect mitered square today!


Norma

Sunday 7th of April 2024

Not often to see left hand knitting instruction, thank you

Michael Ann

Saturday 2nd of March 2024

I'm not very tech savvy, & I always have trouble when it comes time to print up a a pattern, is there a easy way. Thank you

Marcela

Saturday 10th of February 2024

Would like to knit Ingles squares

Sheryl S.

Monday 23rd of October 2023

I just discovered this “domino knitting” or mitered square. I would love to learn more.

June Walker

Thursday 28th of September 2023

Would be interested in being a member. As I am an avid knitter Thank you looking forward to receiving darts.

June Walker

Thursday 28th of September 2023

@June Walker, sorry should be data.