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How to Knit a Garter Tab

October 13, 2016 6 Comments

Learn how to work an easy garter stitch tab with this knitting video tutorial. This easy-to-master knitting technique is a staple among shawl knitters. You'll commonly find garter tabs used to cast on shawl patterns.

Let’s say you’ve always wanted to learn to knit a shawl but weren’t quite sure where to start. It took me 18 years (no really) to attempt my first shawl knitting project and when I finally did, I was shockingly surprised at how easy a basic shawl is to knit! Today, I’ve got a video for you to help you get through knitting a garter tab, something that forms the base of many shawl patterns.

For those of you participating in the Read Along Knit Along (what’s that? see here), the garter tab forms the foundation of the Other People’s Houses Shawl, the pattern we’re knitting as part of the knit along. It’s fun and easy, so if you’re in the market for your first ever beginner shawl, this would be a great time to try shawl knitting. :) 

Learn how to work an easy garter stitch tab with this knitting video tutorial. This easy-to-master knitting technique is a staple among shawl knitters. You'll commonly find garter tabs used to cast on shawl patterns.

Garter tabs are something that those new to knitting shawls may not have encountered before, but I promise they aren’t so bad once you wrap your brain around how they work. Whether or not you’ve got a shawl pattern you’re looking to tackle, here’s a less than 5 minute tutorial on how to master garter tabs that will have you cranking shawls out in no time:

Two beginner-friendly shawl patterns: Outlander Chevron Shawl / Other People’s Houses Shawl

Learn how to work an easy garter stitch tab with this knitting video tutorial. This easy-to-master knitting technique is a staple among shawl knitters. You'll commonly find garter tabs used to cast on shawl patterns.

The video above covers all you need to know to cast on your shawl with a garter tab, but if you get stuck or have any questions, let me know in the comments and I’m happy to assist! Shawls, as anachronistic as they may seem to some, are some of the most gorgeous pieces to knit out there, not to mention they’re beyond addictive. :)

Learn how to work an easy garter stitch tab with this knitting video tutorial. This easy-to-master knitting technique is a staple among shawl knitters. You'll commonly find garter tabs used to cast on shawl patterns.

Filed Under: Knit Along, Knitting, Knitting & Crochet Tagged With: garter stitch shawl, garter tab, garter tab cast on, kal, knit along, other peoples houses, ralkal, read along knit along, shawl knitting

About Heidi

Heidi Gustad (she/her) is a craft book author & designer specializing in yarn crafts. Her work combines vintage and modern design elements, prioritizing color and graphic motifs. Her first book, Latch Hook: 12 Projects for the Modern Maker, is out now.

Previous Post: « Other People’s Houses Shawl pattern / RALKAL Kickoff!!
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Comments

  1. Pattymac

    October 13, 2016 at 8:55 am

    OOOO I love the way you show this! Picking up stitches for a tab start to a shawl has always mystified me. Thank you!

    Reply
  2. Lorene Frischknecht

    October 13, 2016 at 2:33 pm

    I watched the video for the knitted tab and thought it was very helpful. I always thought it was so perplexing previously. Thanks so much for sharing this video.

    Reply
  3. Diane Pierce

    October 15, 2016 at 2:23 pm

    Before the video I cast on and tried to knit the tab 6 times! Thanks for the video. Now if you could show us how to knit with markers and yarn overs correctly, that would also be great. My markers keep slipping under my yarn overs or something else is happening that messes up the stitch counts . Thanks, Heidi!

    Reply
  4. Marty Mack

    October 15, 2016 at 7:28 pm

    As always, you’re the best. Thanks

    Reply
  5. Patti Dobrowolski

    October 17, 2016 at 4:06 pm

    I am not clear what you did from step one til the starting point in the video

    Reply
    • Heidi

      October 17, 2016 at 11:31 pm

      I’m happy to help. Are you referring to something in particular when you say step one?

      Reply

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Heidi Gustad from Hands Occupied / Craft Book Author and Knitting, Crochet, Latch Hook and Macrame Designer

Hi! I’m Heidi (she/her/hers), and I’ve been helping yarn crafters untangle various techniques on the internet since 2010. I got my start here, as a blogger, and since then I’ve shared more than a few tutorials here and on YouTube as I’ve grown as a pattern designer. 🧶 

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handsoccupied

Knitting & yarn crafts designer helping makers untangle various techniques with a blog & YouTube channel
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Happy with how the mini Nightmare Before Christmas Happy with how the mini Nightmare Before Christmas sweater vest turned out! Now my dog and I can go on walks in matching seasonal fits 😂
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1. I knit this bottom up with scraps and ran out of black yarn. If the vest consistently drifts down her chest upon wear, I might extend the collar or redo the chest panel at a smaller size. If you’ve read this far, what do you think? As a designer, I so rarely get to improvise a knitting project, and I’m having fun working with fewer rules than usual. 🧶
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2. June has a grooming appointment this weekend. She’s currently the mayor of scruff town, I know. 🫡
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Pattern: Chart is from the Spiral Hill Sweater Vest pattern by yours truly in the official Nightmare Before Christmas knitting book 
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I finished June’s doggie version of the Spiral H I finished June’s doggie version of the Spiral Hill Sweater Vest & it’s so cute! 🥰
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Squeezing in some stitching on a selfish sweater t Squeezing in some stitching on a selfish sweater this Saturday morning 😋
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Pattern: Fruit Stripe Pullover with some intarsia mods on the front panel 
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