- What is Knitting?
- What do I need to begin knitting?
- A Step-by-Step Guide to Knitting
- More Knitting Techniques
- Knitting Pattern Terms and Abbreviations
What is Knitting?
Knitting is a method of creating fabric by interlocking loops of yarn or thread using knitting needles or a knitting machine. It is a popular craft that has been practiced for centuries.One of the great things about knitting is that it’s accessible to anyone, regardless of age or skill level! With a few basic materials and our how to below, anyone can learn to knit. Once you get the hang of it, the possibilities are endless!
What do I need to begin knitting?
One of the best things about knitting is that you don't need a lot to get started – you can get by with just two things:
However, having access to additional tools can make things easier. Let's get a little more detailed and then you'll be able to decide what's right for you.
Choose your yarn
Choosing the right yarn for your project will ensure that your finished product looks and feels the way you want it to. Yarn comes in different weights, colors, and fibers. You can find more information on the different yarn weights in our yarn weight comparison post coming soon! Beginners may find it easier to start with medium weight yarn in a light color. This will make it easier to see your stitches and correct any mishaps along the way.
We recommend starting with Basic Stitch Anti Pilling™ Yarn or similar.
Choose your needles
Knitting needles come in a variety of sizes and materials, such as metal, bamboo, or plastic. The size of the needles you choose will depend on the weight of the yarn you are working with, as indicated on the yarn label.
Needle Composition: Knitting needles can be made from a variety of materials, each with its unique characteristics. The most common materials are:
- Metal – Durable and smooth, making them great for fast knitting. They can be slippery, which some knitters prefer.
- Bamboo – Lightweight, flexible, and have a warm feel. They provide good grip, which can be helpful when working with slippery yarns.
- Wood – Similar to bamboo, but with slightly different characteristics based on the type of wood used.
- Plastic – Inexpensive and lightweight. They have a smooth surface but may not be as durable as metal or wood.
Types of Needles: There are primarily two types of knitting needles:
- Straight Needles – These are the traditional, long, straight needles with a point at one end and a knob or cap at the other end to prevent stitches from falling off. Straight needles are typically used for flat knitting, such as scarves and blankets.
- Circular Needles – These consist of two tapered needle tips connected by a flexible cable. Circular needles can be used for both flat and circular knitting. They are particularly useful for larger projects like sweaters, as they can hold a large number of stitches and distribute the weight of the project more evenly.
Knitting Needle Sizes: Knitting needles come in various sizes, denoted by numbers or letter codes. The size indicates the diameter of the needle shaft. Smaller needles are used for finer yarn and projects that require a tighter gauge, while larger needles are used with thicker yarn for looser, more open stitches.
Gauge: The gauge refers to the number of stitches and rows per inch (or centimeter) achieved with a specific needle size and yarn. It's crucial to match the gauge mentioned in a knitting pattern to ensure the finished project's dimensions are correct.
Specialty Needles: In addition to the standard straight and circular needles, there are various specialty needles available, such as:
- Double-Pointed Needles (DPNs) – Short needles with points at both ends, used for knitting small, tubular items like socks or mittens in the round.
- Interchangeable Needles – These are sets of needle tips and cables that can be interchanged, allowing you to create custom circular needles of different lengths.
- Lace Needles – Needles with sharp, pointed tips designed for intricate lacework.
- Cable Needles – Short needles used to hold stitches temporarily while creating cable patterns.
Needle Care: Proper needle care can extend their lifespan. Clean them as needed and store them in a safe place to prevent damage or bending.
Choosing the right knitting needles is essential for achieving the desired result in your knitting projects. The best needles for you will depend on your knitting style, the yarn you're using, and the type of project you're working on. Experiment with different types to find your favorite!
