Yarn Care
Do not bleach.
Do not tumble dry.
Machine wash cold.
Iron on low heat and cover with a sheet of fabric.
Dry away from direct sunlight.
Introduction to Knitting
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In our fast-paced, screen-saturated world, knitting offers a refreshing break, encouraging you to slow down and relax. It's an escape from the digital buzz, a soothing hobby that's the ultimate antidote to screen time!
Knitting can be incredibly engaging and time flies when you're immersed in it. You might find yourself promising "just one more row," only to look up and realize you're almost done with the pattern! So, as you lose yourself in the rhythm of your stitches, remember to cherish the journey. After all, in the world of knitting, it's about both the journey and the delightful, handcrafted destination.
As you build on your skills stitch by stitch, you'll never get bored with new projects and techniques to learn. And when you finish each project, the sense of pride and accomplishment will make you feel like a rockstar! Plus, the wearable pieces of art you create make for the perfect gift to your loved ones, showing them just how much you care. You can literally clothe them with your love wherever they go!
So, grab your needles, crank up your favorite tunes, and get ready to knit your heart out. You'll be amazed at how quickly time flies by when you're knee-deep in yarn and creativity!
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Let's Knit!
Let's jump into the action with hands-on learning in each lesson, full of practice and excitement! And the best part? When we reach the end, make sure to unwind the yarn as you will need it for your first knitting masterpiece. So, let's get those needles clacking and let's start knitting!
Did you know that the ancient art of knitting has been around for thousands of years? This craft has stood the test of time, starting from creating intricate Egyptian sandals, to the cool, stylish scarves of today – knitting is indeed an evergreen craft, as timeless as it is versatile!
Knitting is more than just a hobby, it's an empowering skill that fills you with a sense of purpose and control. The repetitive, rhythmic motions using your own two hands bring joy like no other! And let's not forget about the patience it teaches you.
Tie A Slipknot
Tying a slipknot is the first step in knitting and it is a very simple process. Here are the steps.
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Tip: The slipknot can be adjusted on your needle by gently tugging on the tail end of the yarn or the working yarn.
That's it! You are now one step closer to making your first project. Now on to the next one!
1. Begin by forming a loop with the yarn, leaving a tail of about 4-6 inches. (Note: This measurement will depend on each project.)
2. Hold the loop in your left hand, with the ball end yarn hanging down.
3. With your right hand, reach through the loop from behind and grab the ball end yarn with your fingers.
4. Pull the ball end yarn yarn through the loop, creating a new loop. Keep the loop loose enough so you can easily slip it onto your knitting needle.
5. Slip the loop onto your needle, and then gently tighten the knot by either pulling on the tail end of the yarn or the ball end of the yarn.
Casting On
When it comes to knitting, "casting on" is the process of creating the first loops of yarn on your needle. That first row of loops is what we call the "cast on." Now, there are many ways to cast on , and each technique creates a slightly different starting edge for your project. Some cast ons are firm and strong, while others are flexible and stretchy.
But for those new to the craft of knitting, let us introduce you to the LONG TAIL CAST ON – it's an absolute game-changer! The Long Tail Cast On is one of the most popular and versatile techniques for casting on in knitting. Not only is it simple to learn and quick to do, but it also creates a beautiful, slightly stretchy cast-on edge that is perfect for a wide range of projects. Trust us, once you master the long tail cast on, you'll wonder how you ever started a project any other way!
IMPORTANT TIP: Whether you've accidentally dropped a stitch or two or pulled your yarn too tight, don't panic! Mistakes are a common incident and it's one of the ways we learn & improve our skills. Try to backtrack and do it again. If it seems like it's not working out, it's ALWAYS BETTER to start all over again than to continue with a wrong stitch. So don’t give up and keep on knitting!
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Repeat these steps to cast on all the stitches you need for your pattern.
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If you find the long tail cast on technique difficult, fret not! We linked another set of videos on casting on techniques:
Congratulations on completing your cast-on! Now comes the most exciting part - it's time to start knitting! Flip your work over so that the needle is pointing to the right and get ready to work some magic with your needles. With the needle holding the cast-on stitches in your left hand and the empty needle in your right hand, you are all set to bring your knitting to life. Let’s dive in!
1. Make a slip knot and put it on the needle.
2. Hold both strands in the left hand.
3. Insert the thumb and finger between the two strands.
4. Open the thumb and finger, and tilt your hand back to create the two loops.
5. Swing the needle under the outer thumb strand, and up through the thumb loop.
6. Swing over to grab the inner finger strand.
7. Pivot over the inner thumb strand, and down through the thumb loop.
8. Release the loop from the thumb, and tighten the knot either by pulling on the ball end yarn or tail end yarn.
Basic Stitches
All of knitting is based on two simple stitches, the knit stitch and the purl stitch. Everything else is a combination or variation of these two stitches. The knit stitch and purl stitch differ primarily in the way the yarn is wrapped around the needle and the resulting appearance on the fabric.
