how to knit a mitered square

Natasha willow

3 min read

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24-01-2025

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Mitered squares are a knitter's best friend! These versatile squares create a seamless, almost magical effect, perfect for blankets, shawls, and even sweaters. This comprehensive guide will teach you how to knit a mitered square, from choosing your yarn to mastering the increases and decreases. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced knitter looking to expand your skills, this tutorial will have you knitting beautiful mitered squares in no time.

Getting Started: Materials and Terminology

Before we begin, let's gather our supplies and understand some key knitting terms.

Materials:

• Yarn: Choose a yarn weight that suits your project. Worsted weight is a popular choice for mitered squares.
• Knitting needles: Select needles appropriate for your chosen yarn weight. The size will be indicated on the yarn label.
• Scissors
• Yarn needle (for weaving in ends)

Terminology:

• Increase: Creating a new stitch. Common increases for mitered squares include making one stitch from one stitch (M1R or M1L) or knitting into the front and back of a stitch (kfb).
• Decrease: Decreasing the number of stitches. Common decreases include knitting two stitches together (k2tog).
• Knit (k): Inserting the needle into the stitch and knitting it normally.
• Purl (p): Inserting the needle into the stitch and knitting it backwards.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Knitting Your First Mitered Square

This tutorial uses a simple, easily repeatable pattern. Adjust the number of increases and decreases to create larger or smaller squares.

Step 1: Cast On

Cast on an odd number of stitches. For a beginner's square, 3 stitches is a good starting point.

Step 2: Row 1 (Right Side)

• Knit 1
• Increase (M1R or M1L)
• Knit to last stitch
• Increase (M1R or M1L)
• Knit 1

Step 3: Row 2 (Wrong Side)

Purl all stitches.

Step 4: Row 3 (Right Side)

• Knit 1
• Increase (M1R or M1L)
• Knit to last stitch
• Increase (M1R or M1L)
• Knit 1

Step 5: Repeat Rows 2 and 3

Continue alternating between Rows 2 and 3, increasing at the beginning and end of each right-side row. You'll notice the square beginning to form.

Step 6: Shaping the Corner

The magic of the mitered square happens at the corners. Once your square reaches your desired size (or you have a sufficient number of stitches), you’ll begin decreasing.

This will depend slightly on the exact stitch count, but usually happens around rows where you have about 20-30 stitches.

• Knit 1
• Knit 2 together
• Knit to the last 3 stitches
• Knit 2 together
• Knit 1

Step 7: Repeat Decreases

Continue decreasing at the beginning and end of each right-side row until you are left with only 3 stitches.

Step 8: Bind Off

Bind off all remaining stitches. Weave in your ends.

Congratulations! You've successfully knitted a mitered square!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Uneven increases/decreases: Ensure you're consistently using the same increase and decrease methods. Practice makes perfect!
• Holes in the corners: Make sure your increases and decreases are neatly worked to avoid gaps.
• Size inconsistencies: Pay close attention to your stitch count and row numbers to achieve consistent square sizes.

Beyond the Basics: Expanding Your Mitered Square Skills

Now that you've mastered the basics, let's explore some ways to enhance your mitered square skills:

• Colorwork: Incorporate different colors of yarn to create stunning designs.
• Texture: Experiment with different stitch patterns to add texture and visual interest.
• Size variations: Adjust the number of increases and decreases to create squares of different sizes.
• Joining techniques: Learn how to seamlessly join mitered squares to create larger projects like blankets or afghans.

Knitting mitered squares is a rewarding experience. With practice, you'll develop your own unique techniques and create beautiful, one-of-a-kind projects. So grab your needles and yarn, and happy knitting!