These may not be required for every project, but it's usually a good idea to have these handy to make the job easier:
- Scissors – a pair of sharp scissors will come in handy for cutting yarn and trimming loose ends
- Yarn needles – these are used for weaving in loose ends and sewing pieces together
- Stitch markers – these are helpful for marking specific stitches or sections in your work
- Measuring tape – a flexible measuring tape is useful for checking gauge and measuring your work
- Other accessories – some crafts enjoy using a yarn bowl or bag to keep their yarn organized, and a stitch counter to help keep track of their stitches
Now that you have your materials - let’s knit! Here you’ll find a handy step by step guide that you can refer back to at any time! Remember - it will take some time to learn. Mistakes are okay – they are a part of the process.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Knitting
1How to Cast On
Casting on is the first step in starting a knitting project. There are various ways to cast on, each offering different advantages and appearances. The most common cast on method is the Long Tail Cast On. This method is the best for beginners.
Long Tail Cast On
- This is one of the most popular and versatile cast-on methods.
- It creates a neat, elastic edge that is suitable for a wide range of projects.
- It requires a long tail of yarn to be left before starting the cast on.
- Great for beginners and experienced knitters alike.
1) Make a split knot, put it on the needle, and hold both strands of yarn in your left hand
2) Insert your thumb and index finger in between the 2 strands of yarn
3) Pull the yarn taught to create 2 loops
4) Put your needle under the strand closest to you - your outer thumb - then bring it up through the thumb loop
5) Bring your needle over to the index finger loop and grab the strand closer to you
6) Swing back around and pull the yarn down through the thumb loop
7) Slowly release the loop off of your thumb
8) Pull tight - but not too tight!
9) Repeat until you have cast on the desired number of stitches
There are other methods to casting on that we will get into in later tutorials.
Knitted Cast On
- Simple and easy to learn, this cast on is similar to working a knit stitch.
- It creates a firm, less stretchy edge compared to the long tail cast on.
- It's a good choice when you need a neat edge but with less elasticity.
Cable Cast On
- This method produces a neat and firm edge, making it ideal for starting projects like scarves.
- It involves the use of a knitting needle to place new stitches onto the left-hand needle.
Backward Loop Cast On
- The backward loop cast on is the easiest to learn and requires no tail of yarn.
- However, it can create a rather loose edge and may not be suitable for all projects.
Loop Cast On
- Similar to the backward loop cast on, but with an added twist that helps prevent excessive looseness.
- Still easy to learn and works well for projects where a little extra stretch is needed.
Tubular Cast On
- Creates a neat, stretchy edge that resembles a seamless continuation of ribbing.
- It's a bit more advanced and typically used for projects like cuffs or hems.
Once you have cast on your stitches, you’re ready to begin knitting!
2How to Make a Knit Stitch
The knit stitch is the most basic stitch in knitting. Here’s how to make the knit stitch.
- Hold the needle with the cast-on stitches in your left hand and the empty needle in your right hand. Insert the right needle through the first stitch on the left needle, from left to right.
- Wrap the yarn counterclockwise around the right needle.
- Pull loop of yarn through the stitch.
- The right needle will now be in front of the left needle with a loop of yarn on the needle.
- Slide stitch off the left needle.
- You have now completed your first knit stitch! Repeat until all stitches are off the left needle.
1) Hold the needle with the cast-on stitches in your left hand and the empty needle in your right hand. Insert the right needle through the first stitch on the left needle, from left to right.
2) Wrap the yarn counterclockwise around the right needle.
3) Pull loop of yarn through the stitch.
4) The right needle will now be in front of the left needle with a loop of yarn on the needle.
5) Slide stitch off the left needle.
6) You have now completed your first knit stitch! Repeat until all stitches are off the left needle.
3Turning Your Work
Once you’ve finished your row, it’s time to turn your work. To turn your work, simply swap the needles so that the needle with stitches is in your left hand with the empty needle in your right hand.
4How to Bind Off (also know as Cast Off)
Once you have reached the desired length of your swatch or project, it's time to bind off.
- To bind off, knit the first two stitches as normal.
- Then insert the left needle into the first stitch on the right needle.
- Bring the first stitch over the second stitch.
- Drop the first stitch off the left needle.
- Knit one more stitch, then lift the first stitch on the right needle over the second stitch again. Repeat this process until you have one stitch remaining on your right needle.
1) Knit the first two stitches.
2) Insert the left needle into the first stitch on the right needle.
