Drop Stitch Garter Stitch Knitting Pattern (Beginner Tutorial)

Drop Stitch Garter Knit Stitch by Janice  | Updated March 2026

The Drop Stitch Garter Stitch knitting pattern is an easy, beginner-friendly stitch that creates an open, airy fabric using mostly knit stitches. If you already know how to knit and make a yarn over, you can learn how to knit the drop stitch garter stitch in just a few minutes.

Quick note: This is a two-sided (reversible) fabric—both sides look good, with slightly different textures on each side.

The drop stitch garter stitch swatch worked in a light lavender 100% acrylic yarn.

The Drop Stitch Garter Pattern is perfect for summer knitting projects and is one of the easiest reversible knit stitch patterns to master.  All that is required is your knowledge of how to make the knit stitch and a yarn over, which I'll describe below

Skill Level

Basic

Abbreviations Used

K - knit

YO - yarn over

YO 2x -  wrap the yarn over and around the needle twice.

CO - Cast on

BO - Bind off

*  *  - Work the directions between the two asterisks for the specified number of times.

Skills Required

Knit stitch

Yarn Over

Cast on

Bind off

Weave in Ends

Block if desired

Notes about the Drop Stitch Garter Knit Stitch

  • This is a 6-row repeat.
  • Worked on any number of stitches
  • Instructions are in US Terms

Is this Pattern Reversible?

While it is not identical on both sides, it looks great and is a perfect stitch for scarves where both sides will be showing.  

A swatch of the drop stitch garter pattern right sideRight side
Drop stitch garter pattern wrong sideWrong side

Supplies Needed

For this tutorial, you will need some yarn and a pair of knitting needles appropriate for the yarn weight you are using.  For example, if you choose a worsted-weight (#4) yarn, use US #7 or #8 (4.5 to 5.0 mm) needles.

  • Scissors
  • Yarn Needle

Drop Stitch Garter Stitch Knitting Pattern Instructions

Drop stitch garter swatch being held in one hand

The instructions below show you how to knit the drop stitch garter stitch flat on straight needles step by step using a simple six-row repeat.

Cast On: Any number of stitches.

Pattern Repeat: 6 rows

Rows 1–4: Knit across the row.

Row 5: Knit 1 stitch, then yarn over twice. Repeat “yarn over twice, knit 1” across the row.

Row 6: Knit 1 stitch, then drop the two yarn overs from the previous row. Repeat “drop the two yarn overs, knit 1” across the row.

Repeat Rows 1–6 for the pattern.

A little more explanation for Rows 5 and 6

Row 5 is the row where you create the extra wraps that will form the long stitches.

When the pattern says “yarn over twice,” simply wrap the yarn around your right-hand needle two times before knitting the next stitch. These two wraps will sit on the needle until the next row.

Row 6 is where the drop-stitch effect occurs.

When you reach the two wraps that you made in the previous row, do not knit them. Instead, let them slide off the needle. After the wraps drop, knit the next stitch as usual.

Dropping these wraps creates the long open spaces that give this stitch pattern its distinctive look.

Beginner tip

If you are learning this stitch for the first time, try using a smooth, light-colored yarn. It makes it much easier to see the yarn overs and the places where the wraps need to be dropped.

Knitting the Drop Stitch Garter Knit Stitch in the Round

Working the stitch in the round on circular needles does require you knit and purl.  If you have never worked in the round, please see my page on circular needles for helpful techniques for joining and working in the round.  Here are the directions for the drop stitch garter stitch.

Round 1: Knit all stitches.

Round 2:  Purl all

Round 3:  Knit all

Round 4:  Purl

Round 5:  *K1, YO 2x, rep from * to last stitch, k1.

Row 6:  *P1, drop 2 yo sts, rep from * to last stitch, p1.

Common Mistakes When Knitting the Drop Stitch Garter Stitch

Even though the Drop Stitch Garter Stitch is beginner-friendly, a few small mistakes can make the pattern look confusing the first time you try it. Here are some common problems knitters run into and how to fix them.

1. Forgetting to yarn over twice

The long open stitches in this pattern are created by wrapping the yarn around the needle two times on Row 5. If you accidentally wrap the yarn only once, the dropped stitch on the next row will be shorter, and the pattern will not look the same.

If this happens occasionally, don’t worry too much. Just continue the pattern and try to remember the double yarn over on the next repeat.

