Knitting is a fun, creative, and calming hobby that lets you turn yarn into scarves, sweaters, blankets, and more. Whether you’re dreaming of cozy winter wear or cute handmade gifts, the first step is learning the basics: how to knit.
This guide covers everything you need to know to get started—even if you’ve never touched a pair of knitting needles before.
What You Need to Start Knitting
Before we jump into the steps, gather these basic tools:
- Yarn – Choose a smooth, medium-weight yarn (labeled as “worsted weight”) in a light color. It’s easier to see your stitches.
- Knitting needles – Start with US size 8 (5mm) needles. Wooden or bamboo needles are great for beginners since they aren’t too slippery.
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle – For weaving in ends (optional for now).
Step 1: Learn the Knit Language
Before you start, here are a few basic terms:
- Cast on – How you get the first stitches onto your needle
- Knit stitch – The most basic stitch, used in most patterns
- Purl stitch – Another basic stitch that pairs with the knit stitch
- Bind off – How you finish your project and remove it from the needles
Step 2: Casting On (Making Your First Stitches)
There are many ways to cast on, but the long-tail cast on is popular for beginners.
- Measure out a tail about 3x the width of your project.
- Make a slip knot and place it on one needle.
- Hold the yarn tail in your left hand and working yarn in your right (or vice versa—whatever feels comfortable).
- Use your fingers to make a slingshot shape and insert the needle under the front loop on your thumb.
- Catch the yarn from your index finger, pull it through the thumb loop, and tighten.
Repeat until you have the number of stitches you need (start with 20 for practice).
Step 3: The Knit Stitch
Now let’s learn how to knit!
- Hold the needle with the cast-on stitches in your left hand.
- Insert the right needle into the front of the first stitch (from left to right).
- Wrap the working yarn around the back of the right needle (counter-clockwise).
- Pull the loop through the stitch with your right needle.
- Slide the old stitch off the left needle.
Repeat this process across the row. That’s your first knitted row!
Step 4: Turn and Knit Again
When you reach the end of the row:
- Switch the needles in your hands so the full one is on the left again.
- Repeat the knit stitch across this row.
Congrats! You’re knitting! Continue knitting row after row to make a garter stitch, which looks bumpy and is great for scarves.
Step 5: Binding Off (Finishing)
When your project is as long as you want, it’s time to bind off:
- Knit the first two stitches.
- Use your left needle to lift the first stitch over the second and off the right needle.
- Knit one more stitch, and lift the previous stitch over again.
- Repeat until one stitch remains.
- Cut your yarn, leaving a tail, and pull it through the last loop to secure it.
Step 6: Weave in Your Yarn Tail
Use a tapestry needle or your fingers to tuck the loose yarn tails into the stitches on the back of your work. This keeps everything tidy and secure.
Bonus Tips for New Knitters
- Start with a small project, like a dishcloth or scarf.
- Practice tension – not too tight, not too loose.
- If you drop a stitch, don’t panic—there are easy ways to fix it.
- YouTube tutorials can be helpful for visual learners.
- Don’t be afraid to rip it out and start again—mistakes help you learn!
Common Beginner Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
- Accidentally adding stitches – Watch that you’re not wrapping the yarn twice or knitting into the space between stitches.
- Twisted stitches – Always insert the needle the same way to avoid twisting.
- Too-tight stitches – Try to relax your hands and don’t pull the yarn too hard.
What Can You Knit as a Beginner?
- Garter stitch scarf
- Washcloth or dishcloth
- Headband
- Simple baby blanket
- Wrist warmers
Final Thoughts
Learning how to knit is like learning to ride a bike: it’s awkward at first, but once you get it, you’ll never forget. It’s a skill that brings endless creativity, relaxation, and joy.
Start with small goals, be patient, and enjoy the rhythm of the stitches. Before you know it, you’ll be knitting gifts, clothes, and decorations like a pro.