How do you learn to knit?
Of course, one of the first posts on the reboot of this blog had to be learning to knit. Learning to knit is actually pretty relaxing once you get into it! It has huge benefits for mental health, and in the coming weeks, you'll see posts about how the repercussions of the stitches can be grounding. But first, we have to learn how to do it and get over that initial fear of starting something new.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get started:
What You’ll Need:
Yarn
There are lots of different types of yarn. For newer knitters, I suggest a medium-weight yarn. These can be called different things, such as DK (which stands for Double Knit), Worsted, or Aran. These yarns are large enough to make something at a decent pace while not being too large and fluffy that they're uncontrollable.
I also recommend a light color. Knitting with black and navy is extremely difficult because you can't see your stitches. Being able to see your stitches is so important when learning because it ensures you're on the right track.
Knitting needles
Knitting needles are a necessity for learning to knit, but it's honestly the user's choice. Typically for a medium-weight yarn, the best knitting needles are sizes 4.5 to 5.5 mm, or sizes US 7 to US 9. Some skeins of yarn will have a suggested needle size. If you're not following a pattern specifically, this is a really great starting point.
You will need a few additional supplies, such as scissors and maybe a tapestry needle for finishing and weaving in the ends.
1. Learn to Cast On
This is how you get stitches onto your needle to start knitting. The long-tail cast-on is popular and stretchy, but the knit cast-on is easier to learn. I've put a couple of youtube videos below to help you get started. I recommend watching them through once before starting your cast on. If one is too frustrating, try the next one. There are so many really cool options for casting on.
Long Tail Cast On Short Tail Cast On Italian Cast On German Cast On
There are many other cast-on techniques that you'll discover over time. This list is just to get your started and seeing how many different options there are. The more you knit, the more you'll find techniques that you love.
2. Learn the Knit Stitch
This is the foundational stitch. It's simple, it's easy, and it's the same on both sides. Once you can do it repeatedly across a row, you’re knitting! Practice this over and over. You’re creating something called garter stitch if you knit every row.
Insert the right needle into the front of a stitch on the left needle.
Wrap yarn around the right needle.
Pull it through the stitch.
Slide the old stitch off the left needle.
Learn Garter Stitch Learn Knit Stitch Learn Purl Stitch
Most of knitting is just combinations of knitting and purling. Once you have these three foundational stitches down, you can make anything!
3. Learn to Bind Off
This finishes your project and keeps it from unraveling. There are lots of ways to bind off, and the bullet points below are the simplest way. As you learn more about knitting, you'll learn new techniques that work better for your style.
Knit two stitches.
Use the left needle to lift the first stitch over the second and off the needle.
Knit one more, repeat the lift-over until one stitch remains.
Cut the yarn and pull through.
Tips and Tricks
Counting is so important! You'll really question your abilities when you first start knitting. Whatever you make, it's important to count every row to make sure that it's correct. If you are making a scarf and cast on 25 stitches, you need 25 stitches after every row. Any more or less and you know something is wrong.
I recommend starting off small when you're making your first project. Try something square to get the hang of it. A scarf is a good first project, but it's long and repetitive. For some people, that can get quite boring, and it's not necessarily worth it. I always recommend making swatches. Swatches are 4in by 4in (10cm by 10cm) and serve to show you how the yarn behaves in certain stitches. They're super helpful for every project you make.
Click here to see my post about swatches and what you can do with them.
Take your time and know that you're going to make mistakes! The important thing is that you're taking the steps towards becoming a knitter. Your first stitches may be really loose or really tight, but that will resolve itself over time. Do not stress about the process.