2. Knitting the yarn overs instead of dropping them

On Row 6, the yarn overs from the previous row should slide off the needle without being knitted. Some beginners instinctively knit those loops, which removes the open ladder effect that the stitch is supposed to create.

If you notice you have knitted the yarn overs by mistake, you can simply drop them off the needle on the next row to recreate the elongated stitch.

3. Accidentally dropping a real stitch

Because the pattern involves intentionally dropping loops, beginners sometimes worry that they’ve made a mistake when they see stitches falling.

Remember, you are only dropping the extra wraps from the yarn overs, not the actual knitted stitches. If a real stitch slips off the needle, just place it back on the needle and continue knitting.

4. Wrapping the yarn too tightly

If the yarn overs are pulled too tight, the dropped stitches will not open up properly, and the pattern may look cramped instead of airy.

Try to keep the yarn overs relaxed so the long stitches can stretch and create the open texture this pattern is known for.

5. Losing track of the 6-row repeat

Losing your place is a common problem among knitters, but as you gain experience, you will discover a method that works best for you.

1. Some will develop a rhythm:

This pattern becomes much easier once you remember the rhythm:

Rows 1–4: Knit
Row 5: Yarn over twice
Row 6: Drop the wraps

2. Using a row counter or placing a small note near your knitting can help you keep track of where you are in the repeat.

3.  Using a magnetic pattern holder with a ruler that you can move is also helpful.

With a little practice, the Drop Stitch Garter Stitch becomes very easy to remember. After a few repeats, most knitters find they can work the pattern without even looking at the instructions.

Ideas for Using the Drop Stitch Garter Knit Stitch

  • Scarves
  • Shawls and wraps
  • Summer tops
  • Lightweight blankets
  • Decorative panels in sweaters

It is especially useful when you want a fabric that has drape and texture without feeling heavy.

A good example of how you can use this is a scarf. I found this free pattern and tutorial that you might find helpful.

Search for Red Heart Supersaver Yarn Deals

Frequently Asked Questions About the Drop Stitch Garter Stitch

Is the Drop Stitch Garter Stitch good for beginners?

Yes. The Drop Stitch Garter Stitch is considered beginner-friendly because it is mostly knit stitches. The only additional technique required is a yarn over, which simply means wrapping the yarn around the needle before knitting the next stitch.

Even knitters who are still learning the basics can usually master this stitch after a few repeats.

Why is it called a drop stitch?

The name comes from the way the pattern is created. On one row, you wrap the yarn around the needle twice to create extra loops. On the following row, those extra wraps are intentionally allowed to slide off the needle.

When the wraps drop, they create the long open stitches that give the fabric its airy appearance.

Does the Drop Stitch Garter Stitch use purl stitches?

No. This pattern is worked entirely with knit stitches. Because every row is knitted except for the yarn-overs and dropped wraps, the stitch pattern has the familiar texture of garter stitch, combined with long open spaces.

Will the Drop Stitch Garter Stitch curl?

No. Because the pattern is based on garter stitch, the fabric typically lies flat and does not curl the way stockinette stitch does.

Do I need to block projects made with this stitch?

Blocking is optional but can improve the appearance of the finished fabric. Light-blocking helps open the dropped stitches and even out the spacing between the elongated loops.



Last Words

The Drop Stitch Garter Stitch knitting pattern is a simple technique that creates a light, breathable fabric with very little effort. Because it uses mostly knit stitches and an easy six-row repeat, it’s a great stitch pattern for beginners who want to experiment with texture without tackling complicated lace patterns.

Drop Stitch Garter Knit Stitch:  Pin for Future Reference

The drop stitch garter knit stitch pin imageHow to make the Drop Stitch Garter Knit Stitch

Hi, I'm Janice

I learned to knit and crochet at a young age, but didn’t get serious about knitting or crochet until obtaining this website in 2021. Since then, I've not stopped creating and learning and is now I'm a  certified knitting and crocheting instructor through the Yarn Craft Council, and am also currently working towards the Masters Hand knitting Program at The Knitting Guild of Association.  I hope to share my passion for these needlecrafts and help you learn how to enjoy them too.

I'm also the voice behind Small Dog Place and Miracle Shih Tzu.

Happy Knitting and Crocheting,

Janice Jones

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