3) Bring the first stitch over the second stitch.
4) Drop the first stitch off the left needle. One stitch has been cast off.
To finish the last stitch, once you have completed binding off all working stitches on your needle, cut the yarn leaving a 6 in. tail to weave in later. Thread the yarn through the stitch and pull through until the end pops through. Pull tight! You have now finished your piece - all you need to do now is weave in your ends!
1) Once you have completed binding off all stitches, you will have one loop left on your right needle. Cut the yarn leaving about a 6 inch tail.
2) Remove the needle from the loop.
3) Draw the yarn through the loop.
4) Pull until the end pops through.
5) Pull tight. Yay! You've finished binding off! Now all that is left to do is weave in the ends.
More Knitting Techniques
Check out our Stitch Finder for hundreds of crochet and knit stitch patterns, trims, motifs, and decorative elements! Each one includes detailed instructions on how to create them.
Knitting Pattern Terms and Abbreviations
Did you encounter an unfamiliar term when reading a pattern? We've got you covered! Check out our glossary for a comprehensive breakdown of every term you might find when reading a knitting pattern.
- Kufunga ni nini? - Ninahitaji nini ili kuanza kushona? - Mwongozo wa Hatua kwa Hatua wa Kufunga - Mbinu Nyingine za Kufunga - Mifumo ya Kufunga na Vifupisho Kufunga ni nini? Knitting ni mbinu ya kutengeneza kitambaa kwa kuunganisha vifungo vya uzi au nyuzi kwa kutumia sindano za kushona au mashine ya kushona. Ni ufundi maarufu ambao umekuwa ukifanywa kwa karne nyingi. Moja ya mambo mazuri kuhusu kushona ni kwamba inaweza kupatikana kwa mtu yeyote, bila kujali umri au kiwango cha ustadi! Kwa kutumia vifaa vichache vya msingi na jinsi tunavyofanya kazi hapa chini, mtu yeyote anaweza kujifunza kushona. Unapopata wazo hilo, kuna uwezekano mwingi sana! Ninahitaji nini ili nianze kushona? Moja ya mambo bora kuhusu kushona ni kwamba huna haja ya mengi ya kuanza <unk> unaweza kupata kwa mambo mawili tu: Hata hivyo, kuwa na upatikanaji wa zana za ziada inaweza kufanya mambo rahisi. Hebu tuwe na maelezo zaidi na kisha utaweza kuamua ni nini sahihi kwa ajili yenu. Chagua nyuzi sahihi kwa mradi wako na kuhakikisha kwamba bidhaa yako imeisha inaonekana na kuhisi kama unavyotaka. Vitambaa hivyo vina uzito, rangi, na nyuzi tofauti-tofauti. Unaweza kupata habari zaidi juu ya uzito tofauti wa uzi katika chapisho letu la kulinganisha uzito wa uzi ambalo linakuja hivi karibuni! Huenda ikawa rahisi kwa waanzaji kuanza kwa nyuzi zenye uzito wa kati zenye rangi nyangavu. Hii itafanya iwe rahisi kuona stitches yako na kurekebisha matatizo yoyote njiani. Kwa hivyo, tunapendekeza kuanza na Basic Stitch Anti-Pilling (BPM) au nyuzi kama hizo. Chagua sindano Zako Sindano za kushona zinapatikana katika ukubwa na vifaa mbalimbali, kama vile chuma, mianzi, au plastiki. Ukubwa wa sindano unazochagua utategemea uzito wa uzi unaotumiwa, kama unavyoonyeshwa kwenye lebo ya uzi. Muundo wa sindano: Sindano za kushona zaweza kutengenezwa kutokana na vifaa mbalimbali, kila kimoja kikiwa na sifa zake