Do you want to learn a new hobby or skill? Perhaps you would love the opportunity to make beautiful creations for others or yourself. With our handy beginners’ guide, you’ll find out what you need to know about knitting so that you have the information you need to get started.
While the thought of knitting might sound appealing, maybe you have thought that it looks too complicated to get started? Knitting can be a lot simpler than it looks, and there are just a few basic principles or steps to it.
If you’ve ever wondered how to knit, you have come to the right place!
Getting Started
When it comes to knitting for beginners, you could, of course, take a course. However, knitting can be learned from the comfort of your home.
To get started, you are going to need some essential pieces of knitting equipment. It will come as no shock to you that you’re going to need some knitting needles. If you’ve had a look online, you’ve probably seen that there are many different options, including thicker and thinner needles that can be made from wood, metal or plastic.
So, let’s start with the basics. If you’re a beginner, it is always best to start with thicker knitting needles, up to 9mm needles. The thinner knitting needles can be trickier to grasp and hold, so it’s best to save these for when you are more experienced. Never fear! With practice, you’ll soon get there.
Go for wooden or bamboo knitting needles for any beginner projects. These provide more grip on the surface of the knitting needle, which can help when you’re starting. Alternatively, you can also use plastic needles. Save the steel or aluminium needles for when you are more confident as the metal surface makes them more slippery.
The other item you’re going to need is, of course, some knitting yarn. Choose a colour you love. Again, going with chunky yarn is best for beginners, and it will work well with your thicker knitting needles.
It is good to know that yarns come in different thicknesses. Aim to start with a medium-weight yarn or thicker so that you have better control over your knitting.
Check the information that’s given with your chosen yarn because it will recommend the size of knitting needles that works best with it. While there is tolerance of a millimetre or two each way, stick as closely as possible to the recommended needle thickness because otherwise, it can affect your stitch.
When you’re getting started, don’t expect to be a pro straight away. Mistakes are all part of the learning process, and they will help you to get better. For this reason, don’t try anything too ambitious for your starting projects. It is also worth choosing cheaper yarn for beginner projects before you splash out on expensive yarns. Save those for when you are more confident.
What are the Basic Steps of Knitting?
Source: Sheep & Stitch
The process of knitting itself is fairly simple, and you can easily follow a step-by-step knitting guide to get you started.
The three steps are:
- Cast on – this part of the process allows you to make a new stitch with your yarn. It works by securing one end of your yarn to your knitting needle and securing it in place.
- Knit stitch – secondly, you will do a knit stitch, which is a simple stitch that’s best to start with.
- Cast off – finally, the cast off means you will take your creation off the knitting needles, and you can impress others with your new knitting skills!
One of the easiest ways to learn the essentials of knitting is to watch someone else demonstrate it. Search for ‘how to cast on’, ‘knit stitch’ and ‘cast off’ on YouTube, and you will soon be on your way.
Source: Sheep & Stitch
Top Tips for Knitting
No knitting guide would be complete without some top knitting tips to get you started and help you along the way.
First off, master the basic knit stitch before you attempt to move on to anything more complicated. This stitch is fundamental, and it is one you can come back to time and time again.
Source: Sheep & Stitch
Perseverance is key. Don’t be put off if you cannot manage it straight away. Like anything worth doing, you need to put some effort in and keep practising, even if it takes you several attempts to get it right.
Once you have learned the basic principle of a knit stitch, you will find it easier. Essentially, you are teaching your muscles the movements needed to complete the stitch, also known as muscle memory. Before long, you will be knitting without even thinking about it!
If you’ve ever seen someone knitting while nattering, it’s because knitting can become second nature. Practise enough, and you will get there.
Once you have learned the knit stitch, you can begin a project. Knitting something like a scarf is a great beginner project and imagine the sense of accomplishment you will feel when it is complete!
If you would like to lear more about common but weird knitting terms, we recommend you to read this article.
Get all Your Supplies at Knitting Co.
At Knitting Co, we love knitting, and with a little help from us, we are sure you will too. We are here to provide you with all you need for your journey into knitting, and you can find knitting needles, yarn and patterns that enthuse and inspire you.
With our ‘price beat’ guarantee, you can shop confidently, knowing you are getting your knitting supplies in Australia at a great price. We also offer 365-day returns for complete peace of mind.
Knitting continues to be a popular pastime, and by learning to make your own outfits, accessories and more for yourself and others, you can find something enjoyable to do with your time and reap the rewards.
See where your knitting can take you with Knitting Co. With practice and determination, you will soon be attempting more ambitious knitting projects and have an exciting new hobby.
We look forward to seeing you soon and helping you with your knitting journey.