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Creating a knit stitch involves making a loop at the back of your work, while the purl stitch involves making a loop at the front of your work. It's as straightforward as that! A knitted stitch creates a smooth "V" shape at its base, while a purled stitch has a bump or raised ridge at its base.
Now, let's explore these stitches further!
Knit Stitch
Purl Stitch
Knit Stitch
The knit stitch is usually the very first stitch that beginners learn when starting their knitting journey.
This stitch may seem simple, but it's actually one of the highly essential stitches required in so many other knitting patterns and techniques. It's a versatile stitch that can be used for a variety of projects, from scarves and hats to sweaters and blankets.
If you're new to knitting, mastering the knit stitch is crucial for building a strong foundation for all your future knitting projects. Don't worry if you struggle with the knit stitch at first - practice makes perfect! Keep at it and before you know it, you'll have the rhythm down pat.
So, let's get those needles clacking and let's start knitting!
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Now that you've completed your first row of knitting, let's make sure it's perfect by counting your stitches! You wouldn't want to miss a stitch or add any extra ones, would you?
Once you're confident with your stitch count, it's time to turn your work and dive into the next row.
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As you continue knitting, your swatch will start to take shape. Keep going until it's as long as you want it to be.
Tip: To count knit stitches accurately, utilize the locking markers provided. Simply place a marker on every 10th stitch or at any desired interval. This allows you to easily keep track of where you are in the pattern and ensures that you don't accidentally skip or repeat any stitches. By using the locking markers, you'll have a helpful visual guide to maintain the correct stitch count throughout your knitting project.🙂
1. Insert the right needle into the first stitch through its loop. Your right needle should be below your left needle.
2. Wrap the yarn counterclockwise around the right needle.
3. You will end up with the ball end yarn over the loops & in between your needles. Draw the loop of yarn through the stitch.
4. The right needle will be in front of the left needle.
5. Slide the stitch off the left needle.
6. Your first ever knit stitch is complete! Before proceeding to the second stitch, put the tail end in front so you can avoid yarn entanglement. (Note: This step is only applicable for every 1st row). Repeat these steps until you have knit all of the stitches on the left-hand needle.
7. To turn your work, simply swap the needles around so that the one with the stitches is in your left hand and the empty one is in your right. Now you're all set to begin knitting the next row.
Purl Stitch
The purl stitch is typically the second stitch that beginners learn, right after the knit stitch. Purling is just about as easy as the knit stitch but it may seem daunting at first, with a little practice, you'll be able to grasp the technique in no time.
Once you master the purl stitch , you’ll unlock a whole new set of knitting patterns like stockinette and rib stitch.
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1. Insert the right needle above the left needle and into the first stitch. Your right needle should be above your left needle.
2. Wrap the yarn counterclockwise around the right needle.
3. Draw the loop through the stitch.
4. Slide the new stitch off the needle
5. A new purl stitch on the right needle.
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​Repeat these steps until you’ve worked all the stitches on the needle.
Casting Off
Now that you know how to cast on and knit, it’s time for the finishing touch. The last step is to Cast off your stitches, which means to remove them from your needles. Sometimes, it’s also called “binding off”. Learning to cast off is an essential skill for any knitter. In the following instructions, you will learn how to cast off your knitting to give your project a tidy and clean edge! Let’s get started!
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Helpful Tip: For a neater project, make sure to maintain even tension on the yarn as you cast off. Avoid pulling the stitches too tightly or leaving them too loose, as this can result in an uneven edge. Take your time to ensure that you're casting off each stitch correctly and neatly.
By following these simple tips, you can achieve a clean and polished appearance for all of your knitting projects. Remember, practice is key, so do not be disheartened if it takes a few attempts to master the technique. With persistence, you will be able to cast off your knitting like a professional in no time!
Now that you’ve completed the basic knitting techniques, it’s time to level up learning basic knitting patterns to help you in your projects. Let’s go!
1. Knit the first two stitches.
2. Insert the left needle into the first stitch on the right needle.
3. Lift the first stitch over the second stitch.
4. Drop the stitch from the left needle. One stitch has been cast off.
5. Knit the next stitch on the left needle as normal.
6. Repeat steps 2-5 until one stitch remains
7. Cut the yarn leaving a tail of about 6 inches. Thread the yarn tail through the last stitch, and pull to secure.
8. Weave in the ends using a tapestry needle through the fabric. You will need to do this several times to secure the yarn.
