Embarking on your knitting journey is an exciting adventure, but it’s perfectly normal to encounter a few bumps along the road. Don’t worry if you find extra stitches appearing out of nowhere, your knitting feels too tight or loose, or little holes pop up in your work. These are common experiences for beginners learning How To Knit, and totally fixable! To help you navigate these early stages smoothly, we’ve put together a guide featuring beginner-friendly projects and troubleshooting tips.
1. Knit Your First Scarf: A Simple Start
Once you’ve grasped the basic knit stitch, creating your first scarf is a fantastic next step in learning how to knit. It’s incredibly rewarding to see your skills turn into a wearable item!
To begin, cast on stitches until your piece is the desired width of your scarf. Then, simply continue knitting until your scarf reaches your preferred length. Finish off by casting off. It’s that simple!
Personal preferences vary when it comes to scarf length. Some knitters prefer shorter, more compact scarves, while others, like myself, love long, luxurious scarves that can wrap around the neck with generous ends. The beauty of knitting is its adaptability – you can create exactly what you want. If you’d like a step-by-step walkthrough, you can follow this detailed scarf tutorial to knit along.
Skills you’ll learn: cast on, knit stitch, cast off
Difficulty Level: 1/5
2. Knit an Infinity Scarf: Expanding Your Skills
If you’ve already successfully knitted a scarf and are ready for a slightly more advanced project, an infinity scarf is an excellent choice to further develop your how to knit abilities.
This project builds upon your existing knit stitch knowledge and introduces two new essential techniques: knitting in the round and the purl stitch. Mastering these two techniques will unlock a vast array of knitting possibilities and expand your understanding of how to knit different textures and shapes.
Follow a tutorial to create the popular Cushy Cowl infinity scarf. This cozy circular tube of garter stitch can be looped around your neck for instant warmth and style. You can find a helpful infinity scarf tutorial online to guide you through each step.
Skills you’ll learn: cast on, knitting in the round, knit stitch, purl stitch, cast off
Difficulty Level: 1/5
3. Knit Your First Hat: Taking on a New Challenge
Feeling confident after the infinity scarf, or simply eager for a new challenge? Knitting a hat is a wonderful project to further explore how to knit and expand your skillset. You’ll not only build on your previous skills but also learn how to knit in the round using double pointed needles – a significant step for any knitter learning how to knit more complex items.
Furthermore, you’ll discover how to decrease stitches to shape the hat and create a classic rib stitch using knit and purl combinations. And as a fun bonus, you’ll learn to make and attach a fluffy pom pom to top off your creation!
Consider following a tutorial to knit the Big Hat, a widely enjoyed pattern that provides clear instructions for beginners learning how to knit hats.
Skills you’ll learn: cast on, knitting in the round, knitting with double-pointed needles, stockinette stitch, decreasing, knit stitch, cast off, making a pom pom
Difficulty Level: 2/5
4. Explore Knitting Patterns for Your Next Project
Are you now hooked on knitting? Do you have the knitting bug and are eager to start a new project? If so, it’s time to delve into a pattern library for endless inspiration and continue your journey of how to knit various items.
Feel free to save your favorite patterns for later, or jump right in and cast on your next project immediately! Pattern libraries offer a range of options, including both free and premium patterns, often accompanied by video tutorials to guide you through each step and enhance your how to knit knowledge.
Once you are comfortable knitting flat pieces on straight needles, think about progressing to knitting in the round using circular needles and double-pointed needles. This transition will unlock a whole new world of knitting patterns, enabling you to create hats, socks, and eventually, sweaters.
Knitting a sweater is a significant milestone for any knitter. To guide beginners through the rewarding experience of sweater knitting, resources like the Everyday Raglan course are available to help you knit your first sweater and master more advanced how to knit techniques.
