How to Knit: A Beginner’s Guide To Knitting.

So, you’ve decided to learn how to knit—congratulations! You’re about to enter a world where you’ll find people on the internet arguing over string, and suddenly, everyone is asking you to make their ugly baby some clothes. Knitting is a fantastic hobby that brings relaxation, creativity, and an excuse to binge-watch your favorite shows guilt-free.

Whether you want to craft cozy scarves, stylish sweaters, or a collection of oddly shaped potholders (we’ve all been there), this beginner’s guide will walk you through the knitting basics—without making you want to throw your needles out the window.

Knitting also makes you look like the main character.

What You Need to Start Knitting (No, You Don’t Need a Sheep)

Before you can knit your first stitch, gather these essential supplies:

• Yarn: Start with a medium-weight, smooth-textured yarn (like worsted weight) in a light color. Dark yarn + beginner mistakes = disaster.

• Knitting Needles: Size 8 (5mm) straight needles are a great starting point.

• Scissors: Because cutting yarn with your teeth is a bad idea.

• Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends (or dramatically throwing across the room when frustrated).

I wish my life looked this put together.

Step 1: Casting On (How to Get Stitches on Your Needle Without Crying)

Before you can start knitting, you need to get stitches onto your needle. Try the long-tail cast-on method—it’s a favorite among knitters because it creates a nice, stretchy edge. Here’s how:

1. Measure about 12 inches of yarn for every 20 stitches you need.

2. Make a slipknot and place it on your needle.

3. Hold the needle in your right hand and position the yarn in your left hand, with the tail over your thumb and the working yarn over your index finger.

4. Use the needle to scoop under the yarn on your thumb, then over the yarn on your index finger, and pull through.

5. Repeat until you have the desired number of stitches.

Boom! You just cast on like a pro.

If you still need help, use this super helpful video from Sheep & Stitch.

Sheep & Stitch have so many great tutorials

Step 2: The Knit Stitch (a.k.a. The Stitch You’ll Use A Lot)

The knit stitch is the foundation of knitting. If you can master this, you’re already halfway to making a cozy scarf.

1. Hold your needle with cast-on stitches in your left hand and the empty needle in your right.

2. Insert the right needle into the first stitch from front to back.

3. Wrap the working yarn around the right needle counterclockwise.

4. Pull the loop through the stitch, then slide the old stitch off the left needle.

5. Repeat across the row.

Now you’re officially knitting! Feels good, right?

How to do the Knit Stitch.

Step 3: The Purl Stitch (Like Knitting, but in Reverse)

The purl stitch is just as important as the knit stitch—it’s what gives your knitting texture.

1. Hold your needle with cast-on stitches in your left hand and the empty needle in your right.

2. Bring the working yarn to the front of your work.

3. Insert the right needle into the first stitch from back to front.

4. Wrap the working yarn counterclockwise around the right needle.

5. Pull the loop through the stitch, then slide the old stitch off the left needle.

6. Repeat across the row.

Mastering the knit and purl stitches means you can create all sorts of beautiful textures!

How to do the Purl Stitch.

Step 4: English vs. Continental Knitting (Pick Your Side)

There are two main ways to hold your yarn when knitting. Both work—it’s just a matter of personal preference.

English Style (Throwing Method)

• Yarn is held in the right hand.

• The right hand “throws” the yarn over the needle.

• Popular in the UK and US.

Continental Style (Picking Method)

• Yarn is held in the left hand.

• The right needle “picks” the yarn to form stitches.

• Popular in Europe and known for being faster.

Not sure which to choose? Try both and see which feels more natural!

Step 5: Stockinette Stitch (Smooth on One Side, Bumpy on the Other)

Stockinette stitch is a favorite among knitters and is used in sweaters, scarves, and more.

• Flat knitting: Alternate rows of knit and purl stitches (knit one row, purl the next, and repeat).

• Knitting in the round: Knit every stitch, every row—no purling needed!

This stitch creates that classic “V” texture on the front and a bumpy pattern on the back.

Step 6: Knitting in the Round (For When You’re Ready to Level Up)

Knitting in the round is perfect for hats, socks, and sweaters. Instead of turning your work at the end of each row, you continuously knit in a circle.

How to Knit in the Round:

1. Use circular needles or double-pointed needles (DPNs).

2. Cast on the required number of stitches and join them in a circle, ensuring they’re not twisted.

3. Place a stitch marker at the beginning of the round.

4. Follow your pattern—if knitting stockinette, just knit every round.

5. Continue in a spiral until you reach the desired length.

No more seaming pieces together—what a win!

How to knit in the round.

Step 7: Binding Off (Finishing Your Project Without Ruining It)

Once you’re ready to finish your masterpiece, it’s time to bind off.

1. Knit the first two stitches.

2. Use the left needle to lift the first stitch over the second and off the needle.

3. Knit one more stitch and repeat the process.

4. Continue until one stitch remains. Cut the yarn, pull it through the last stitch, and tighten.

Now step back and admire your work!

How to cast off.

Final Thoughts: Keep Calm and Keep Knitting!

Learning how to knit takes patience, practice, and maybe a few deep breaths when things go wrong. But trust us—it’s worth it. Start with small projects like dishcloths or scarves to build confidence, and soon you’ll be tackling sweaters like a pro.

Knitting is more than just a hobby; it’s a relaxing, rewarding craft that lets you create something beautiful with your own hands. So grab your needles, start stitching, and enjoy the journey!

Are you ready to knit your first project? Share your progress in the comments!