Knitting builds fabric from rows of interlocking loops worked on two needles. This gets you through the four essentials: casting on, the knit stitch, keeping a row going, and casting off so your work doesn't unravel.
What you'll need
- A ball of worsted-weight yarn
- A pair of 5mm knitting needles
- Scissors
Step by step
- Make a slip knotForm a loop, pull the working yarn through it, and slide it onto one needle. Snug it up so it holds but still slides.
- Cast on your stitchesUsing the backward-loop or long-tail method, add about 20 loops onto the needle. These become the first row of your knitting.
- Work the knit stitchPush the right needle through the front of the first stitch, wrap the yarn around it, pull that loop through, and slip the old stitch off the left needle.
- Finish the rowRepeat the knit stitch across all the stitches until the left needle is empty, then swap the needles between hands and start the next row.
- Keep going for a swatchKnit several rows the same way. Knitting every row produces the bumpy garter stitch pattern, which is a good, stretchy fabric for practice.
- Cast off to finishKnit two stitches, then lift the first over the second and off the needle. Repeat to the end, cut the yarn, and pull the tail through the last loop.
Handy tips
- Smooth, light yarn and medium needles make individual stitches easy to see while learning.
- Try not to knit too tightly; loose, even stitches are much easier to work into on the next row.
- If you lose your place, count your stitches — dropping or adding one is the most common beginner slip.
FAQ
Should I learn knit or purl first?
Start with the knit stitch alone. Once it feels automatic, the purl stitch is just the reverse motion and much easier to add.
How do I fix a dropped stitch?
A dropped stitch shows as a loose loop with a ladder above it. You can slip a crochet hook through the loop and pull each rung back up to rescue it.
Why does my knitting get wider or narrower?
Accidentally adding stitches usually comes from yarning over by mistake, and losing them from knitting two together. Count each row to spot it.