How to Knit: A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started (from scratch)

Read this and watch the videos to learn how to start knitting. Welcome to the enchanting world of knitting! If you’ve ever wanted to embark on a creative journey with yarn and needles, you’re in the right place. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll walk you through the essential materials, equipment, and workspace requirements. By the end, you’ll be ready to dive into the world of knitting with a simple and easy method. Let’s begin!

Getting Started:

With the materials and equipment outlined below this section, you’re ready to start knitting. Don’t expect to get it right in one go. It might take a few minutes but you will succeed in knitting by doing just four things:

1. Cast on
2. Knit Stitch
3. Repeat
4. Bind Off

Here’s how:

Casting On

Casting on is the first step in starting a knitting project. It creates the foundation row of stitches on your knitting needle, allowing you to begin working on your project. There are several methods for casting on, but let’s go through a common and simple technique called the “Long-Tail Cast On.”

Here’s how to do the Long-Tail Cast On:

1. Begin by estimating the amount of yarn you’ll need for casting on. Measure a length of yarn approximately three times the width of your finished project. This extra length is known as the “tail.”
2. Make a slipknot at the end of the tail. To do this, create a loop with the tail end on top and the working yarn (the end attached to the ball of yarn) underneath. Insert the needle through the loop, then pull gently to tighten the knot around the needle. The slipknot will act as your first stitch.
3. Hold the needle with the slipknot in your right hand and the tail of the yarn and working yarn in your left hand. Place your thumb and index finger of your left hand between the tail and the working yarn, creating a “V” shape.
4. With your right hand, insert the needle from left to right under the “V” formed by the tail and working yarn, then bring the needle up and over the working yarn.
5. Insert the needle from front to back under the tail, catching the working yarn. This creates a loop on the needle.
6. Release the “V” shape and tighten the loop slightly, but not too tightly. You should now have one cast-on stitch on your needle.
7. Repeat steps 4-6 to create additional stitches. Each time you create a new stitch, the tail forms the bottom edge of the stitches, while the working yarn forms the top edge.
8. Continue casting on the desired number of stitches according to your knitting pattern. You can count the stitches by gently sliding them towards the pointed end of the needle.
9. Once you’ve cast on all the required stitches, you’re ready to proceed with the next steps of your knitting project.

Casting on may feel a bit awkward at first, but with practice, it becomes easier and more natural. You can experiment with different casting on methods as you advance in your knitting journey, but the Long-Tail Cast On is a versatile and widely used technique that suits many projects. Just begin by creating a slipknot. Make a loop with the yarn, leaving a tail. Insert the working end of the yarn through the loop, pull gently, and tighten the knot around the needle.

Holding the Needles

When it comes to knitting, there are different methods of holding the needles, and the most common ones are the English or throwing style and the Continental or picking style. Let’s go through both methods:

English (Throwing) Style:

1. Hold one knitting needle in your right hand (if you’re right-handed) as you would hold a pencil or a pen. The needle should rest between your thumb and index finger, with the other fingers supporting it.
2. Hold the other knitting needle in your left hand. Rest the needle on your palm, with your thumb on top and your other fingers supporting it.
3. When you need to knit a stitch, use your right hand to wrap the yarn around the right-hand needle from back to front in a counterclockwise motion. This is called “throwing” the yarn.
4. With the right-hand needle, insert it into the stitch on the left-hand needle from left to right, going behind the left-hand needle.
5. Use your right-hand index finger to guide the right-hand needle through the stitch, catching the yarn and pulling it through the stitch.
6. Slide the old stitch off the left-hand needle, and you’ve successfully completed a knit stitch. Repeat these steps to continue knitting.

Continental (Picking) Style:

1. Hold one knitting needle in your right hand (if you’re right-handed) as you would hold a pencil or a pen.
2. Hold the other knitting needle in your left hand. Rest the needle on your palm, with your thumb on top and your other fingers supporting it.
3. When you need to knit a stitch, hold the working yarn in your left hand. Loop the yarn around your left-hand index finger, then weave it between your other fingers so that it rests over the index finger and under the middle finger.
4. With the right-hand needle, insert it into the stitch on the left-hand needle from left to right, going behind the left-hand needle.
5. Use your right-hand index finger to “pick” the yarn, catching it with the right-hand needle and pulling it through the stitch.
6. Slide the old stitch off the left-hand needle, and you’ve completed a knit stitch. Repeat these steps to continue knitting.