za kipekee. Vifaa vya kawaida ni: - Chuma <unk> Durable na laini, kufanya yao kubwa kwa ajili ya kushona haraka. Zinaweza kuwa zenye kuteleza, jambo ambalo baadhi ya watengenezaji wa nguo hupendelea. - Mchwa <unk> Ni mwepesi, ni laini, na unahisi joto. Wao hutoa kushikilia vizuri, jambo linaloweza kusaidia unapofanya kazi na nyuzi zenye kuteleza. - Mbao <unk> Sawa na mianzi, lakini na sifa tofauti kidogo kulingana na aina ya mbao kutumika. - Plastiki <unk> Haigharimu pesa nyingi na ni nyepesi. Zina uso laini lakini huenda zisikuwa na nguvu kama chuma au mbao. Aina ya sindano: Kuna hasa aina mbili za sindano za kushona: - Needles Straight <unk> Hizi ni jadi, ndefu, sindano moja kwa moja na ncha katika mwisho mmoja na knob au cap katika mwisho mwingine ili kuzuia stitches kutoka kuanguka. Kwa kawaida sindano zilizo sawa hutumiwa kwa ajili ya kushona vitambaa, kama vile vitambaa na mablanketi. - Needles mviringo <unk> Hizi ni pamoja na ncha mbili conic sindano kushikamana na kebo rahisi. sindano mviringo inaweza kutumika kwa ajili ya wote gorofa na mviringo kushona. Ni muhimu hasa kwa ajili ya miradi mikubwa kama vile sweaters, kama wanaweza kushikilia idadi kubwa ya stitches na kusambaza uzito wa mradi zaidi usawa. Ukubwa wa sindano za kushona: Sindano za kushona huwa na ukubwa mbalimbali, zinazowekwa kwa nambari au herufi. Ukubwa huonyesha kipenyo cha shaba ya sindano. Kanzu ndogo hutumiwa kwa nyuzi nzuri na miradi inayohitaji kipimo cha karibu, wakati sindano kubwa hutumiwa na nyuzi nzito kwa sutures huru, wazi zaidi. Kiwango: Kiwango kinarejelea idadi ya stitches na safu kwa inchi (au sentimeta) iliyopatikana na ukubwa maalum wa sindano na uzi. Ni muhimu kulinganisha kipimo zilizotajwa katika muundo wa kushona ili kuhakikisha vipimo vya mradi wa kumaliza ni sahihi. Pembe za kipekee: Mbali na pembe za kawaida za moja kwa moja na za mviringo, kuna pembe za kipekee mbalimbali zinazopatikana, kama vile: - Pembe za Pembe mbili (DPNs) <unk> Pembe fupi zenye ncha zote mbili, zinazotumiwa kwa kushona vitu vidogo vya bomba kama soksi au mittens katika mzunguko. - Interchangeable Needles  Hizi ni seti ya ncha sindano na cables ambayo inaweza kubadilishwa, kuruhusu kujenga desturi mviringo sindano ya urefu tofauti. - Needles Lace  Needles na makali, ncha pointed iliyoundwa kwa ajili ya lacework tata. - Cable Needles  Needles mfupi kutumika kushikilia stitches kwa muda wakati wa kujenga mifumo ya cable. Utunzaji wa sindano: Utunzaji unaofaa wa sindano unaweza kuongeza muda wa maisha yao. Fanya usafi kama inahitajika na uhifadhi mahali salama ili kuzuia uharibifu au kupindika. Kuchagua sindano sahihi ni muhimu kwa ajili ya kufikia matokeo ya kutamaniwa katika miradi yako ya kushona. Aina bora ya sindano itategemea mtindo wako wa kushona, kitambaa unachotumia, na aina ya mradi unaofanya. Jaribu aina tofauti-tofauti ili upate unaopenda zaidi! Hii inaweza kuwa muhimu kwa kila mradi, lakini ni kawaida wazo nzuri kuwa na haya rahisi kufanya kazi rahisi: - Scissors - jozi ya scissors mkali itakuwa katika handy kwa kukata nyuzi na kukata mwisho huru - Needles nyuzi - hizi ni kutumika kwa weaving katika