Knitting Guides & Techniques
Master new techniques with our step-by-step guides. From beginner to expert.
Knitting is not one skill but many small ones. Most people who get stuck get stuck in one particular place: the garment came out too big, the pattern uses abbreviations they have never seen, or the edge turned out tight and ugly. Each guide below takes on one such problem, with photos and step-by-step explanations.
You do not need to read them in order. Find the one that matches where you are right now — they fall naturally into three groups:
Before you cast on
Gauge, choosing yarn and reading a pattern. This is where it is decided whether the garment ends up the right size, and where most mistakes happen.
Techniques along the way
Cast-on, bind-off, short rows and the contiguous method. Individual techniques you can learn in an evening and use for the rest of your knitting life.
Once the knitting is done
Seaming, blocking, washing and care. That last step is what separates a homemade garment from one that looks professionally finished.
Fiber Lexicon
Learn about different fiber types like wool, alpaca, silk and cotton.
Popular Yarn Brands in the US and UK
Overview of real yarn from Cascade Yarns, Lion Brand, Red Heart, Rowan and more, with yardage, gauge and needle size.
How to Switch Yarn
Learn how to calculate yarn amount when substituting yarn in a pattern.
Finishing Techniques
Learn mattress stitch and how to sew together professionally.
Washing and Care
How to wash and care for your knitted treasures.
Contiguous Method
Knit sleeves and shoulders simultaneously for a perfect fit without seams.
Short Rows Shaping
Learn 'German Short Rows' for shaping hats, shoulders and heels.
Italian Bind-Off
Get an elastic and professional edge on your ribbing.
Guide to Gauge
Learn how to knit and measure a gauge swatch correctly.
Common Gauge Mistakes
Why doesn't the sweater fit? Here are the 5 most common mistakes.
Guide to English Patterns
Learn to understand terminology and abbreviations in English knitting patterns.
Knit a Sweater
The ultimate guide to your first knitted sweater.
Knit Socks
How to knit your own rag socks and wool socks.
Knit a Neck Cooler
Guide to the world's easiest neck cooler for beginners.
Best Knitting Needles
Guide to choosing the right tool (wood, metal, carbon).
Knit Patterns
Learn multi-colored pattern knitting for classic garments.
Calculate Hat Stitches
Learn the formula and method to calculate the exact cast-on count for a perfect hat fit.
Fix a Dropped Stitch
Dropped a stitch? Don't panic! Here is how to fix a dropped stitch using a crochet hook.
Fix a Hole in Knitting
Learn how to repair and darn holes in knitted garments easily and cleanly.
What Should I Knit Now?
Stuck on your next project? Get inspiration, trends, and easy beginner patterns.
Frequently asked questions about the knitting guides
Which guide should I start with?
If you have never knitted a garment from a pattern before, start with our guide to gauge and the guide to reading a knitting pattern. Those two explain why garments come out the wrong size and what the abbreviations in a pattern mean. Read the rest as the need comes up.
Do I really have to knit a gauge swatch?
Yes, if you want the garment to fit. Your gauge decides how wide the work becomes, and two people knitting the same pattern with the same yarn and needles can end up with sweaters in two different sizes. A swatch takes twenty minutes; reknitting a whole sweater takes weeks.
What is the difference between a guide and a dictionary entry?
The dictionary explains what a term means, briefly and precisely — useful when you are mid-pattern and stuck on a word. A guide shows you how to do it, with photos and step-by-step instructions. Dictionary entries link on to the guide on the same topic where one exists.
Do the guides cost anything?
No. Every guide on Knittingtips.net is free to read, and you do not need an account or an email address.