How To Knit: Instruction & Tips
A series of posts that cover the basics of the skill, craft, and art known as knitting.
We start with a discussion of knitting needles; a discussion of different needle sizes and materials and what are the best knitting needles for beginners. We will discuss straight, double-pointed, and circular needles and when you would use those needles. Finally, we talk about knitting needle organization and share a Knitting Needle Conversion chart that you can print off for your reference.
A discussion of yarn follows. We discuss different yarn fibers, yarn ply, and how to read a yarn label. Additionally, this post will address yarn weights, including Lace Weight, Fingering Weight, Sport Weight, DK Weight, Chunky Weight, Bulky Weight, and Jumbo Weight. You will also have the opportunity to download a Free Yarn Weight Chart.
Next, we dive into how to get your yarn onto your needles with a discussion of casting on using the long-tail with thumb method.
Following that, we show how to knit, step-by-step with videos and still photos. The purl stitch is next, with detailed discussion and instructions on that stitch. We also discuss the difference is between knitting and purling.
Once you’ve mastered knitting and purling, you will want to know how to get your work off of your needles and tie in loose ends, so we discuss that in the post How to Cast-Off.
Next is an opportunity to put all your new skills to good use with a simple washcloth pattern. It’s nice to have something to show for all your hard work!
If you are brand new to knitting, I encourage you to follow these first eight lessons in order. Then, feel free to peruse the other posts to further expand your knitting knowledge!
- Lesson 1 All About Yarn
- Lesson 2 All About Knitting Needles
- Lesson 3 How to Cast On
- Lesson 4 The Knit Stitch
- Lesson 5 The Purl Stitch
- Lesson 6 Binding Off
- Lesson 7 Reading a Pattern
- Lesson 8 Knit a Garter Stitch Washcloth
Once you’ve learned the basics of knitting, you’ll want to have more pattern options. Free, Printable versions of all of my knit patterns are available for all Subscribers through the Subscriber Benefits Library. You can subscribe here to get access to the Library.
Bookmark this page or pin the following image to refer back to these posts in the future.
How To Knit: Tips and Instruction