How To Get Good At Knitting
There are many ways to get good at knitting, this is just one method and it may not work for everyone. But in my opinion, this is the simplest step by step guide of what you should learn, in order.
I’ve included some links to tutorials, but those aren’t the only links that are worth visiting. Any tutorial from google for the named thing will work.
Also I really hate how most hobbies seem to begin with “first you must spend £500 or else you’re a poser”. Although you’ll probably start buying yarn with every scrap of spare change you get once you get good enough to really enjoy it, to actually learn how to knit, you shouldn’t need more than £10.
Start with one ball of yarn & 1 set of needles. Look on the band of the ball of yarn for the recommended needle size. I recommend “double knitting” (or “dk”) weight yarn and 4.5mm needles. (US size 7 I believe, don’t quote me on that.) Ask someone at the craft store if you’re not sure.
Learn to tie a slip knot. [https://www.loveknitting.com/how-to-make-a-slip-knot]
Learn the e-wrap cast on. [https://www.mybluprint.com/article/found-the-easiest-way-to-cast-on-in-knitting]
Learn the knit stitch. [https://www.woolandthegang.com/how-to/knit/knit-stitch]
Learn the purl stitch. [https://www.loveknitting.com/how-to-knit-a-purl-stitch]
Learn k2tog. [https://www.loveknitting.com/how-to-k2tog]
Learn kfb. [https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/knit-in-the-front-and-back-2116509]
Learn the knitted bind-off. [https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/how-to-bind-off-knitting-2116484]
At this point, you will now need to spend a little more money for your next tool: a tapestry needle. These cost less than £1 each, so we’re still not breaking the bank here. With your shiny new tapestry needle, learn to weave in your ends. [https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/weaving-in-ends-2116473] (You can now make simple scarves and dishcloths that are good enough to give as gifts.)
Learn the knitted cast-on. [https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/knit-cast-on-2116503]
Practice k1p1 ribbing. [Search this page (http://www.vogueknitting.com/pattern_help/how-to/learn_to_knit/basic_stitch_patterns) for “knit one, purl one“, but all of the ones on this page are good for you to learn and practice at this stage in your learning!]
Learn ssk. [https://www.loveknitting.com/how-to-ssk]
Learn s2kpsso, which is also known as sk2p. [https://www.purlsoho.com/create/slip-slip-knit-pass-s2kp/]
Learn the yo increase. (Google ‘yarn over increase’ if you don’t like my link.) [https://www.studioknitsf.com/yarn-over/]
Learn a sewn bind-off. (Any from Google will do, but this is my favourite.) [https://www.purlsoho.com/create/elizabeth-zimmermanns-better-bind-off/]
Learn a long-tail cast on. (Any from Google will do.) [https://www.purlsoho.com/create/long-tail-cast-on/] (You can now make simple hats, shawls, and bags, and more interesting scarves.)
Buy one 5mm (also known as an H or an 8) crochet hook. Do not spend more than £5.
Learn the crochet chain stitch. [https://www.anniescatalog.com/crochet/content.html?content_id=1]
Learn the crochet provisional cast on. [https://ysolda.com/blogs/journal/crochet-provisional-cast-on]
Learn Kitchener stitch (grafting). [https://kelbournewoolens.com/tips-and-tricks/kitchener-stitch]
Learn to cable. [https://www.theknittingnetwork.co.uk/blog/162575047-how-to-knit-cable-stitch]
Look for and make beginner - intermediate patterns. (I like using Ravelry but anywhere you have access to is fine. Plenty of patterns are online free or in library books, so you don’t need to spend money on this.)
Learn any other increases, decreases, cast ons, or cast offs mentioned in the patterns as you come to them. At this point, you’re beyond things that I can give you one link per bullet point for, but you should be fairly decent at finding knitting information on Google by now.
Learn short rows.
Learn entrelac.
Learn to knit in the round.
Learn Judy’s Magic Cast On.
Begin a pair of socks.
Join a forum/group/thing to help you with your socks, if you haven’t joined a knitting forum or group yet already.
Learn Duplicate Stitch.
Learn Fair Isle Knitting.
Learn Double Knitting.
Declare yourself an advanced knitter and attempt any pattern you please, Googling for help as needed.
