As soon as you master ‘casting on’, you’re going to want to move on to the knit stitch, and as soon as you get that down pat, you’re going to want to create something fabulous. Check out this ebook I published for Super Duper Knit Hat ( Kindle Version ) Patterns. It’s wonderful, you’re going to love it.
Super Duper Knit Hats for Beginners
If you’re already knitting, go ahead and give the book a try! If you are just starting out or looking for a refresher, THIS IS EXACTLY WHERE YOU NEED TO BE
My knitting journey starts long ago in a far-away place. With little money, lots of time, and an entire slew of people I wanted to get gifts for come the impending Holiday Season, it was inevitable. I had always had an interest in knitting, but could never quite grasp it.
Armed with a how-to book, and Google, I am now a knitting teacher, pattern designer and all around yarn enthusiast. And I’m here to help.
This article focuses on the technique casting on. Click on these links for the knit stitch, the purl stitch and how to bind off.
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Building a Foundation
Like anything you build in life, you need to start with a foundation.
Good to Know
Casting On
Before you can actually knit, you need a place to start. There are several ways to cast on, although I totally prefer the slingshot method, it seems to be the most useful, and it sounds pretty cool.
- Pull a length of yarn from the skein. If you’re using a worsted weight yarn, and 5mm knitting needles, you can usually count on needing one inch of yarn per stitch when casting on. Make a slip knot, place it on the needle, and pull the yarn ends to tighten it. This counts as your first cast on stitch
- Hold the needled with the slip knot in your right hand with your index finger resting on the slip knot.
- Place the short end of yarn over your left thumb, and bring the working yarn up and over your left index finger. Hold both yarn ends in your left palm with your three remaining fingers. Like a sling shot.
- Insert tip of needle under first strand of yarn on left thumb
- Bring needle over and around the first strand on your index finger
- Pull the yarn and needle down through the loop on your thumb
- Slip your thumb out of the loop, then bring your thumb toward you, catching the yarn end to form a new loop on your thumb and gently pulling to tighten the new stitch on the needle.
- Repeat steps 3-7 until you have the required amount of stitches on your needle.
Practice How to Cast On
With these patterns that are perfect for beginners, like the Kid’s Pom Pom Hat, or the DIY Rainbow Scarf. Once you’ve mastered casting on, or atleast become comfortable with it, move on to the Knit Stitch.
You mad this look a lot easier than I thought it would be. I think I might give knitting a try!
Oh good! I hope you do – and just shout out if you need a hand!
These instructions actually make sense! As a lefty it’s been impossible for my mother to teach me, but these photos are great!
My grandma used to try to teach me how. I never really quite ‘got it.’ She did teach me to crochet. Our favorite keepsakes are blankets that my grandma knit.
I love to watch people knit! At one time I made a scarf, but it was sure ugly! HA!
This is something I never learned. I can crochet, but I cannot knit. It just seems too complicated for me. I will try again following your tutorial. Hopefully I get it right this time.
This is interesting to find a detailed knitting tutorial on a farming website.
I love the “homesteading” approach in the combination of it all. You sure are creative. 🙂
My mother taught me how to knit back in the day. I honestly am very rusty now and I’m pretty glad I came across this.
Thank you for these knitting tips. I used to love knitting with my mom when I was a kid. I made sweaters and such for the family dog.
I love this idea of offering a tutorial on how to knit. This is beautiful.
I admire those who knit. It is inspiring to see people work those needles.
This was so informative! Knitting has always something I wanted to learn but never knew where to start!
Thanks for this knitting guide! I don’t know how to knit so this is super helpful. Thanks.
My fingers are not that nimble anymore, but I would still give this a try. I love watching people who can knit like it was their second nature!
You made it more appear more easier than I thought it was. When I was young, my sister does that most often, but I never knew it was this easy. Thanks for this!