In this tutorial I’ll be showing you what you need to know to start knitting. Knitting is different from crocheting in that all stitches are comprised of either a “knit” or “purl”. Once you know these two stitches, you’ll be on your way to knitting like a pro!
Supplies Checklist:
- Knitting Needles
- Yarn
Part 1: Making a Slip Knot
- The slip knot for knitting is the same as the slip knot for crocheting, but I will show you here too in case you didn’t have a look at my crocheting for beginners tutorial.
Leave about a 4″ tail and flip the tail over the yarn coming off of the yarn ball.
Flip the tail under the loop that was created so that it is going down the center of the loop from behind.
Pull the tail slightly through the loop.
Place one if your needles into the new top loop created (the smaller of the two loops).
Pull the loop tightly around the needle and this is your slip knot, ready to cast on the first row.
Casting On:
Holding the needle with your slip knot on it in your left hand, push the needle in your right hand through the slip knot and behind the other needle.
Wrap the yarn coming from the yarn ball around the right hand needle and between the needles.
Push the right hand needle against the left hand needle and pull the yarn you just wraped around through the slip knot loop.
Now you should have the slip knot loop still in the left hand, and another loop around the right hand needle (so one loop on each needle).
Push both loops to the top of the needle.
Transfer the loop that’s on the right hand needle to the left hand needle.
Now you should have two loops on the left hand needle.
For the next loop, wrap the yarn around the right hand needle again.
Pull the yarn through the first loop on the left hand needle again so that you have one loop on the right hand needle.
Transfer the right hand loop to the left needle so you now have three loops on the left hand needle.
Continue doing this until you have casted on as many stitches across as you would like. For this tutorial I have casted on 20 stitches (not including the slip knot).
Knit Stitch:
- After you have casted on your first row, you pretty much have just been knitting already, but it is slightly different after you get the loop on the right needle so I’ll go through the first regular row anyways..
Place your right needle behind the left needle.
Wrap the yarn counter clockwise around the right needle, and behind the left needle.
Pull the yarn through the loop so it is on the right needle (like above).
Here’s where it get’s different. Push the first stitch on the left needle off of the needle completely.
Now you’ll have less stitches on the left needle, and one on the right.
Continue this same method down the row.
Once all of the stitches are off of the left hook and on the right hook, that row is done.
For the next row, move what was your right hook to your left hand now, and your left hook to your right hand (flip them). The hook with the stitches on it will always start off in your left hand.
Continue stitching the next row as you did the first.
When you have the next row done, you will begin to see the pattern forming.
Purl Stitch:
- For the next row I’ll be showing you how to do a purl stitch. You can alternate between knitting and purling in the same row as well as in different rows to form different patterns.
The main difference between a purl stitch and a knit stitch is that the right needle is put in front of the left needle instead of behind. So to start, hook the right needle into the first loop on the left needle, but in front of the left needle this time.
Wrap the yarn around the right needle counter clockwise (like above), but this time in front of the back needle and around the front one. Just remember that you will always be wrapping the yarn counter clockwise around the needle in your right hand.
Pull the yarn through the first loop in the left needle, creating a new loop on the right needle.
Continue this same technique down the row.
When all of the stitches are off of the left needle, that row is done.
Continue stitching, rotating between the knit and purl stitch as you’d like so you can see the patterns they will form.
Casting Off:
To start casting off, stitch two knit stitches (or you can also stitch two purl stitches if that works better for your pattern – either one).
Now you should have two loops on the right needle.
Take your left needle and push it through the second loop on your right needle (the first loop you made).
Pull the loop up and over the first loop and off of the right hook.
Now you will have One loop on the right hook and it will look something like this.
Knit another stitch so you have two on the right hook again.- Pull the loop up and over the first loop and off of the right hook again (like above).
Continue repeating this down the row.
Now you should have all of the stitches off of both hooks, except for one left on the right hook.
Pull the loop off the hook and cut the yarn, leaving several inches to work with.
Push the excess yarn through the last loop.
Pull it tight to tie off the end of the row.
