Knitting 101: Learn How To Knit

Knitting is such a wonderful skill. Knitting 101 is the perfect place to be if you want to learn how to knit.

There are many different ways to knit – English and Continental are two of the most common ways but they are not the only way. When you first try to learn a new skill, it can be difficult. Knitting works the small muscles of the hand which you may be unfamiliar with.

Keep at it.

Knitting is a wonderful hobby and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

The videos in this post are the work of many different wonderful creators. I wanted to choose a wide array of teachers because we all learn in different ways. If you like the way a certain video presents the information, you can follow the links to find more videos by that person.

Why Would I Want To Learn How To Knit?

It can allow the creative to make useful items such as clothes and housewares but it also is a wonderful way to stimulate the brain and those fine muscles in your hands.

For me, knitting is a way for my fidgety hands to do something while my body and mind relax. I often knit while watching tv or while my kids play at the playground. It is a wonderful way to decompress after a long day.

Knitting can also be a great mental workout. As you develop your knitting skills, you can try out more complex patterns and stitch combinations. When I want to relax, a simple garter stitch project is perfect. But when I want a mental challenge, I may pick a project with a complex lace pattern or charted decreases. The complexity of the pattern and project can be tailored to what you would like to do.

How To Knit: Easy For Beginners

This video, by RJ Knits, demonstrated in a clear manner how to knit in an English style on double-pointed needles with worsted weight yarn.

This video demonstrates a simple cast-on and the basic knit stitch. There is a part two where Ryan shows you how to purl as well.

Knitting Basics With Very Pink Knits

When I want to learn a new knitting skill, I always check to see if Very Pink Knits has created a video about it.

I love the way Staci teaches techniques. She even has slow-motion videos to allow you to really break down and see how to perform the motion!

Very Pink Knits has a whole playlist of Knitting Help for the beginner knitter. Each video focuses on an aspect of learning to knit

• slip knot
• long tail cast on
• knit stitch
• purl stitch
• bind-off

How To Knit For Beginners – The Continental Way by NimbleNeedles

I started out knitting English style, like the above knitters, but once I learned to knit in the Continental way I never went back.

Norman of NimbleNeedles produced this great video to help you learn how to knit continental. This video includes timestamps which makes it really easy to jump around to the exact spots that you need for the technique you are trying to learn.

Time To Start Knitting!

Now that you have learned the basics, it is time to start knitting!

Knitting is made of knit and purl stitches combined in different ways to achieve the desired look. Beyond those two stitches, you enter the world of increases and decreases which build upon this basic knowledge.

There are many techniques that you can pick up as you develop your skills.

Using patterns from different designers will help you learn new techniques. Some designers are very creative with the way they combine stitches and techniques. I have been knitting for over two decades and I am still learning new tips and tricks because the craft is ever developing and changing – but it is all based around those basic knit and purl stitches.

How To Block Knitting

Blocking is not a necessary step in all knitting projects but it does help to make your knitting look polished and professional.

Some fibers, like acrylic, do not respond to blocking as well as other fibers (like wool).

Blocking allows the fibers to relax, your tension to even out, and helps to let your pieces lay flatter.

NobleKnits has a wonderful introduction to blocking.