How To Knit – A Complete Beginner’s Guide

If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to knit, you’re in the right place!

The step-by-step video and instructions below will help you get started.

Knitting is a relaxing and rewarding craft, and with just a few supplies and some step-by-step instructions, you’ll be well on your way to creating your first knitting project.

This guide will take you through the basics of knitting, including the essential techniques and tips for new knitters.

I understand how important video tutorials are in helping you along the way, so I have included plenty of links to my YouTube channel.

How To Knit For Beginners – Step By Step Tutorial

What Supplies Do I Need To Start Knitting?

Before you begin, it’s a good idea to gather your supplies.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Yarn – A medium-weight (worsted-weight) or bulky-weight yarn is a good option for beginners. Check the yarn label for details.
Knitting Needles – Straight needles (bamboo or wooden needles) in size 8 (5 mm) are great for beginners.
Tapestry Needle (Yarn Needle) – This is for weaving loose ends and any other sewing needed (for example, when seaming a sweater or grafting the toe of socks).
Scissors – To cut the yarn.
Stitch Markers – Helpful for keeping track of stitch patterns.
Flexible Measuring Tape – To measure your project.

how to read a yarn label the petite wool — Choose a yarn that you will enjoy, a bulky weight like this one, or a worsted weight.

Knitting needles bamboo — Choose knitting needles that are the correct size for your yarn; this information is on the yarn label.

How to Choose the Right Yarn for Knitting

Selecting the right yarn is an important first step for any project.

Consider these factors:

Color – Lighter colors make it easier to see your stitches.
Yarn Weight – Beginners should start with medium-weight yarn (worsted weight yarn) or bulky-weight yarn, as it’s easier to work with. Yarn Weight Guide (+ Yarn Conversion Chart)
Material – Cotton, wool, and acrylic are common options. Thicker yarns are great for learning stitches. The Best Knitting Yarn For Beginners (A Guide).
Yarn Label – Always check the label for recommended needle size and care instructions. How To Read A Yarn Label (Step By Step).

how to read a yarn label — There are many yarns that you can choose from; the label should show the weight of the yarn and the needle size you need, plus yards, meters, and gauge information.

How to Select the Best Knitting Needles for Your Project

Choosing the right knitting needles can make a big difference in your knitting experience.

Here are some factors to consider:

Length – Longer needles can hold more stitches, but shorter needles are easier to handle for small projects.
Material – Wooden needles are great for beginners because they provide grip, while metal needles allow for faster knitting.
Size – The needle size should match your yarn weight (refer to the yarn label for guidance).
Type – Straight needles are great for beginners, while circular needles and double-pointed needles are useful for advanced projects.
Best Knitting Needles For Beginners

How to Hold Your Needles and Yarn

There are different ways to hold your knitting needles and yarn.

The two most common techniques are:

English Method (Throwing)

Hold the right needle in your right hand and wrap the working yarn around the needle using your index finger.

Continental Method (Picking)

Hold the working yarn in your left hand and use the left-hand needle to pick up the yarn for each stitch.

Try both methods and see which feels more natural for you!

Continental VS English Knitting (A Beginner’s Guide)

Can I Teach Myself to Knit?

Absolutely!

Learning to knit on your own is entirely possible, and many people successfully teach themselves using online resources, books, and video tutorials.

Start with the basic stitches and practice consistently; take a look at these simple stitch patterns to have a go – 12 Simple Knitting Stitches For Beginners.

Using step-by-step guides like this one, along with photo tutorials and quick tutorials on social media, will help you gain confidence.

Take your time, be patient, and enjoy the process – knitting is a relaxing and rewarding skill at any level!

How To Do Knitting Step-by-Step

Now that you know how to hold your needles and yarn, let’s go through the fundamental steps of knitting.

From making a slip knot to completing your first project, each step builds on the last.

Follow along carefully, and don’t rush – practice makes perfect!

The First Step: Making a Slip Knot and Casting On

Before you can start knitting, you need to create a slip knot and cast on stitches.

1. Make a Slip Knot

Wrap the loops of yarn around your fingers and pull one loop through the other.
Tighten it onto one of your pair of needles.

2. Cast On Stitches (Long Tail Cast-On Method)

The long-tail cast on is a good option for beginners because it creates a neat edge.
Hold the yarn needle with the slip knot in your right hand and the working yarn in your left hand.
Loop the yarn over the left needle to create the desired number of stitches. You can also use a thumb loop (as seen in the video).
Video tutorial – How To Cast On.

How to Knit Your First Stitches

Once you’ve cast on, it’s time to learn the most basic stitch: the knit stitch.

Knit Stitch (Garter Stitch)

Insert the right needle into the first knit stitch on the left-hand needle.
Wrap the working yarn around the needle.
Pull the yarn through to create a new stitch.
Slip the old stitch off the left needle onto the right needle.
Repeat this with the second stitch.
Then, continue to repeat until you reach the end of the row.
Video Tutorial – How To Knit Garter Stitch.

