Garter Stitch

• One of the simplest textures to achieve in knitting is using the garter stitch. Popular among new knitters, garter stitch forms when a knitter works every stitch in the row in knit stitch. This results in bumpy rows being created on both sides of the knitted garment. This stitch is typically utilized for borders for afghans and blankets. It's also commonly used for making scarves. Due to its durable nature garter stitch works well for making other items such as vests and sweaters.
  
  

Rib Stitch

• Rib not only gives texture to your knitted item, but also elasticity. Certain garments, such as socks and mittens, call for ribbed cuffs as this stitch pattern provides needed flexibility and prevents the garment from losing its shape. A ribbed pattern is created by knitting one stitch and purling the following stitch. You can make the pattern wider by knitting and purling two, three and even four stitches. Variations to ribbing include brioche rib and twisted stitch rib, two patterns that gives interesting texture to knitted items.
  
  

Cables

• Cables have been used by knitters for centuries as a design element. By moving and knitting stitches out of order with a cable needle, knitters can create a textured design with stockinette stitch. Create simple cables by moving two or three stitches in the front or back of work. More intricate cables are created by increasing and decreasing stitches at various points of the cable. An alternative to cables is using mock cables. This texture technique involves passing slip stitches over knitted stitches.
  
  

Lace

• Delicate and airy, lace knitting intimidates many knitters. However, lace can provide a sophisticated texture to your work, regardless when working in lace weight or worsted weight yarns. Lace knitting involves yarn overs and knitting stitches together. While most lace stitch patterns involves stockinette stitch you can combine garter stitch to provide more texture to your knitting. Choose solid colored yarns when knitting lace to showcase the texture pattern.
  
  

Practice

• Practice first when knitting a new or unfamiliar stitch pattern. This is particularly useful when working with complicated stitch patterns. Create a small swatch to practice the stitch pattern. Swatches are also useful with experimenting combining various stitch patterns together. To make something functional out of your practice swatch use cotton yarn to create a dishcloth.