The way you hold your needles may vary based on your personal comfort and preferences. It’s essential to find a method that feels natural and allows you to knit smoothly. Practice and experimentation will help you discover the most comfortable and efficient way for you to hold your knitting needles. You just need to hold one needle in each hand. The needle with the slipknot is in your right hand, and the empty needle is in your left hand.

Knit Stitch

The knit stitch is one of the fundamental stitches in knitting. It forms a smooth, v-shaped pattern on your fabric and is commonly abbreviated as “k” in knitting patterns. Let’s walk through the steps of knitting a stitch:

1. Hold your knitting needles in the preferred style (English or Continental) and make sure you have the working yarn attached to the back of your work.
2. Insert the right-hand needle (working needle) into the first stitch on the left-hand needle (holding needle) from left to right. The right-hand needle should go behind the left-hand needle.
3. With the working yarn in the back of your work, use your right-hand needle to go over the top of the left-hand needle and wrap the working yarn around it, moving from back to front.
4. Keeping the tension on the working yarn, use the right-hand needle to guide it through the stitch on the left-hand needle. The working yarn will cross over the front of the left-hand needle.
5. Slide the left-hand needle (holding needle) down and out of the stitch, allowing the newly formed stitch to rest on the right-hand needle.
6. You have now completed one knit stitch. Repeat the process for the next stitch, inserting the right-hand needle into the next stitch on the left-hand needle and repeating steps 3 to 5.
7. Continue knitting across the row, repeating the knit stitch for each stitch on the left-hand needle.
8. Once you reach the end of the row, switch the needles in your hands, with the needle holding the completed stitches becoming the left-hand needle, and the empty needle becoming the right-hand needle.
9. Repeat the process for each row, knitting all the stitches until you’ve achieved the desired length or pattern specified in your project.

The knit stitch forms the basis for a wide range of knitting patterns and techniques. It’s important to practice and maintain consistent tension to ensure even and uniform stitches. With time and experience, you’ll become more comfortable and confident in your knitting skills. All you need to do is insert the right-hand needle into the slipknot from left to right, going under the left-hand needle. Cross the needles in an “X” shape.

Looping the Yarn

In knitting, looping the yarn refers to the action of wrapping the working yarn around the needle to create a new stitch. This looping technique is used to create various stitch patterns and textures. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to loop the yarn:

1. Hold your knitting needles in the preferred style (English or Continental) and make sure you have the working yarn attached to the back of your work.
2. Position the working yarn in your right hand (if you’re right-handed) or left hand (if you’re left-handed), depending on your knitting style.
3. Insert the right-hand needle (working needle) into the next stitch on the left-hand needle (holding needle) from left to right. The right-hand needle should go behind the left-hand needle.
4. With the working yarn in the back of your work, bring it over the top of the right-hand needle and wrap it around the needle in the appropriate direction. The direction of wrapping depends on the stitch you’re creating (knit or purl).
5. For a knit stitch, wrap the yarn from back to front, moving in a counterclockwise direction around the right-hand needle. This creates a loop of yarn around the needle.
6. Ensure that the tension of the yarn is not too loose or too tight. You want it to be snug enough to create a well-formed stitch but not so tight that it becomes difficult to work with.
7. Continue to hold the loop of yarn on the right-hand needle as you complete the rest of the knitting process, such as pulling the new stitch through, sliding the old stitch off the left-hand needle, and moving on to the next stitch.
8. Repeat the process of looping the yarn for each stitch, following the specific instructions of your knitting pattern or desired stitch pattern.

Remember to practice looping the yarn with consistent tension to achieve even and balanced stitches. As you gain more experience, you’ll develop a rhythm and find what works best for you in terms of tension and technique. So, wrap the yarn from back to front around the right-hand needle, creating a loop.

