Learn to Knit - The Basics
Basics
Materials: Worsted Weight Acrylic Yarn & Knitting Needles.
I am writing this for beginners.
Your starting point is practice, practice, practice!
I recommend a plain acrylic worsted weight yarn, and size 7 or 8 knitting needles.
Acrylic yarns are more forgiving; by this I mean you can knit and rip out (otherwise known as what a frog says "rip-it"!) if you make a mistake. Acrylic yarns pull out easily, and can be re-knit just as easily.
Since starting this lens I have added videos for intermediate knitters. Grab a cup of tea and kick back and enjoy!
1. Learn to cast on Stitches.
Materials: Worsted Weight Acrylic Yarn & Knitting Needles.
I am writing this for beginners.
Your starting point is practice, practice, practice!
I recommend a plain acrylic worsted weight yarn, and size 7 or 8 knitting needles.
Acrylic yarns are more forgiving; by this I mean you can knit and rip out (otherwise known as what a frog says "rip-it"!) if you make a mistake. Acrylic yarns pull out easily, and can be re-knit just as easily.
Since starting this lens I have added videos for intermediate knitters. Grab a cup of tea and kick back and enjoy!
1. Learn to cast on Stitches.
Look what is here!
Learn to Knit - The Basics
Knitting
Learning to knit
Knitting
About Using Yarns
Steps for Learning to knit
Basic Practice
"Learn to Knit" 3DVD
Knit the Purl Stitch
YouTube vids: Learn to knit
How to Knit - Variations in Stitches
Learning to knit
Knitting
About Using Yarns
Steps for Learning to knit
Basic Practice
"Learn to Knit" 3DVD
Knit the Purl Stitch
YouTube vids: Learn to knit
How to Knit - Variations in Stitches
- Steps for Learning to knit
- Great Stuff on Amazon
- Knit the Purl Stitch
- Learn to knit
- Learn to Knit
- Learn to Knit
- Knitting Gauge ( tension )
- How to Check Gauge
- Checking Your Gauge (tension )
- READ FIRST
- Decreasing One Stitch - the easy way - knit or purl two stitches together
- Decreasing One Stitch - the easy way
- Decorative Decreasing One Stitch
- Learning to Knit
- Increasing Stitches
- How to Knit The Horizontal Herringbone Stitch
- Neater edges and Easier Sewing
- Circular Knitting
- Knitting Needles
- No More Double Pointed Needles! Magic Loop or 2 Circular Needles?
- Knitting
- Knit back and forth (Backwards) instead of Purling!
- Binding Off
- Binding Off Loosely
- It is important that a bind (cast) off edge is elastic.
- Knit to Soothing Music
- Stitch Markers
- Reading Patterns
- One-Row Buttonhole
- Right and Left Leaning Increases. Works well for Socks!
- Magic Cast-On - Experienced Knitters - Socks!
- Kitchener Stitch
- Knitting with beads
- Knit LEFT Handed
- KNITTING!
- LEFT HANDED PURL STITCH
- Moss Stitch Ladder
- Easy Boat Neck Sweater
- How to Knit Socks, part 1 Getting started with dpns
- How to Knit Socks, part 2 - Make the Heel
- How to Knit Socks, part 3 Turn Heel /Shape heel gusset
- How to Knit Socks, part 4 Shape and graft toe
- Learn to knit and Learn to knit socks - The Zen of Socks
- Learn to Knit
- Loom Knitting Basics
- Hand Stitching - Yarns, Needlepoint, Plus
- Knitting
- Knitting
- Reader Feedback
- 2-color brioche stitch in the round #1
Steps for Learning to knit
Basic Practice
For practice purposes acrylic yarns are more forgiving; by this I mean you can knit and rip out (otherwise known as what a frogsays "rip-it"!) if you make a mistake. Acrylic yarns pull out easily, and can be re-knit just as easily.
