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Beginner Basics
Join our community of knit and crochet enthusiasts and take advantage of our tutorials. We know that learning can be challenging, but we make it our priority to ensure that you're comfortable with each technique. Whether you're just starting out or looking to improve your existing skills, our tutorials provide exactly what you need.
Learn the Basics.
Holding the Needles.
There are a few different ways to hold your needles. Hold your left needle as you would a knife at dinner. hold the right one in the same way with a lighter grip, both tips of the needles facing each other.
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There are various ways to wrap your yarn around your hand and wrist to create tension , making even stitches throughout your project. There are even tension rings sold, to help choose the most comfortable method for you.
English (American) Style
English Style is common amongst new knitters. It involves holding the yarn in the right hand and "throwing" or "flicking" that yarn counterclockwise around your right needle. Weave your yarn between your fingers on your right hand to produce even tension.
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Find a Video Explanation Here!
Continental
Known to be faster; continental knitting involves holding your yarn in your left hand instead of the right, creating a "picking" method. Most crocheters learning to knit use this method since they are used to holding their yarn in the left hand already.
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Find a Video Explanation Here!
When you first pick up knitting, remember you are new, it's going to feel awkward. Don't forget practice makes perfect, and once you find your "rhythm" the muscle memory will kick in. It will feel like second nature. with enough practice one day, you could even knit without looking at your project.
1. Cast On
To cast on is to begin your project. The right amount of Cast on stitches is very important, to ensure your wearables fit properly and your home decor doesn't come up short.
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There are many types of ways to cast on to achieve the desired edge. From strong and sturdy to stretchy, you'll be sure to find your favourite.
(CO)
Start by taking the working yarn in your left hand, and grasp it between your fingers and your palm by making a loose fist. Pull the yarn until its lightly taught and then place your thumb over the top of the yarn.
Then push down and rotate your thumb around the back of the yarn and then towards you so that the yarn is now looped once around your thumb.
Bring your thumb into an upright position, like a thumbs up. Take the right-hand needle and slip it between the yarn and the base of your thumb, so the needle moves upwards, relative to your left hand.
Pull your thumb out of the loop by transferring it entirely to the knitting needle. Pull the yarn to tighten the loop on the needle making sure it's taught not tight.
You should have your slip knot, plus a new loop on your right handed needle. continue the process until you have the desired number of stitches that your knitting project requires. You're now ready to begin knitting your first row.
! DON'T FORGET TO COUNT YOUR STITCHES !
2. Knit Stitch
(k)
Knit stitch is a basic knitting stitch. Usually made with the yarn at the back of the work by inserting the right needle into the front part of a loop on the left needle from the left side, catching the yarn with the point of the right needle, and bringing it through the first loop to form a new loop compare purl stitch.
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Using only the knit stitch for your each row will create garter stitch
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The knit stitch is used in combination with the purl stitch in the next section to create the stockinette stitch, which creates a flat pattern for your project.
3. Purl Stitch
(p)
The purl stitch is the opposite of a knit stitch where you make the stitch by going through the front of the loop instead of the back.
Insert your right needle into the front loop on the first stitch on the left-the hand needle, from your right to left. The working yarn will stay in front at all times while purling.
Wrap the working yarn counterclockwise around the needle coming from below. Use your middle finger to push the working yarn forward.
Then, pull the working yarn through the stitch. Then slip that stitch off of the needle for a completed purl stitch.
Look for the bump at the base or the "smile" thats the best way to identify the purl stitch.
4. Bind OffÂ
To finish your project start the first two stitches like normal. Keep the tension fairly loose so your bind off doesn't become too tight.
Using the tip of your needle, lift the first stitch over the second needle to combine into one stitch.
Knit the next stitch as normal, when you have those two stitches repeat the step above. Repeat until one stitch left, cut yarn leaving 6in tail and pull through the last stitch.
Grab a tapestry needle or a small crochet hook and weave in the ends.
(BO)
After completing a beginner knitting course, you will have gained a solid foundation in basic knitting techniques. This will enable you to start working on more complex patterns and projects with confidence. With practice and patience, you can develop your skills further and explore different knitting styles and designs. Keep challenging yourself to learn new stitches and techniques to continue growing as a knitter.