The Beginner's Guide to Knitting
Learn how to knit with this three-part beginner's guide to knitting. Read beginner knitting instructions and watch videos to master knitting techniques. Beginner knitting stitches will get you started with some easy knitting patterns.
After featuring a beginner’s guide to crochet, we’ve decided to continue these guides for the complete crafting novice, complete with links to helpful videos. They are a way to familiarize yourself with the terms and basic techniques before beginning. Like crochet, knitting is a hobby than can be begun rather inexpensively. All you need is a set of needles and inexpensive yarn (and a beginner’s guide of course).
Table of Contents
Beginner's Knitting Part 1: Basic Materials
Beginner's Knitting Part 2: Slipknot and Cast on
Beginner's Knitting Part 3: Basic Knit Stitch, Purl Stitch
Beginner's Knitting Part 1: Basic Materials
Needles- Straight needles are the most common, while double-pointed knitting needles are used for circular knitting (creating a seamless tube rather than a flat sheet). Metal is the preferred material for stitches which move freely. Bamboo is also popular for its warmer feel. Circular needles are another option and are shorter and joined by a cord. The thickness of the needle determines the tightness of the stitch.
Yarn- Though acrylic yarn is often harder than natural fibers, acrylic is less expensive. Use smoother and thicker (at least double knitting or Aran weight) yarn at first so that you can see your stitches. Cotton is also a good material for beginners.
Gauge- Most knitting patterns will have a gauge notation. Gauge is the number of stitches or rows per inch. Gauge is determined by the weight of yarn, the width of the needles, and the tautness of the yarn while knitting. Larger needles will produce a looser knits and fewer stitches. Smaller stitches will produce a tighter knit with more stitches.
Read on to learn how to knit with these materials.
Read NextGreen Forest Headband
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jennypegs 3734672
Aug 27, 2011
Can anyone help. I want to knit a headband for a child with a 17" head and need to know how may stitches to cast on to make that Jenny
bpell19505
Apr 18, 2010
An answer for Rated on Mar by Crafter I searched on Ask com and found this As written by Deb I think the O should be read as a zero Does the pattern you are using have sizes If it does the is the number of stitches you need to knit or purl depending on whether you are doing row or before working the seed stitch for the smallest size The second size you knit or purl the third size you knit or purl and the largest size you knit or purl The pattern should look like this Row P work seed st on sts p k p times end with seed st on sts pO Translated in to english this row for the smallest size is work seed stitch on six stitches purl three stitches knit three stitches purl three stitches Repeat three times work seed stitch on remaining six…Read More stitches The second size in english would be Purl two stitches work seed stitch on six stitches purl three stitches knit three stitches purl three stitches Repeat three times work seed stitch on the next six stitches purl last two stitches
bpell19505
Apr 18, 2010
I found this on Ask com I hope this helps As written by Deb I think the O should be read as a zero Does the pattern you are using have sizes If it does the is the number of stitches you need to knit or purl depending on whether you are doing row or before working the seed stitch for the smallest size The second size you knit or purl the third size you knit or purl and the largest size you knit or purl The pattern should look like this Row P work seed st on sts p k p times end with seed st on sts pO Translated in to english this row for the smallest size is work seed stitch on six stitches purl three stitches knit three stitches purl three stitches Repeat three times work seed stitch on remaining six stitches The second size in english…Read More would be Purl two stitches work seed stitch on six stitches purl three stitches knit three stitches purl three stitches Repeat three times work seed stitch on the next six stitches purl last two stitches
Crafter 7646085
Mar 06, 2010
I cannot find how to do "KO PO" stitch instruction, in making the Long tunic lace vest,of you pattern, please help, thanks, Jean, I have knitted for a lot of years I am now 75 years old, and still learning.
madacapmama
Feb 23, 2010
i have an afgan pattern i want to use but i dont understand the instructions. its called old shale pattern. it is a multiple uf 18 sts. the pattern is formed this way --row 1 purl row 2 (k2tog) 3 times (inc 1 st by picking up strand between last st and next st and knitting into it, k 1) 6 times (k2tog) 3 times rep fromto across. row 3 knit row 4 knit. i know how to do the sts, what i dont understand is when i do the increase. is it after the k2tog 3 times or is it between the k2tog. like k2tog inc 1, k1 then repeat 2 more times? its so hard to understand thanks if you can help )
Crafter 1547787
Feb 03, 2010
hi my name is betty and i'm new at knitting. i know how to make a scarf, but what i need to know is what is increase 1 st in next st. i am trying to make a place mate and this is in knitting pattem. if you could show me a vido of this i would appreciateit and i enjoy all you knitting pattern.
Crafter 1547787
Feb 03, 2010
hi my name is betty and i'm new at knitting. i know how to make a scarf, but what i need to know is what is increase 1 st in next st. i am trying to make a place mate and this is in knitting pattem. if you could show me a vido of this i would appreciateit and i enjoy all you knitting pattern.
fraulein
Jan 12, 2010
Could you please put a video (knitting) on with more stitches? I don't understand how to do a yarnover. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Jud
Jan 10, 2010
I love your site and, I watched your instructions. I have been knitting since I was a teenager back in the 1960s however, I was taught by a German lady and I knit the Continental method. It was interesting to watch American cast on and knitting as my primary functions in knittng are with my left hand. For years I have been converting American knitting patterns to my method of knitting. Do you know any place to find Continental knitting patterns? My daughter and two of my granddaughters are avid knitters too. I will send my daughter a link to your site. Thanks.
Crafter 9321858
Oct 28, 2009
I just wanted to thank you for all the wonderful crafting ideas and booklets you have provided for FREE. I am an avid crafter, but am also retired and on a fixed income. Your books and patterns have given me many hours of enjoyment and ideas. Most of the gifts I give are hand made and your booklets have given me the patterns and easy to understand instructions. Thank you so much. Nancy
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