1. Learn to cast on Stitches.
2. Learn the basic knit stitch - knitting every row produces the garter stitch which is pictured to the right.
3. Learn the purl stitch - purl one row and knit one row produces the stockingnet stitch.
For practice purposes I recommend casting on about 24 stitches and first practice the knit stitch concentrating on keeping your yarn tension even. This means all you stitches are uniform, no loose (extra large) stitches. Your stitches should slide easily across the needle but not be too loose. If your stitches are too tight they will not slide easily and you will have trouble knitting each stitch. Practice this until your work is uniform in stitch size. (All your stitches look alike) If you examine your work row by row until you have mastered knitting you will get use to seeing what it looks like. This comes in handy because the more familiar you are with this the easier it will be for you to find your mistakes should you make any.
Smile, it is easy.
Great Stuff on Amazon
Learning DVD's
Watching some demonstraite techniques helps you learn faster.
Knit the Purl Stitch
Once you have mastered the cast on and knit stitch you will want to learn the purl stitch.
Again I recommend casting on 24 stitch count and practice your purl stitch; getting your tension correct and uniform stitches.
Once you have mastered the purl stitch then try doing 1 row in knit and the next row in purl and keep alternating always knitting on the knit side and purling on the purl side. This
is called the Stockingnet Stitch.
Pictured to the right is the stockingnet stitch.
While you are knitting and or purling you will always have the same amount of stitches on your needle. If you find you are knitting is not going straight up on the sides you have probable dropped a stitch or two. Before you do anything stop and count the stitches on your needle. Then lay your work flat and look at it row by row to see if you can find your mistake. If you can find where your mistake is then your won't have to tear out your whole project and start over, you just remove your needle and slowly and carefully pull your knitting out stitch by stitch until you have removed your mistake then reinsert your needle into the remaining stitches.
Once you have your stitches back on the needle count your stitches to make sure you have them all. Figure out where you are on your pattern and resume knitting your practice piece.
Learn to Knit
Knitting Gauge ( tension )
It is extremely important to check you Stitch Gauge.
How to Check Gauge
Making a Swatch
Work in St. Stitch for at least 6in.
Steam square in the way you would for finished project.
Lay square on flat surface without stretching it. Place a ruler horizontally on the square and place a pin four stitches in from the edge & another at 4in. from the first pin.
Do the same for rows by placing the ruler vertical.
Count the number of stitches and rows between the pins and this will be your gauge.
Why is it important to check your gauge?
Proper sizing
An example: You wish to knit an out fit for a new born baby. You do not check your gauge; you just use the suggested materials figuring you are ok. The finished outfit comes out to a 1-2 yr size; or worse it comes out smaller and will only fit a doll.
Too many stitches in your gauge means that your stitches are too small:use a larger size needle to make the stitches bigger and so get fewer to 4inches.
Too few stitches means your stitches are too big;
you need to use a smaller size needle to make the stitches smaller and therefore get more to 4 inches.
If you do not check your row gauge as well as stitch gauge you will either have a finished project that is too short or too long.
Checking Your Gauge (tension )
Saves you time you will spend unraveling your work and starting again, and it means the difference between a perfect garment and a disaster!
Important!
READ FIRST
Always read how to work a decrease very carefully.
Some of them have similar abbreviations with only a slight difference between them.
In patterns the designer may use different abbreviations to those given here. Always check the detailed explaniation of abbreviations.
Some of them have similar abbreviations with only a slight difference between them.
In patterns the designer may use different abbreviations to those given here. Always check the detailed explaniation of abbreviations.
Decreasing One Stitch - the easy way - knit or purl two stitches together
Decreasing One Stitch - the easy way
Both of the above pictured methods produce the same result on the front side of the work, the decrease slopes to the right.
Decorative Decreasing One Stitch
There are 2 Ways to work the decrease that is the pair to k2tog.
They both produce the
same result and slope to the left.
Slip one, slip one, knit two together
(ssk or p2 tog tbl)
1. Slip 2 stitches knitwise one at a time from left-hand needle to right-hand needle
2. Insert the left-hand needle from left to right through the fronts of these two stitches and knit together as one stitch.
SLIP ONE, KNIT ONE, PASS SLIPPED STITCH OVER (skpo)
3. Insert the right-hand needle knitwise into the next stitch and slip it on to the right-hand needle without knitting it. Knit the next stitch.
4. With the tip of the left-hand needle, lift the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch and off the needle. This is like binding(casting) off one stitch.
