Learn to Knit: A Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide

Knitting is a timeless skill that is not only practical, but also fun and relaxing. It’s a hobby you can pick up on a rainy day, in a comfy chair, or simply when you need some quiet time. Starting a new craft like knitting can seem daunting at first, but with the right guidance, you will be crafting in no time. Let this beginner’s guide walk you through the basics.

Materials Needed

Before you start, you’ll need the following essentials: Knitting needles, knitting wool, and a pair of scissors. You can purchase a beginner’s knitting kit from most craft stores, or buy knitting wool online Australia from the comfort of your home. For beginners, a medium weight yarn and a pair of size 9 or 10 knitting needles are recommended.

Step 1: Making a Slipknot

First, make a loop with your yarn, ensuring the tail end of the yarn is dangling to your left. Pull another loop through the first loop, snatch the tail and tug gently to tighten your knot. Slide this knot onto one knitting needle and hold this in your right hand, this is your first stitch.

Step 2: Casting On

‘Casting on’ is knitting jargon for making the foundation row of stitches on your needle. Place your left needle under the right, insert it up into the loop of the slipknot, wrap the loose yarn around it, and then pull it through to begin creating your stitches.

Step 3: The Knit Stitch

The ‘Knit Stitch’ is the most basic stitch in knitting. Insert your right needle into the stitch on your left needle. Wrap the yarn around the right needle, and draw it through the first loop to the front of the work—this creates a new loop, and slide off the old stitch. Repeat this step for each stitch.

Step 4: The Purl Stitch

The “Purl Stitch” is essentially the opposite of the knit stitch. Instead of inserting your needle from left to right, insert it from right to left. Wrap your yarn over and then beneath the right needle. Gently pull that loop you’ve just made through the stitch. Slip the old stitch off and voila, you’ve purled.

Step 5: Casting Off

Once you have reached your desired length, you need to carefully remove the stitches from your needle without unravelling your work, this is known as ‘casting off’. Basically, you’ll knit two stitches, then pull the first one over the second. Repeat this step with every stitch until you have one left, then simply cut your yarn and pull it through the remaining loop.

Remember, knitting takes a lot of practice, patience, and persistence. So, don’t be discouraged if you don’t get it right the first time. Keep trying, and before you know it, you will be knitting like a pro.

Now that you have the basic knowledge to start your first knitting project, you’re on your way to a lifetime of knitting. Enjoy the process, learn from your mistakes, and, most importantly, have fun! Happy knitting!