Garter stitch
Knit every row when working flat. The alternating faces of knit stitches form horizontal ridges.
Counted practice swatch
Cast on 20 stitches. Every row contains 20 stitches; two rows make one garter ridge.
Work the repeat
Rows 1–20: knit all 20 stitches. Bind off knitwise without pulling the edge tight. In the round, alternate one knit round with one purl round.
Read the fabric
Both sides show ridges. If a smooth stripe appears in a flat sample, a row was purled; reverse that row to restore the ridge.