Learning to Knit
Increasing Stitches
Shaping
To shape knitting, stitches are increased or decreased. Increases are used to make your project wider by adding more stitches, either on the ends of rows or within the row.
Some increases are worked to be invisible while others are meant to be seen and are known as decorative increases. You can increase one stitch at a time or two or more.
On a knit row; knit into the front of the stitch as usual, Do NOT slip the stitch off the left-hand needle, but knit into it again through the back of the loop. Then slip the original stitch off the left hand needle.
On a Purl row purl into the front of the stitch as usual, Do NOT slip the stitch off the left-hand needle but purl into it again through the back of the loop. Then slip the original stitch off the left-hand needle.
Neater edges and Easier Sewing
To make neater edge when doing increases at ends of rows, work the increase st. in third st from ends.
It also makes it easier to sew up!
Can be done on knit or purl rows
Circular Knitting
Learn to knit with circular needles
- About Using Yarns
- Yarn comes in a large variety of blends. Blends are the type of material such as linen, acrylic, wool,rayon, silk, etc. Today's yarns are usually a combination of at least 2 or 3 different materials. An example of one yarn might be 66% wool, 16% silk,& 18% cotton. Others are straight acrylic, wool, etc. Wool is a whole other subject for another article.
1. Is this something you are going to use often?
2. Is this item going to go through a lot of washings?
3. Is this something you want to last for a long time or is it something that is just a novelty?(only for a season or less)
Knitting Needles
Bamboo Knitting Needles
I have finally tried bamboo knitting needles after years of steel, alum., and plastic. They are awsome and so much nicer to work with. They are a lot easier on the wrist!
The ones I use are from China and not Clover brand.
The ones I use are from China and not Clover brand.
Knitting
History of Knitting
Learning to knit
- Knitting
- Just a little history on knitting.
- About Using Yarns
- About Using Yarns. Once you know this bit of information you will save yourself time and money. Different ply's, different blends of yarn, things to consider before you purchase.
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Binding Off
Knit Bind Off
Bind or cast off knitwise. This is the easiest method to bind off on a knit row.
1. Knit 2 st., insert the tip of the left-hand needle into the front of the first stitch on the right-hand needle
2. Lift this stitch over the second stitch and off the needle.
One stitch is left on the right-hand needle.
Knit the next stitch and lift the second stitch over this and off the needle.
3. Continue in this way until one stitch remains on the right-hand needle.
To finish
Cut the yarn Leaving a length long enough to sew in. Thread the end through the last stitch and slip it off the needle. Pull the yarn end to tighten the stitch.
Bind or Cast off Purlwise
To bind off on a purl row, just purl the stitches instead of knitting them. (Lifting the purled stitches off the needle in the same way as for a knit row).
Binding Off Loosely
It is important that a bind (cast) off edge is elastic.
Bind off should not be so tight that it pulls the knitted fabric in.
This is very important when binding off a neckband, if too tight it will not stretch over your head and the edge may break, & unravel stitches.
It is important that a bind (cast) off edge is elastic.
If you are binding off too tight, I suggest you try using a larger size needle. (If using a 6 needle I go up to a size 8).
Knit to Soothing Music
Let your favorite music relax you while you knit!
Have you tried listening to your favorites while you knit or crochet, or stitching? My great grandmother used to rock to the beat and Knit to it too! Try it for yourself.
Stitch Markers
Stitch Markers are rings you slip on your needle to mark change in your pattern. (switch from purl to knit, decreasing, or increasing etc.)
You do not have to have stitch markers it just means you count your stitches a lot. You put them on needle and slide them when you are knitting.
Reading Patterns
Reading Patterns
Sts. = Stitches
* is the point of where you start your repeat.
Example Row 1 - (RS) P1, *(k1,p1) twice (= 5 sts)
This means Purl 1st, K1,P1,K1,P1
Sl or S = Slip
One-Row Buttonhole
One Hole Buttonhole holds its shape.
For a 5-stitch-wide button, make a 4-stitch buttonhole, etc.
Step 1 -- work to where you want buttonhole to begin. Bring yarn to front; slip 1 purl-wise, bring yarn to back.
Step 2 -- Slip 1 purl-wise, pass first slipped stitch over second. (repeat this part 2 more times--passing over 3 stitches total, for a 3-stitch buttonhole) Place last stitch back on left needle. Turn work.
