Knitting For Complete Beginners
Learn how to knit, knitting techniques, and see some of the secrets knitters use to make knit products.
Beginner Materials
To start knitting, you only need a few items. Once you have these, you will be able to begin your knitting journey.
Yarn
Choosing which yarn to start with can be overwhelming. There are so many choices, where do you start?
For the beginner, I recommend a quality yarn that is good but not too expensive. You want an enjoyable first knitting experience. Below are some yarn suggestions.
Click on the links for great beginner yarns
Cascade Yarns Ultra Pima 100% Pima Cotton
Cascade 220 Superwash Merino Yarn (018 – Violet Tulip)
Lion Brand Yarn Heartland Yarn (Glacier Bay)
Visit your local yarn shop or major retailer for more yarn options to get started.
Straight Knitting Needles
Just like yarn, there are many needle options. There are single point, double point, cable needles, etc.
For beginners, I recommend straight single point needles. They are the easiest to start with.
Click on the links for great beginner needles
ChiaoGoo Knitting Needles Straight
What Size Knitting Needles?
The pattern you are working will normally suggest a needle size. Start with whatever size the pattern calls for so you have the best chance for success.
As you gain experience, you can choose a different needle size for different effects.
Beginner Techniques
Casting On With The Long Tail Method
To start a knitting pattern, you have to cast on. The long tail cast on is the method nearly every knitting pattern uses to begin. I show you two different techniques for the cast on. You can choose which method you prefer.
Casting On Without Slip Knots
Casting on without knots is my preferred technique for starting a pattern. I use this method because you can’t feel or see the knots. It also creates a smoother start and creates a cleaner look.
The Knit Stitch
The knit stitch is one of several fundamental stitches used for creating patterns. Once you learn how to do the knit stitch, you will be able to start on your first knit pattern after casting on.
The Purl Stitch
The purl stitch is the opposite sister to knit stitch. The two stitches are flipped mirrors of each other. If you flip your piece over, a knit will look like a purl and vice versa.
By using the purl stitch, it can give your pattern dimension. These two stitches used together and alternated create a rib pattern.
Rib Pattern
The rib pattern is one of the fundamental stitch patterns used to start hats. The rib pattern is a great way to prevent edge curling that will happen if you only start with knits or purls.
Binding Off
Once you finish your pattern, you need to bind off. The process of binding off finishes the edge of pattern. It allows you to tuck the yarn in to give the product a finished look.
You have now learned the basics of knitting.
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Congratulations!
Where to go from here?
Now that you have learned the basics of knitting, check my patterns to make your first knit product. Click the links below to begin your knitting journey.
My most popular knit designs
