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.