When knitters are first introduced to knitting machines, they are surprised that we can't easily knit Garter Stitch (knit every row).

Because we aren't reversing our work as you do in hand knitting, as we knit, we are working knit and purl rows to create stockinette.

Here are some clever ways to add the texture of garter stitch.

1 Reverse Stockinette

Use the purl side of the knitting as the right/public side of your garment. Similar texture without any extra work.

2 Garter Bar Turn

Use an optional accessory gauged for your machine to remove stitches, turn them and re-hang them.

Watch the video" Using the Garter Bar

3 Hand knitting needle turn

Remove stitches from the needlebed, turn and rehang.

Watch the video" Garter Stitch - RTR

4 Garter Carriage

Motorized accessory for Brother Standard Gauge machines. Automatically form purl stitches.

Watch the video" What is a G-Carriage?

5 Hand manipulation

Reform individual stitches manually.

Watch the video: Using the Latch Tool

6 Ribber transfer between needlebeds

use a Double-eye needle to transfer stiches.

Watch the video: Transfer Stitches with a Double-Eye Needle

7 Ribber Transfer Carriage

Use an optional accessory, Ribber Transfer Carriage to more easily transfer stitches between the beds.

Watch the video: Brother Transfer Carriage

8 Use "Jaws" (Shadow Lace Transfer tool)

Transferring stitches between ribber and main bed can be tedious.
Use a standard gauge accessory fondly known as "jaws" to make the process go more quickly.

Watch the video: Jaws (aka Shadow Lace Transfer Tool)

9 Hand Knitting

Considering all the time and fuss it takes to create garter stitch on the machine, consider hand knitting sections of garter stitch and hang the stitches on the machine.

There is NO law that says your entire project has to be done on the knitting machine. There is also NO law that says all knitting must be done by hand …. (machine knitting is NOT cheating).