Pulling Through

In knitting, the action of “pulling through” refers to the process of drawing the loop of yarn through a stitch to create a new stitch on the working needle. It’s an essential step in knitting and requires some attention to ensure smooth and even stitches. Here’s a closer look at the intricacies of pulling through:

1. After you’ve looped the yarn around the right-hand needle, you’ll have a new loop of yarn on the right-hand needle and the original stitch still on the left-hand needle.
2. To pull the loop through, gently and steadily pull the right-hand needle with the loop of yarn towards you. As you do so, the loop will slide through the stitch on the left-hand needle, creating a new stitch on the right-hand needle.
3. Take care to maintain an even tension as you pull the loop through. If you pull too tightly, the stitch may become constricted and difficult to work with. If you pull too loosely, the resulting stitch may be loose and uneven.
4. It’s important to find a balance in your tension. Aim for a moderate tension that allows the loop to slide smoothly through the stitch without distorting the stitch or causing excessive looseness.
5. As you become more experienced, you’ll develop a feel for the right amount of tension and speed needed to pull the loop through effectively. Practice and familiarity with your yarn and needles will help you refine this technique.
6. Remember to maintain consistent tension throughout your knitting. Consistency in pulling through the yarn helps ensure that your stitches are uniform in size and appearance.
7. As you work through your project, continue to repeat the process of pulling through for each stitch, creating a neat row of new stitches on the right-hand needle while leaving the original stitches on the left-hand needle.

By paying attention to the intricacies of pulling through, you’ll be able to achieve well-formed, balanced stitches in your knitting. Practice, patience, and a keen eye for tension will assist you in honing this skill. Enjoy the process as you create beautiful knitted fabric stitch by stitch. All you need to do to pull through is use the right-hand needle to draw the loop of yarn through the slipknot, transferring the loop to the right-hand needle.

Repeat

After pulling through, you’re going to repeat the steps until you have the desired number of stitches on your right-hand needle. Repeating the stitching, looping, and pulling through processes in knitting creates a fabric composed of interconnected loops, forming intricate patterns and textures. Each stitch builds upon the previous ones, gradually shaping the knitted fabric. The repetition of these actions is not only the foundation of knitting but also contributes to the meditative and relaxing nature of the craft.

Repetition makes Knitting a calming and mindful activity:

1. Rhythmic Motion: The repetitive motion of working the stitches, looping the yarn, and pulling it through creates a soothing rhythm. This rhythmic flow can be akin to a gentle, soothing cadence that calms the mind and promotes relaxation.
2. Focus and Mindfulness: Knitting requires concentration and focus. As you work on each stitch, you engage in the present moment, giving your attention to the texture of the yarn, the movement of the needles, and the formation of each stitch. This focus on the task at hand helps to quiet the mind, temporarily relieving stress and worries.
3. Sensory Engagement: Knitting involves tactile sensations as you feel the softness of the yarn, the movement of the needles, and the evolving fabric taking shape in your hands. The repetitive motions, the texture of the yarn gliding through your fingers, and the gentle click of the needles can create a sensory experience that is both grounding and comforting.
4. Flow State: Engaging in knitting can lead to a state of flow, where you become fully absorbed in the activity. In this state, time seems to pass effortlessly, and you experience a sense of deep concentration and satisfaction. It’s a state of being where you’re fully immersed in the process, and it can be deeply rewarding and calming.
5. Mindful Breathing: Knitting allows for a natural rhythm between your breathing and the repetitive actions. The inhales and exhales can synchronize with the movements of the stitches, promoting a sense of relaxation and a mindful awareness of your breath.
6. Sense of Accomplishment: As you progress and see the fabric grow, there is a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. This can boost self-confidence and provide a positive outlet for creative expression.

The repetitive nature of knitting, along with its tactile, sensory, and mindful aspects, can create a relaxing and meditative experience. It offers an opportunity to detach from the stresses of daily life, immerse oneself in the present moment, and find solace in the rhythmic motion and creativity. Knitting becomes a form of self-care, allowing you to unwind, find tranquillity, and create something beautiful stitch by stitch.

Materials You’ll Need for Knitting:

Before you begin to learn how to knit, you’ll need to get your hands on these things:

Yarn

Yarn is the material that you use to create your knitted fabric. It is the thread-like material that is looped and interlocked with knitting needles to form stitches and eventually a knitted project. Yarn comes in various colors, thicknesses (known as weights), textures, and fiber compositions, allowing you to choose the perfect yarn for your knitting project based on its desired look, feel, and purpose. When learning to knit, selecting a yarn that is suitable for beginners, such as a medium-weight yarn in a smooth texture, can make the learning process easier. Yarn is the foundation of knitting, and as you explore the craft, you’ll discover the vast array of yarn options available, each with its own unique characteristics and potential for creativity.