mwisho huru na kushona vipande pamoja - Stitch markers - hizi ni muhimu kwa ajili ya alama maalum stitches au sehemu katika kazi yako - Kupima mkanda - flexible kipimo mkanda ni muhimu kwa ajili ya kuangalia gauge na kupima kazi yako - nyongeza nyingine - baadhi ya kupenda kutumia shanga au craft counter kuweka nyuzi zao. Hapa utapata mwongozo rahisi hatua kwa hatua ambayo unaweza kurejea wakati wowote! - Kumbuka itachukua muda kujifunza. Makosa ni sawa <unk> wao ni sehemu ya mchakato. Hatua kwa Hatua ya Kuunganisha: Jinsi ya Kuunganisha na Kuunganisha ni hatua ya kwanza ya kuanzisha mradi wa kushona. Kuna njia mbalimbali za kutupa, kila moja ikiwa na faida na kuonekana tofauti. Njia ya kawaida ya kutupwa ni Long Tail Cast On. Njia hii ni bora kwa ajili ya wapya. Long Tail Cast On - Hii ni moja ya njia maarufu na versatile cast-on. - Inaunda kingo safi, elastic ambayo ni sahihi kwa ajili ya mbalimbali ya miradi. - Inahitaji mkia mrefu wa uzi kushoto kabla ya kuanza gips juu. - Ni nzuri kwa ajili ya wapya na wafundi wenye uzoefu sawa. 1) Fanya kamba iliyogawanyika, weka kwenye sindano, na kushikilia nyuzi zote mbili za nyuzi katika mkono wako wa kushoto 2) Weka kidole gumba na kidole cha kiashiria kati ya nyuzi mbili za nyuzi 3) Vuta nyuzi iliyofundishwa kutengeneza vifungo viwili 4) Weka sindano yako chini ya kamba iliyo karibu zaidi nawe - kidole gumba chako cha nje - kisha uivute juu kupitia kamba ya kidole cha kiashiria na kukamata kamba 6) Kurudisha nyuma na kuvuta kamba kupitia kidole cha kidole gumba! "Kumbuka kwamba ""kuchora"" ni njia ya kuunganisha vipande vya nyuzi ambazo unaweza kuingiza katika mafunzo ya baadaye." Knitted Cast On - Ni rahisi na rahisi kujifunza, hii cast on ni sawa na kufanya kazi ya kushona kushona. - Inaunda kampuni, chini ya stretchy makali ikilinganishwa na mkia mrefu kutupwa juu. - Ni chaguo nzuri wakati unahitaji makali safi lakini na elasticity kidogo. Cable Cast On - Njia hii inazalisha makali safi na imara, na kuifanya kuwa bora kwa kuanza miradi kama scarves. - Inahusisha kutumia sindano ya kushona ili kuweka stitches mpya kwenye sindano ya kushoto. Backward Loop Cast On - The backward loop cast on ni rahisi kujifunza na inahitaji hakuna mkia wa uzi. - Hata hivyo, inaweza kuunda kingo badala huru na inaweza kuwa si yanafaa kwa ajili ya miradi yote. Loop Cast On - Sawa na nyuma kitanzi kutupwa juu, lakini na twist aliongeza ambayo husaidia kuzuia looseness kupita kiasi. - Bado rahisi kujifunza na kazi vizuri kwa ajili ya miradi ambapo kidogo ya ziada stretch inahitajika. Tubular Cast On - Inaunda kingo safi, stretchy ambayo inafanana na mwendelezo seamless ya ribbing. - Ni kidogo zaidi ya juu na kawaida kutumika kwa ajili ya miradi kama manches au hems. Mara tu unapokuwa umeweka mashimo yako, uko tayari kuanza kushona! Jinsi ya kufanya knit stitch: Knit stitch ni moja ya msingi zaidi stitch katika kushona. Hapa ni jinsi ya kufanya knit stitch. - Shika sindano na stitches cast-on katika mkono wako wa kushoto na sindano tupu katika mkono wako wa kulia. Weka sindano ya kulia kupitia stitch ya kwanza kwenye sindano ya kushoto, kutoka kushoto kwenda kulia. - Wrap yarn kinyume na saa kuzunguka sindano ya kulia. - Vuta kitanzi cha uzi kupitia mshono. - sindano ya kulia sasa itakuwa mbele ya sindano ya kushoto na kitanzi cha uzi juu ya sindano. - Slide stitch mbali na sindano ya kushoto. - Sasa umekamilisha kushona kwako kwa kwanza kwa kushona! Rudia hadi mashimo yote yaondolewe kwenye sindano ya kushoto. 