That is a small knitted block! Now you should know how to do all the basics of knitting to get going on some fun projects! Leave a comment if you have any questions!
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I have been trying to find a website like yours for ages as I have a grand daughter who is now 3 years old and wanted a step by step guide but everything was too confusing for me.
Thank you. I found you by accident and have saved this beginners guide page to help me make a start.
Will let you know how I get on. Will try and find out whether there are any beginners classes in my area next to guide me also, but will pass on this page to other beginners who I know are interested.
Glad I found this site of yours as it is very helpful for step by step guide.
Will pass on to other beginners like myself.
Will also now try and find classes in my area or, do you have any suggestions?
@ Angela
Thank you! I’m so glad you found it useful. I remember that when I was trying to learn it can be very intimidating.
As for classes in your area, I’m not sure. Sometimes Joann Fabrics and Michaels will have some classes on various things and sometimes knitting. You could also try and check out your local community center because they often have classes on craft type things as well.
Good luck! Let me know how it all goes and if you have any questions!
I cant understand a thing! the layout is terrible!!!
@ Kate
I’m sorry you don’t like the layout. I am considering changing it, but as for the small images go (if that’s what you’re referring to) you can click them to enlarge in case they’re too small.
Thanks for visiting!
Thanks, this helped me a lot.9:
Thank you so much!
I’m only 11 and have been meaning to learn to knit for the longest time, but I have lately been overwelmed with homework.
This was very easy for me to understand and I’ve been knitting a bunch for the past few weeks since I accidentally found your website…Thanks again!
Thank you so much! The instructions are very helpful. My 4 year old has been wanting to knit so I thought it would be a wonderful thing for us to learn together.
Heyy, Thank You I Have Made Myself Quite A Few Scarfs Now As I have Followed Instructions. And I Crochet So This Is Quite Easy To Do. Thank Youu
I’m trying to make a baby afghan, and am knitting 3 then purling 3. I made a mistake and knit3 when I should have purled 3. How do I undo the mistake?
I am so glad i finally found your webpage. I have been looking for step by step instructions (that i could actually understand) all night. I am happy i finally found yours, thanks this is so helpfull. P.S. the layout is fantastic
I am a very beginner at knitting. I have my first grandchid due in Sept. I thought it would be nice to knitt he a baby blanket. I found your website and it is very helpful. The problem I am having is my hands and fingers do not want to cooperate. Any suggestion?
I am new to knitting. I can cast on, knit a row, purl a row, but I can’t seem to alternate knit and purl stitches. I know I am doing something wrong with where I put the yarn. Can you post a little series of pictures when you have time? Thanks!
Thank you so much for such an easy to follow knotting guide. I have tried to learn several times but gave up because it was so confusing. I am expecting a baby and am going to attemp a blanket.
Thank you so much! Your website is so helpful. My grandma taught me how to knit & crochet when I was a little girl. I kept up the crochet, but have gotten very rusty with my knitting. Thanks to you, I feel confident enough to follow patterns and knit my own garments again!! Thanks heaps!!
Hi there !
I have problems to make this stitch knit 2 tog and then twist the wool could you please show me this .
Thank you .
I like to know how to do this stitch
knit 2 tog then twist the wool . Thank you .
thanks this was very helpful especially with the pictures.
This is so wonderful. These are easy to understand and the step by step photos are beynond helpful. Thank you so very much. This is so perfect.
<3
Thank you so much for such an easy step by step knitting guide.My 4 year old wants me to knitt something special for her & I think it will be a really agreat fun.
how to cast off at both ends and again in following rows?
I searched the internet and this was the only website where i actually understood anything.! thnks a bunch.! – happily knitting booties for my baby cousin.<3
i would like to know more on knitting such as how to pick up a dropped stitch etc.
when i drop a stich and don’t see the error for awhile is there any way to fix it?
[...] Step-by-step photo knitting basics [...]
I found this to be VERY helpful! It was even more helpful than the books that I purchased initially. The only thing that is missing is a section about fixing mistakes. I would really appreciate it if you could give a step-by-step guide to fixing errors as I am finding it to be a difficult task.