Choose a medium-weight yarn in a colour and texture that sparks joy in your heart. Acrylic or wool blends are great for beginners.

Needles

Knitting needles are essential tools used in the craft of knitting. They are long, slender, pointed rods that come in pairs, typically made of materials such as metal, wood, bamboo, or plastic. Knitting needles can vary in length, thickness (known as the size or gauge), and style, allowing you to choose the most suitable option for your knitting project.

The main function of knitting needles is to hold the stitches of yarn and facilitate the creation of new stitches. They provide the structure and support necessary for the knitted fabric to take shape. By inserting one needle into stitches held on the other needle and manipulating the yarn, you can form various stitch patterns and create intricate designs.

Two Basic Types

Knitting needles are available in two basic types: straight needles and circular needles. Straight needles are the traditional type and consist of two separate needles, each with a point at one end and a knob or stopper at the other end to prevent stitches from sliding off. They are commonly used for flat knitting projects, where you work back and forth in rows.

Circular needles, on the other hand, have two needle tips connected by a flexible cable. They can be used for both flat and circular knitting projects. Circular needles are particularly useful for knitting large or heavy projects, as the weight of the fabric can be distributed along the cable, reducing strain on your hands.

Knitting Needle Sizes

The size or gauge of knitting needles refers to their thickness, which determines the size of the stitches and the overall tension of the knitted fabric. Needle sizes are often indicated using different numbering systems, such as US sizes or metric sizes.

When starting out with knitting, it’s recommended to choose knitting needles appropriate for the yarn you’re using and suitable for beginners. As you gain more experience, you may explore different needle types, sizes, and materials to suit your preferences and project requirements. Knitting needles are versatile tools that open up a world of creativity and allow you to bring your knitting ideas to life.

Start with a pair of straight knitting needles, size US 8 (5 mm) or US 9 (5.5 mm) for a versatile option.

Scissors

Keep a pair of sharp scissors handy for cutting yarn.

Yarn Needle

A yarn needle, also known as a darning needle or tapestry needle, is a tool used in knitting and other fiber crafts. It is a large-eyed, blunt-tipped needle that is specifically designed for working with yarn.

The primary purpose of a yarn needle is to weave in loose ends of yarn and finish off knitted projects. When you complete a knitting project, there are usually yarn tails or loose ends left from joining new yarn or casting on and binding off stitches. These loose ends need to be secured and hidden within the fabric to give your project a clean and finished look. This is where a yarn needle comes in handy.

Use it for Darning

With a yarn needle, you can thread the loose end of yarn through the eye of the needle and weave it back and forth through the stitches of your knitting. This process, known as weaving in ends or darning, helps to secure the yarn and prevent it from unraveling. By weaving in the ends, you ensure that your knitted project maintains its shape and durability over time.

Furthermore, a yarn needle can be used for other finishing touches in knitting, such as sewing seams together, attaching embellishments or buttons, or adding decorative stitches. It is a versatile tool that allows you to put the final touches on your knitted creations.

For a Professional Finish

Yarn needles come in various sizes and materials, including plastic, metal, or wood. The choice of needle material is mostly a matter of personal preference. Some prefer the flexibility and smoothness of plastic or wood, while others opt for the durability and rigidity of metal.

Having a yarn needle in your knitting toolkit is essential for giving your projects a polished and professional finish. It enables you to neatly secure loose ends and add those final details that enhance the overall appearance of your knitted items.

Measuring Tape

A knitting measuring tape, also known as a knitting gauge or a flexible tape measure, is a tool specifically designed for measuring and sizing in knitting projects. While it shares some similarities with other types of measuring tapes, there are a few key differences that make it particularly useful for knitters.