1) Shika sindano na stitches ya kutupwa kwenye mkono wako wa kushoto na sindano tupu katika mkono wako wa kulia. Weka sindano ya kulia kupitia stitch ya kwanza kwenye sindano ya kushoto, kutoka kushoto kwenda kulia. 2) Wrap nyuzi dhidi ya mwelekeo wa saa kuzunguka sindano ya kulia. 3) Funga kamba ya kamba kwenye kamba. 4) Kamba ya kulia sasa itakuwa mbele ya kamba ya kushoto na kamba ya kamba kwenye kamba. 5) Slide stitch mbali na sindano ya kushoto. 6) Sasa umemaliza kushona kwako kwa kwanza! Rudia hadi mashimo yote yaondolewe kwenye sindano ya kushoto. 3Kugeuza Kazi Yako Mara baada ya kumaliza safu yako, ni wakati wa kugeuza kazi yako. Ili kugeuza kazi yako, tu kubadilisha sindano ili sindano na stitches ni katika mkono wako wa kushoto na sindano tupu katika mkono wako wa kulia. "Kama ""kufunga"" (kama vile ""kufunga"" au ""kufunga") ni wakati wa kuweka na kuunganisha vipande vya samaki, na wakati wa kuweka na kuunganisha vipande vya samaki." - Ili kuunganisha, tunga suturi mbili za kwanza kama kawaida. - Kisha ingiza sindano ya kushoto ndani ya stitch ya kwanza kwenye sindano ya kulia. - Kuleta stitch ya kwanza juu ya stitch ya pili. - Kuacha stitch ya kwanza mbali na sindano ya kushoto. - Tunga stitch moja zaidi, kisha kuinua stitch ya kwanza juu ya sindano ya kulia juu ya stitch ya pili tena. Rudia utaratibu huu hadi utakapokuwa na stitch moja iliyobaki kwenye sindano yako ya kulia. 1) Funga mashimo mawili ya kwanza. 2) Kuingiza sindano ya kushoto katika stitch ya kwanza kwenye sindano ya kulia. 3) Funga stitch ya kwanza juu ya stitch ya pili. 4) Punguza stitch ya kwanza kutoka kwenye sindano ya kushoto. Sehemu moja ya shingo imefutwa. Baada ya kumaliza kushona, baada ya kushona, na baada ya kushona, nyuzi zote za kushona zinapaswa kukatwa, na nyuzi zote zinapaswa kukatwa, na nyuzi zote zinapaswa kukatwa. mkia wa kufuma katika baadaye. Tengeneza uzi kupitia stitch na kuvuta hadi mwisho utakapotokea. Vuta kwa nguvu! Sasa umemaliza kipande chako - unachohitaji kufanya ni kufuma ncha zako! Baada ya kumaliza kushona, utapata kitanzi kimoja kwenye sindano yako ya kulia. Kuondoa nyuzi na kuacha karibu 6 inchi mkia. 2) Ondoa sindano kutoka kwenye kitanzi. 3) Piga nyuzi kupitia kitanzi. 4) Fanya hivyo mpaka mwisho utakapofikia. 5) Funga kwa nguvu. Yaay! Umemaliza kuunganisha! Sasa kilichobaki ni kufunga ncha. Mbinu Zaidi za Kufunga Angalia Stitch Finder yetu kwa mamia ya crochet na kushona mifumo ya kushona, trims, motif, na vipengele vya mapambo! Kila moja ina maagizo ya kina juu ya jinsi ya kuibuni. Maneno na Vifupisho vya Mchoro wa Kufunga Je, ulikutana na neno lisilo la kawaida uliposoma mchoro? Sisi got wewe kufunikwa! Angalia glossary yetu kwa ajili ya kuvunjika kina ya kila neno unaweza kupata wakati wa kusoma muundo knitting.