Easy Instructions
on
How to Knit 

Finding instructions on how to knit can be hard to follow, especially reading the instructions as you try and learn this craft.

One you have mastered how to do the basic knitting stitches which are a knit stitch and purl stitch, just keep practising casting on, knitting and casting off.

Knitting is basically a series of loops that are intermingled together.

A little bit of concentration is needed at first so no stitches are dropped or come off the needle accidentally as this will result in a hole in the item. If a stitch is dropped then it has to be retrieved to continue the knit especially if doing a pattern.

At the end of the knit the loops need to be secured so they will not unravel and spoil all the hard work that has been taken in making this item.

Choose your wool or yarn and knitting needles. Have fun learning and experimenting with the stitches.

It is easy to pull down and start again until you have got it mastered. If the knitting is a bit complicated sit in a quiet place with no distractions and take each row in turn.

There are many techniques to the steps below and you just have to choose the best one for you.

Instructions on how to knit

Step 1 - Making a slip Stitch

The first step is to get the wool or yarn onto the knitting needle. There is a variety of ways, using fingers, thumb, and knitting needles. The video below shows one way.

This is a method I have always used and the one that suits me. Try the different ways and pick the one that suits you best.

Step 2 - Casting on some more stitches

Now there is one stitch on the needle, the item that is being made probably needs a lot lot more or just a few more depending on what you are going to make.

There are again many ways to do this, one way is shown below using knitting needles. This is the way I have always used but there are others using fingers as well.

Again pick the casting on method you like the best.

Step 3 - The knit stitch

The first stitch to learn would be the knit stitch. Items can be made using this stitch alone or when combined with the purl stitch, can produce interesting patterns.

The most common pattern and the one most sweaters and jumpers are knitted in is the stocking stitch

Step 4 - The purl stitch 

The second stitch to learn would be the purl stitch and with this stitch along with the knit stitch many items can be made with lots of knitting stitches.

Stocking stitch is just one row knit and then one row purl, rib stitch is one knit stitch and then one purl stitch along the same row and then matching that stitch on the second row. Moss stitch is similar to rib on the first row but then the different stitch done on the second row.

Patterns made from these two knitting stitches.

There are many lovely patterns that only use these two stitches. Whether they are done along a row at a time or individual stitches will depend on what pattern is picked.

The Moss stitch pattern is knit, purl, knit purl to the end of the row and on the next row knit the opposite stitch so where there was a knit before do a purl and continue to the end of the row. This is good as an alternative to rib stitch and can be done around the bottom of a cardigan or jumper, bottom of the sleeves and around the neck. Wherever a rib stitch would be done.

Rib knitting is alternate knit and purl stitches that continues doing the same stitch on every row. This make a stretchy knit and is good for cuffs and the bottom of a jumper or cardigan. Equally a jumper could be made out of the rib stitch only

Basketweave stitch is another pattern and this has four stitches in each block. This pattern starts by four stitches of knit followed by four stitches of purl and this is continued along the row and each block is done in four rows.

The fifth row starts with the alternate stitch to the first blocks. In this case start with four purl and followed by four knit continuing along the row and changing the block every fourth row.

Step 5 - Casting off the stitches

Once the knitting is finished and you have knitted all the rows that are needed another important step is now to remove the stitches from the needle so your item stays intact and does not unravel.

Even now after knitting for 50 years I will take time and write down the row I have paused the knitting on especially if the knit is very complicated like the pattern on an aran knit.

These have so many rows in so many blocks of rows to get to the chosen pattern but that is a little way down the line for beginners.

Hope you find this instructions on how to knit helpful and enjoy knitting.