I start knitting since last year, find your website very useful for beginners, n hope u can post more new sts @ your web, such as PUK, KFB, M1, and how to increase sts w/O seeing a hole:-) thks
I have been asked to give instructions to some children at a Volteer center on how to knit and I have been looking for a site that would help me do this … I am very glad to find ours with th e step by steps thank you for putting this up ..
Hi, I have wanted to learn to knit for years. I want to know if you have any advice for beginners. I am going to purchase the needles and yarn to start praticing soon. I love all of the projects I have viewed online of shawls and etc. I would love to learn to make some for myself and my daughters.
Very well done.Easy to follow. I will endeavour to teach my daughter and granddaughter. Thank you
How do you make other shapes: round pot holders, sweaters, gloves, etc? How to you transition from the basic rectangle? Obviously I’m new at this. Thanks!
This is, by far, The Easiest, The most thorough, most accurate tutorial that I have found anywhere on the Web. I always wanted to learn to knit, but never had anyone to teach me. With your help, I have now taught myself and it’s such a thrill to see the stitches coming together! Thanks a million!
Does anyone have or know where I can find a conversion chart for knit stitches. I ordered a doll pattern from a woman in England, and the stitches aren’t written in English. Thank you in advance for your help!
Thank you SO much! I am teaching myself how to knit and your instructions are by far the best I have found.
This site has done what $80 spent on several books marketed towards people wishing to learn how to knit has not. Thank you!
hi, just want to drop by and left the message here.. just found your blog by chance.. its a very nice and understandable step-by-step guide for beginner like me..
This is awesome! I finally figured out how to knit. Since my grandma died i’ve been intrigued with knitting after watching her for years, like a pro. Thanks SO much!
first time and i already understand what to do awesome understandable instructions
I decided to start knitting to relax me and bought a book and it did nothing and then I found you! Wayyyy better and so much easier to understand!
Thank you. I now feel like a knitting pro!!
thank you for your step-by-step photos and instructions. I used them to re-learn how to knit. I couldn’t stop and didn’t know the term but ur photos showed me how to “cast off” !! I’m so happy, I can now finish and turn in my little squares for the “warm up america” project at work. Gracias! ruthie
The pictures made it very easy to follow. I now can say I know how to knit! My last attempts were more of something to laugh at then to be proud of…Thanks for your help!
I learned alot this will be a piece of cake i mean a piece of art
Thanks I am getting started.
thx for uploading this. it’s very helpful.
Hi, Could you better explain what you mean when you say, “Wrap the yarn counter clockwise around the right needle, and behind the left needle.-I mean after I do that, well the picture isn’t very explanatory,and I have been so frustrated trying to figure out your explication to this one step. Not just that step but the next one after that. Below-
Pull the yarn through the loop so it is on the right needle (like above). What loop from where are you referring to? The loop previously there on the right or the left???? Because of the undetailed of it all, I have not been able to move forward with my kitting. So if you could please let me know how to work those two steps, that would be great.
[...] How to Choose Knitting Needles (with pictures) – wikiHowHow to Knit: 10 steps (with pictures) – wikiHowBest knitting needles for beginners? – Yahoo! AnswersTools for Beginners: Needles – Knitting – About.comHow to Knit a Scarf – For BeginnersKnitting needles for beginners | embeKnitting For Beginners – Instructions [...]
[...] Step-by-step photo knitting basics [...]
man thanks this helped me a lot:)
Have been trying to learn to knit or crochet for years. Found this page, three days later I have completed my first project. I cannot thank you enough!!
THANK U SO MUCH I AM TEACHING MY SELF PLZ UP LOAD VIDEOS ALSO
This is great!! I got it the first time! Just one question is this tutorial good for making a blanket? If not.. Could you do one that shows how to? Thank you(:
What needles should I use, as a beginner?
I love the layout! I have been want to learn how to knit for the longest time. I am so greatful to have found this site! Thank you!
i love knitting but i can’t knit like this because i only have 1 needle so could you make a new knit that only use 1 needle please