I was dinking around the internet the other day, snooping in knitting forums and not commenting (because that’s what I do). I came across a post about garter stitch.
“Aha!” I thought, “Another garter stitch enthusiast!”
But, was I mistaken! This poster had written up an entire diatribe on how garter stitch was Dumb, Ugly, and Boring! Heresy! (I’d link the post, but 1. I don’t want to start any drama, and 2. I don’t remember where I found it.)
I didn’t reply at the time, because other people had already said everything that I would have said (more eloquently, and with fewer “How dare you”s). And of course, everyone is entitled to their own opinions.
Unless their opinions are wrong.
Because garter stitch is a fantastic stitch! It’s cozy and warm and squishy. It’s incredibly meditative and satisfying. It make fabric that’s extra warm. It lays perfectly flat (perfect for scarves, blankets and dish cloths).
It’s simple to do. And simple is not to say bad or ugly. I think because garter stitch is often the first stitch that new knitters learn, it gets a bad rap as something that’s “just for newbies.” I’ve been knitting for over 20 years (which is crazy to say), and I love garter stitch more now than I think I ever have. I’ll admit, there was a little while there when I looked down on it a bit. For a while I thought if a pattern didn’t have crazy cables or intricate lace, it wasn’t worth my time. But now, I have to say, I love going back to the basics.
Which isn’t to say that garter stitch has to be basic! There’s little I love more than a pattern with crazy cables running across a big field of garter stitch. It’s squishy on squishy, cozy on cozy, and frankly, an unbeatable combination in my opinion.
I’ve even been experimenting with variations on garter stitch! I love how these garter stitch ribs break up what would otherwise be a boring swath of stockinette.
In summary, I love garter stitch. (Of course, I also love ribbing and stockinette and lace and cables and twisted stitches and…)
Do you love garter stitch, too?
On the Needles 
I’m definitely with you on this one! Find I use it quite often sometimes mixing it with other stitches to add variety.
I do!
I recently finished a log cabin afghan, lovely squishy cozy garter stitch that changed colors every ten rows and allowed several series’ worth of binge watching!
Also celebrated my 8-year-old granddaughter finishing her first garter stitch scarf for her teddy bear today!
Love it!
You made me look at it differently. Thank you.