1. Flexible and Soft: A knitting measuring tape is typically made from a soft, flexible material like fabric or vinyl. This allows it to easily wrap around curves and contours, making it ideal for measuring various parts of your knitting, such as the width of a scarf or the circumference of a hat.
2. Units of Measurement: Knitting measuring tapes usually display both metric and imperial measurements. They commonly include centimeters (cm) and inches (in), allowing knitters to work with patterns and measurements in different units depending on their preference.
3. Knitting-Specific Markings: Knitting measuring tapes often have additional markings and features that are specifically tailored to the needs of knitters. These may include stitch and row counters, measurements for standard knitting sizes (such as for hats or socks), and other handy references commonly used in knitting patterns.
4. Portable and Compact: Knitting measuring tapes are typically compact in size and easy to carry. They can easily fit into a knitting bag or pocket, making them convenient to have on hand whenever you need to measure your knitting project on the go.

While a knitting measuring tape is specialized for knitting, it can still be used for general measurements outside of knitting projects. Its flexibility and dual measurement units make it a versatile tool for various crafting or sewing needs.

Workspace Requirements:

After your knitting levels up to a point where you’re confident enough to get your kit mobile, you’ll be able to knit just about anywhere (like public transport, noisy restaurants, your work breakroom, and the beach). However, as a beginner you’ll do well to start somewhere with these conditions:

Comfortable Seating

Find a cosy chair or cushion where you can sit comfortably for extended periods.

Good Lighting

Ensure your workspace is well-lit to avoid strain on your eyes and to see your stitches clearly. Knitting is a craft that relies on intricate stitch patterns, textures, and designs. Good lighting allows you to appreciate the details and textures of your knitting, enhancing your overall enjoyment of the process and the final outcome.

Flat Surface

When you’re a pro your lap will do just fine, but as a beginner find a flat surface like a table or your lap to support your knitting.

Continuing Your Knitting:

1. Turning Your Work: Once you’ve completed a row, turn your work by switching the needles in your hands. The needle with the stitches becomes the left-hand needle, and the empty needle becomes the right-hand needle.
2. Repeat Steps: Repeat the stitching steps to create more knit stitches. Each time you complete a row, you’ll turn your work and continue knitting.
3. Practice Makes Perfect: Keep practicing the knit stitch until you feel comfortable and confident in your technique.

Finishing Your Project:

Now comes the most satisfying part, sealing the deal!

Binding Off (Casting off)

In knitting, “casting off” (also known as “binding off”) is the process of finishing your knitted piece and creating a secure edge. It involves removing stitches from the knitting needles and creating a final row of stitches that won’t unravel. Casting off is typically done at the end of a project, whether it’s a scarf, a sweater, or any other knitted item. Here’s how you can cast off:

1. Knit the first two stitches as you normally would.
2. Using the left-hand needle, lift the first stitch you knit over the second stitch and off the right-hand needle. You will now have one stitch left on the right-hand needle.
3. Knit the next stitch on the left-hand needle.
4. Lift the first stitch over the second stitch and off the right-hand needle again. You will have one stitch remaining on the right-hand needle.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until you reach the end of the row, always knitting the next stitch and then lifting the previous stitch over it.
6. When you have only one stitch left, cut the yarn, leaving a tail of several inches.
7. Thread the tail of the yarn through the last stitch and pull it tight to secure the stitch.
8. Weave in the loose ends of the yarn into the fabric using a yarn needle to ensure they are hidden and secure.
9. By casting off, you create a finished edge that prevents your work from unraveling. The cast-off edge is usually firmer and less stretchy than the rest of the fabric, which is why it is often used for the final row of a project. It provides a clean and neat finish to your knitted piece.

Casting off is an essential skill in knitting, and there are variations of cast-off methods that can be used depending on the desired outcome or the pattern instructions. Experimenting with different cast-off techniques can give your knitted projects a unique look. So when you’re ready to finish your knitting, bind off the stitches. Knit the first two stitches, then use the left-hand needle to lift the first stitch over the second stitch and off the right-hand needle. Continue this process until you have one stitch left, then cut the yarn, leaving a tail. Pull the tail through the last loop to secure it.

Weaving in Ends

Use the yarn needle to weave in the loose ends of yarn, ensuring your project stays secure. Admire your first knitting project and embrace the joy of creating with your newfound skill!

Now You’re Knitting!

Congratulations on taking your first steps into the world of knitting! Armed with the essential materials, equipment, and workspace, you’ve learned how to start stitching with the simplest method: the knit stitch. Remember, practice is key, so keep exploring, experimenting, and enjoying the process. With time, patience, and a dash of creativity, you’ll unlock the endless possibilities of knitting. Happy stitching!