How to Join In a New Yarn
It is not uncommon that you might run out of yarns as you dive into your knitting projects. There are several options to join in a new yarn but we recommend the Fisherman’s Knot . Join in a new yarn by simply tying them together and weave in the excess yarns in the projects.
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1. Grab the working end of your new yarn and tie a loose knot
2. Now grab the working end of your old yarn and pass it through the loop of your new yarn’s loose knot. Then create a loose knot with your old yarn around the new yarn. Gently tighten both knots.
3. Pull the standing parts of both yarns in opposite directions to draw the two knots together.
Stitch Patterns
Here are some best best beginner knitting stitch patterns you can use on your first few knitting projects:
Garter Stitch Pattern
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The garter stitch is a basic knitting pattern that creates a textured, ridged fabric with a simple, classic appeal. This versatile stitch is achieved by simply knitting or purling every row, resulting in a reversible fabric that lies flat and is stretchy. Its simplicity makes it an excellent stitch pattern for beginner knitters to practice and master basic skills.
1. Start by casting on 15-20 stitches.
2. For the first row, knit all the stitches
3. After finishing your first row, flip your work, switching the needles in your hands, to begin the next row
4. Continue repeating the process from step 2, knitting every stitch, until your piece reaches the desired length.
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Cast off & weave in your ends.
Stockinette Stitch Pattern
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A stockinette stitch pattern is one of the most common and popular knitting stitches. It is created by knitting one row and purling the next row, repeating these two rows over and over again. The result is a smooth and flat fabric with a "V" pattern on one side, called the right side or knit side, and a series of horizontal bumps on the other side, called the wrong side or purl side. It's one of the most basic and versatile stitches in knitting that can be worked on any number of stitches and looks good on both sides of the fabric.
1. Start by casting on 15-20 stitches.
2. For the first row, knit all the stitches
3. After finishing your first row, flip your work, switching the needles in your hands, to begin the next row
4. For your 2nd row, purl all stitches. Repeat rows one and two until your piece measures the desired length. Then, cast off and weave in your ends.
Helpful Tip: In case you lose track of your progress or forget which row you're on while knitting, you can always use a technique called "reading your knitting" to figure out where you are. Simply hold up your knitting as if you're about to knit and observe the side that's facing you. The side that appears smooth is the knit side, indicating that you're on a knit row. On the other hand, the side that appears bumpy is the purl side, indicating that you're on a purl row. To remember this technique, there's a saying that goes "Knit the knits and purl the purls."
Mistake Rib Stitch Pattern
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The mistake rib stitch is an excellent stitch pattern for beginners, consisting entirely of knits and purls. It creates a stretchy, reversible fabric with just the right amount of texture. With just one row to repeat, it's effortless to memorize, making it a perfect choice for casual knitting. This stitch is ideal for a relaxed and comfortable knitting experience.
1. Cast on: a multiple of 4+3 stitches.
This means that you choose a multiple of 4 stitches (ie. 4, 8,12,16…) then add 3 stitches to it. Here’s an example: I’ve casted on 18 stitches, I now have to add 3 more stitches so in the end, I’ll have a total of 21 stitches.
2. For the 1st row, *knit 2, purl 2; repeat from * down to the last 3 stitches, knit 2, purl 1.
This means that on your very first row, you’ll have to do 2 knit stitches, then 2 purl stitches. Repeat this process until you reach the last 3 stitches. When you reach that stage, do the knit stitch twice and the purl stitch last.
3. After finishing your first row, flip your work, switching the needles in your hands, to begin the next row.
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Repeat Row 1 until your knitting piece measures your desired length. Then, cast off and weave in your ends.
Voila! You've just learned how to do the garter, stockinette and mistake rib stitch pattern. Give it a few tries and with some practice, you'll soon become an expert at it! Get ready to start on your first knitting project! Now don’t you worry! Each of these projects are beginner-friendly. We’ll guide you through each one!
Fingerless Gloves Instructions (Stockinette Stitch)
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Fingerless gloves are a great choice as a first project for knitting beginners. They are relatively simple to make, require less yarn, and can be completed quickly. This is why we recommend starting with this project. And what better way to make your own fingerless gloves than with the classic stockinette stitch pattern? With its smooth, flat texture and easy-to-memorize pattern, stockinette is perfect for both beginners and experienced knitters alike. In addition, creating fingerless gloves can result in a practical and stylish piece that is enjoyable and useful to make.
Fold the piece in half with the cast on and cast off edges aligned. The cast on edge will become the cuff and the cast off edge will become the finger edge. Use a tapestry needle to sew the two edges together using the 10-inch yarn tail. Do not forget to leave a gap of about 2-3 inches for the thumb hole.