After a few rows, you’ll notice a textured fabric called garter stitch.

Adding the Purl Stitch and Stockinette Stitch

Once you’re comfortable with the knit stitch, you can learn the purl stitch, which creates a smoother texture known as stockinette stitch.

Purl Stitch

Insert the right needle into the first stitch from right to left.
Wrap the yarn around the right needle.
Pull the yarn through and slip the old stitch off.
Video Tutorial – How To Purl
Video Tutorial – How To Knit Stocking Stitch

By alternating knit stitches and purl stitches, you create stockinette stitch, a smooth fabric with a knit side and a purl side.

How Do I Finish A Knitting Project?

Once you’ve completed your project, you need to bind off (or this can also be known as ‘cast off’) your stitches and secure the yarn to prevent unraveling.

Follow these steps to finish your knitting project neatly:

Binding Off (Casting Off) – Knit the first two stitches, then use the left needle to lift the first stitch over the second and off the needle. Continue until only one stitch remains. Video Tutorial – How To Cast Off.
Securing the Last Stitch – Cut the yarn, leaving a tail of about 6 inches. Pull the tail through the last stitch and tighten it.
Weaving in Loose Ends – Use a tapestry needle to weave the yarn tail into the stitches on the wrong side of the fabric, ensuring it stays secure.
Blocking Your Project (Optional) – Depending on the yarn type, you may want to block your project by wetting it and pinning it into shape to set the stitches.

By following these steps, your project will have a polished and professional finish!

Your First Knitting Project

Now that you know the basic stitches, it’s time to practice with your first piece – a simple first scarf!

Beginner Knitter’s First Scarf

Use bulky yarn and straight needles for an easy project.
Cast on about 30 stitches.
Knit every row in garter stitch.
Continue until the scarf is your desired length (around 70 inches).
Bind off and weave in the loose ends with a tapestry needle.

What Are The Easiest Things To Knit?

Beginners often like smaller projects like dishcloths.

Here are a couple of dishcloth patterns that I designed, which you can try: first, the Diagonal Knit Dishcloth Pattern and the popular Irish Moss Stitch Dishcloth Knitting Pattern.

Baby blankets are also easy, and this Easy Baby Blanket Knitting Pattern is for total beginner knitters.

Understanding Yarn Weight and Needle Size

When choosing materials, consider the yarn weight and needle size:

Thicker yarns require various sizes of knitting needles.
A gauge swatch helps ensure your stitches are the right size.
Check the yarn label to find the right knitting needles for your project.

Free Yarn Weights Guide Via Email!

Sign up for a free yarn weights guide. You will get 5 emails over 5 days and a free Yarn Weights Ebook delivered right into your inbox! After that you can enjoy weekly emails full of pattern inspiration and motivation.

yes! Send Me The yarn weights guide

Next Steps in Your Knitting Journey

Once you’ve mastered the basics of knitting, you can explore advanced knitting techniques, such as:

Using double-pointed needles for knitting in the round.
Learning new stitch patterns for more decorative projects.
Trying different cast-on stitches like the long tail cast-on.

Check out our pattern library for easy, beginner-friendly knitting patterns!

Final Thoughts – You’re on Your Way!

The good news is that knitting is a skill that improves with practice.

With this step-by-step guide, you’ve taken the first step toward becoming a confident knitter.

The best thing you can do is keep practicing and trying new projects.

Don’t forget to share your progress on social media and join the Handy Little Me knitting community for more quick tutorials and inspiration!

Happy knitting!

Learning to Knit FAQs

Here are some common questions new knitters have:

1. How long does it take to learn to knit?

Learning to knit varies from person to person. Some pick it up within a few hours, while others take weeks to feel comfortable. Consistent practice is key!

2. What is the easiest knitting stitch for beginners?

The garter stitch, which is made by knitting every row, is the easiest and most beginner-friendly stitch.

3. What type of yarn is best for beginners?

A medium-weight yarn (worsted weight) is the best choice as it’s easy to see and handle.

4. Should I use wooden or metal needles?

Wooden needles are great for beginners since they provide more grip, making stitches less likely to slip off.

5. How do I fix a dropped stitch?

You can use a crochet hook or knitting needle to pick up the dropped stitch and place it back on the needle. Tutorial – How To Pick Up A Dropped Knit Stitch.

6. Can I knit without a pattern?

Yes! Simple projects like scarves or dishcloths can be knit without a pattern using basic stitches.

7. What should my first knitting project be?

A scarf or washcloth is a great first project because they use simple stitches and help you practice tension.

8. How do I know if my knitting tension is correct?

Make a gauge swatch by knitting a small square and measuring it against the pattern’s recommended size.

9. Is knitting expensive?

Knitting can be affordable! Start with budget-friendly yarns and needles to keep costs low.

10. What’s the best way to practice knitting?

Practice daily with small swatches, experiment with different stitches, and follow photo tutorials and quick tutorials online.