A Couple of Basic Steps for Learning How to Knit

Articles 101

How To Knit 

Topics: Knitting/How To

by The Articles 101 Team

FROM THE ARTICLES 101 ONLINE TEXTBOOK 

Introduction

Are you interested in learning how to knit? Then you'll soon be in very good company. Knitting is a craft technique that appeals to all ages and skills, and just so happens to be a healthy hobby. It's meditative, creative, and eco-minded. Not to mention it delivers the thrill of creating a special, one-of-a-kind item with your own two hands.

If you're committed to picking up the practice, there are a few things you'll need: a pair of needles, quality yarn (in a hank, skein, or ball), and a project that's best matched to your skillset. If you're a beginner, start with something easy and small in size such as a headband in garter or a winter shawl in stockinette stitch. As you progress in skill, you can add signature touches to your knit items like unique knitting stitches, cabled embellishments, or finished trims.

In knitting, there are two basic knitting styles: the English method and the German/Continental method. The only real difference lies in how the yarn is held. With the English method, the working yarn is held in the right hand; with the German/Continental method, it is held in the left. While both methods produce equally fine results, we're using the German/Continental method in order to take you through the step-by-step instructions and teach you how to cast on, knit, purl, and cast off here. Master the method, pick a project, and let your fingers fly.

How to Tie a Slip Knot

Make a slip knot by looping the yarn into a pretzel shape, leaving a tail end at least three times the width of what you are knitting (for instance, if your scarf is 8 inches wide, you'll need a 24-inch-long tail). Slip the knitting needle through pretzel shape as shown, and pull the yarn ends to tighten.

To begin knitting, you will need to create a foundation row of stitches on your needle by "casting on." Drape the tail of yarn over your left thumb and the working yarn (ball end) over your left index finger. Use your other fingers to catch yarn lengths in left palm. Insert the needle upward through the loop on your thumb.

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