Try your hands at knitting

at-home | ▲ difficulty | ⏳ 2-3 hours

Step-by-step guide

OK, let’s get started.

Step 1: Get your basic supplies

Buy a few knitting supplies that every knitter will need.

1. Knitting Needles: There are different size knitting needles suitable for different sizes of yarn. They can be made out of materials like wood, plastic, or metal. It’s up to you which type of needles you’d like to buy. For your first pair, try bamboo needles in size 10mm. These are large needles that will provide “grip” and help you see each stitch more easily. 

2. Yarn: There are many types of yarn. While you are learning, try buying a more affordable yarn made out of acrylic. Now is the time to learn about reading yarn labels, as you will need to find a yarn size that matches your needles. When buying yarn, look for the icon depicting the knitting needles. Near this icon, there will be a number with “mm” next to it. This number is the recommended size of knitting needles. Since we suggested buying 10mm knitting needles, look for a “bulky” yarn with size 10mm needles on the label.

3. Darning needle: A darning needle is an oversized needle with an eye big enough to fit yarn through it. Darning needles are essential for finishing your knitting project.

Step 2: Learn to “cast-on” your first row of stitches

“Casting-on” is the process of adding the first row of stitches to your knitting needles. They form the edge of your project. There are different ways to cast-on. Try the first method for your first project, then try the more advanced version once you get comfortable. At this point, it doesn’t matter how many stitches you cast on while practicing.

1. Easy cast-on for beginners: The easy cast-on consists of forming loops around the needle. Here is an instructional video: Easy CAST ON for Beginners (Try watching this video in slow motion if you are having trouble following it.)

2. Long-tail cast on for beginners: This cast-on method is slightly more complicated, but it has some advantages over the easy way. Specifically, it forms tighter edges. Here is an instructional video: Longtail Cast On for Beginners 

Step 3: Learn and practice two types of basic stitches

There are two types of basic stitches that you should learn. These stitches can be knitted in different patterns to produce different effects once you are more advanced.

1. The knit stitch: When you use the knit stitch exclusively, it will produce a thicker fabric that will be perfect for scarves and hats. Here is an instructional video: The KNIT STITCH for Total Beginners 

2. The purl stitch: The purl stitch is basically the opposite of the knit stitch. When used exclusively, it produces the same effect as the knit stitch. Here is an instructional video: How to PURL STITCH for Total Beginners 

Step 4: Try your first knitting project

Try knitting a simple scarf for your first knitting project. A scarf is an easy first project for all beginners.

1. Cast-on 15 stitches using your preferred method.

2. Pick a stitch from step 3 (both will produce the same effect when used exclusively). 

3. Continue to knit rows using the same stitch until you reach the desired length.

4. Cast-off with a darning needle to finish your scarf.

Here is an instructional video that covers this process from cast-on to cast-off: How to Knit a Scarf for Beginners Step By Step 

 Relevant links:

• The mental health benefits of knitting This article covers the various health benefits of knitting.

• How to read yarn labels Provides a comprehensive overview of all the information on a yarn label. Skip to the section “Yarn Label Section Especially Important For Knitters…” for information to help you with step 2.