Knitting for Beginners
Are you brand new to knitting? Here you'll find everything you need to get started. We've divided the information into categories to help you.
Learning to knit really comes down to two movements: the knit stitch and the purl stitch. Everything else – ribbing, seed stitch, stockinette – is a combination of those two. That sounds simpler than it feels the first few evenings, and it is completely normal for your stitch count to change on its own before your hands settle down.
You do not need to buy much to start: one ball of medium-weight yarn in a light color you can actually see the stitches in, and a pair of needles in the size the ball band recommends. Dark yarn and thin needles make it needlessly hard to see what you are doing. The pages below take you through equipment, the basic techniques and the questions that come up again and again.
Basics
Learn all about needles, yarn and how to choose your first project.
Technique Bank
Explore step-by-step guides for the most common techniques you need.
Gauge
Why it's so important and how to measure it correctly.
Tips & FAQ
Smart tips and answers to frequently asked questions for beginners.
What should I knit?
Stuck on your next project? Get inspiration for simple patterns that fit you.
The path to your first project
Here is a recommended order for learning to knit from scratch.
Choose the right equipment
Get an overview of needles and yarn that are easy to work with when you're completely new.
Read about equipment →Learn to cast on
The most common method is called 'Long Tail Cast-On'. This is where the magic starts!
See cast-on guide →Knit knit stitches
Once you know knit stitches, you can actually knit almost anything.
Learn the knit stitch →Washing and care
Take care of what you've made! Learn how to wash and store your knitted garments.
See washing guide →