How to Pick up and Knit on Garter Stitch

My upcoming book of 30 blankets to knit features knitting patterns that use garter stitch. Many of the patterns require that stttches are picked up on the sides, or edges, of previously worked pieces as shown here.

photos copyright Margaret Holzmann, 2019; Paintbox yarn provided by LoveCrafts

Garter stitch knitting has a convenient property that 2 rows of garter stitch, which is also one ridge, is equal in length to the width of one stitch. This makes it easy to pick up and knit sts on the edge of a garter stitch piece because one stitch is picked up for each ridge (2 rows) of knitting.

The neatest join is created when stitches are picked up through the bump of the garter st on the edge. For picking up, either a knitting needle or crochet hook can be used. Work on the right side and follow the steps below.