Instructions:
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Make a slip knot, leaving a tail of 35 inches.
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Cast on 35 stitches onto your knitting needle using a long-tail cast-on method.
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To knit in the stockinette stitch pattern, begin by knitting the first row.
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For the second row and all even numbered rows (row 4, 6, 8 and so on), purl every stitch.
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For the third row and all odd numbered rows (row 5, 7, 9 and so on), knit every stitch.
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Continue alternating between knit and purl rows until you have approximately 6 inches. At this point you should have a 6 inch by 8 inch knitted piece.
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Cast off all stitches and leave a tail of about 10 inches before cutting. This 10-inch tail will be used later for seaming.
Skills needed:
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Cast off
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Simple Sewing
Materials needed:
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Knitting needles
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Tapestry needle
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Scissors
Finished Size:
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Mitten length: 6" from cuff to fingers
8.
Weave in any loose ends of yarn. Repeat all steps for the second glove.
9.
Hat Instructions (Garter Stitch)
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This garter stitch patterned hat project is not only ideal for beginners but also an exciting project to make! This is because the garter stitch is a simple stitch pattern that involves knitting every row, making it an enjoyable and relaxing knit. Starting with a basic garter stitch patterned hat can help beginners build their skills and knowledge to take on more complex projects in the future. As you work through the project, you'll be amazed at how quickly it comes together, and you'll feel proud of the finished product. The best part? It’s not only useful for chilly days, but also a fashionable accessory that can be worn with any outfit!
With the remaining yarn tail, thread the tapestry needle and weave it through the knitting stitches until you have gone all the way around the hat. You can utilize the locking markers to highlight the stitches that require sewing together to gather the top of the hat.
Instructions:
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Make a slip knot, leaving a tail of 45 inches.
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Cast on 40 stitches onto your knitting needle using a long-tail cast-on method.
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Knit every stitch in every row until the piece measures approximately 19 inches. At this point, you should have an 9in x 19in knitted piece.
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Cast off all stitches and leave a tail of about 25 inches before cutting. This 25-inch tail will be used later for seaming.
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Fold the piece in half with the cast on and cast off edges aligned.
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Use a tapestry needle to sew the two edges together using the 25-inch yarn tail.
Skills needed:
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Cast off
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Simple Sewing
Materials needed:
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Knitting needles
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Tapestry needle
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Scissors
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Stitch markers (optional)
Finished Size:
7.
Gently pull the tail yarn tight to cinch the top of the hat and secure the yarn on the inside of the hat. After cinching the top of the hat, carefully remove all the locking markers.
Weave in any loose ends of yarn.
8.
Scarf Instructions (Mistake Rib Stitch)
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Making a scarf is a good starting point for beginner knitters, offering an accessible and rewarding introduction to the world of knitting. With their straightforward rectangular shape, scarves require minimal shaping, making them a stress-free option for those learning the craft. Moreover, this great project can be enjoyed long after it's completed. Not only are they simple to make, but they are also cozy and stylish, making them perfect for keeping warm during the cold months.
Instructions:
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Make a slip knot leaving a tail of 20 inches.
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Cast on 23 stitches - 4 inches wide using the Long Tail Cast-On.
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Once done, begin the mistake rib stitch pattern: Row 1: *knit 2, purl 2; repeat from * to last 3 stitches, knit 2, purl 1.
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Continue repeating the pattern in Row 1 until you have reached 45 inches.
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After that, cast off your stitches.
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Use a tapestry needle to sew the two edges together using the 20-inch yarn tail.
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Weave in the ends using your tapestry needle to ensure that your finished project looks neat and tidy, and the loose ends won't unravel over time.
Skills needed:
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Purl stitch
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Cast off
Materials needed:
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Knitting needles
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Tapestry needle
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Scissors
Finished Size:
Congratulations!
Pat yourself on the back for a job well done. You’ve successfully made your knitting project! We are so proud of you! Don't worry if it doesn't look perfect the first time. With practice, you'll improve your knitting skills and create even better projects. Thank you for taking the time to learn the basics of knitting. Congratulations, you are now a full-fledged knitter!
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What's Next?
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Knit with a friend or a family member. Spending quality time over knitting is a great way to bond! Enjoy endless conversations and grow deeper in your relationship!
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Join a local knitting group community and meet fellow knitters who can encourage you and cheer you on along your knitting journey. You might even learn a new technique or two.
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Connect with other knitters across the web! There are tons of online communities for knitting enthusiasts and experts! Find the right one for you and chime in on the latest trending patterns. It’s cool to be part of a community that uplifts and encourages you to grow in your knitting journey knowing you’re not alone. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can totally pursue new challenging patterns from the community and embark on new knitting adventures together!