Step 3 -- Cast on 4 stitches (for the 3 stitches you bound off, plus 1) using the cable cast-on method.
Step 4 -- Turn work (so RS is facing). Bring yarn to back; slip first st of left needle onto right needle and pass last CO st over it. ....You're done! Work to end of the row, or to the next buttonhole!
Right and Left Leaning Increases. Works well for Socks!
LA-Link and La-Rink - the Paired Increases
Great Video for Balance of Increasing Stitches.
Magic Cast-On - Experienced Knitters - Socks!
How to do a magic cast on
Done on double pointed needles.
Kitchener Stitch
Kitchener or Grafting Stitch
KNITTING!
LEFT HANDED PURL STITCH
Purl Left Handed
Moss Stitch Ladder
Knit a Sample , Knit a Scarf
The moss stitch ladder is a multiple of 5 stitches.
Row 1 - (RS) P1, *(k1,p1) twice
Row 2 - k5
Repeat these two rows for pattern
Multiple of 5 sts.
#8 Needles
Cast on 25 sts
Knit 5 sts. Place stitch marker , Knit 5 sts, place marker, K5sts, PM, K5sts,PM, Knit 5.
Knit 5 rows slipping markers as you knit. On 6th row you will start your pattern
Row 1 - Knit 10 sts. ,slip markers (RS) P1, *(k1,p1) twice(=5sts), K10 sts. Slipping markers.
Row 2 - K5sts. , Purl 5sts.,k5sts.,Purl 5 sts. Knit the last 5 sts.
Repeat these two rows for pattern.
The first and last 5 sts are always Knitted.
Easy Boat Neck Sweater
Yes you can make it!
It is EASY!
Click link below, then undre Categories on right side click on Knitting. Check out the Sweater!
Click link below, then undre Categories on right side click on Knitting. Check out the Sweater!
How to Knit Socks, part 1 Getting started with dpns
How to Knit Socks, part 2 - Make the Heel
How to Knit Socks, part 3 Turn Heel /Shape heel gusset
How to Knit Socks, part 4 Shape and graft toe
Learn to knit and Learn to knit socks - The Zen of Socks
Learn to Knit
Top Place to learn one way of the How to Cast On.
Helpful Links for Learning how to knit.
- Lion Brand
- Why pay when it is free. Learn to knit. Diagrams, special help if necessary.
- Knitting
- Helpful in learning to knit and so much more
- Wool Works
- Patterns, Discussion , Craft and much more.
- Crafty Crafty: Yay or nay: Teaching young kids to knit
- kids%20knit%20needles.jpg I have a friend, Evan, who has wanted for more than a year to learn to knit. He mentioned the topic frequently, and finally I ...
- Knitting Basics - Better Homes and Gardens
- Includes illustrated instructions and tips for beginning knitters.
- Free knitting instructions, lessons.
- Learn how to knit with these easy to follow and illustrated instructions and lessons at Craftown. Abbreviations in English, Spanish and French.
- Knitting Basics on Needlepointers.com - Knitting > Knitting Basics
- This is the place to start for knitting beginners. The basic knitting information - casting on, yarn gauge.
- YouTube - Basic Knitting for Beginners: Yarn, Patterns & Free ...
- Learn how to cast on to begin your knitting in this free online instructional video on how to knit.
- CRAFTS : Knitting : Basics and a Beanbag : DIY Network
- A brief refresher course on the basics; then, how to make a simple beanbag.
- Knitting Basics Library: Making and Evaluating Your Gauge Swatch
- Details on knitting and measuring your gauge swatch.
Hand Stitching - Yarns, Needlepoint, Plus
About Using Yarns
Knitting
- Knit and more
- unisex knitted baby sweater
Knitting
Usefull tools
Reader Feedback
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richgerman
Jul 28, 2008 @ 3:09 am | delete
- you got a very informative lens... now i have more idea about knitting... thanks so much for that info... ***** favored...
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LeslieBrenner Mar 14, 2008 @ 10:42 am | delete
- Great knitting lens, very informative. 5 stars.
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2-color brioche stitch in the round #1
Knitting
Knitting with 2 different colors
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