How to knit

The Beginner’s Guide to Knitting

Knitting is a wonderful hobby that combines creativity, calmness, and the joy of making something with your own hands. If you’re new to knitting, this guide will walk you through the most important stitches and techniques step by step. With a little practice, you’ll soon be ready to start your first project.

Contents

Getting Started

What you need:

  • A pair of knitting needles (start with medium size, 4–5 mm).
  • Yarn in a light colour (easier to see your stitches).
  • A pair of scissors.
  • A tapestry needle for sewing and finishing.

The Basics: Knit and Purl

Knit Stitch

The foundation of most knitting.

  1. Hold the yarn at the back.
  2. Insert the right-hand needle into the first stitch from left to right.
  3. Wrap the yarn around the needle tip.
  4. Pull the loop through and slip the old stitch off the left needle.

👉 This creates smooth “V” shapes on the fabric.

Purl Stitch

The twin of the knit stitch.

  1. Hold the yarn at the front.
  2. Insert the right-hand needle from right to left into the stitch.
  3. Wrap the yarn anti-clockwise around the tip.
  4. Pull through and slip the stitch off.

👉 This creates little bumps on the fabric.

Increasing and Decreasing

Knit Front and Back (KFB) – Increase

  1. Knit into the front of a stitch, but don’t slip it off yet.
  2. Knit into the back of the same stitch.
  3. Slip it off.

👉 You’ve turned one stitch into two.

Knit Two Together (K2TOG) – Decrease

  1. Insert the right needle into two stitches at once.
  2. Wrap the yarn and pull through.
  3. Slip both stitches off.

👉 You’ve reduced your stitches by one.

Casting Off

To finish your knitting:

  1. Knit two stitches.
  2. Lift the first stitch over the second.
  3. Knit one more and repeat.
  4. When one stitch remains, cut the yarn (15 cm tail) and pull it through.

👉 Your knitting is now secured.

Cast-On Methods

Cable Cast-On – Firm & Neat

  1. Make a slip knot and knit one stitch into it.
  2. Insert the right needle between the last two stitches, wrap yarn, pull a loop.
  3. Place the loop on the left needle. Repeat.

👉 Creates a tidy, structured edge.

Thumb Cast-On – Flexible & Quick

  1. Make a slip knot. Hold the long tail over your thumb, yarn over your finger.
  2. Form a loop around your thumb.
  3. Insert the needle upwards through the loop.
  4. Slip it off your thumb and tighten.

👉 Creates a stretchy edge.

Finishing Techniques

Kitchener Stitch – Seamless Join

For joining two sets of live stitches invisibly.

  • Use a tapestry needle to weave yarn through stitches in a knit–purl rhythm.
  • The join looks like a row of knitting.

Mattress Stitch – Invisible Seam

For sewing two knitted pieces side by side.

  • Pick up the horizontal bars between edge stitches on both pieces.
  • Pull the yarn gently – the seam disappears.

Backstitch – Strong Seam

For durable seams.

  • Stitch backwards and forwards with small overlaps.
  • Creates a firm, reinforced edge.

Embroidery on Knitting

Duplicate Stitch

  • Cover existing stitches by following their “V” shape with a needle and yarn.
  • Ideal for decorating or repairing.

Chain Stitch

  • Create linked loops on the surface of your knitting.
  • Great for outlines and decorative borders.

Next Steps & Where to Buy Yarn

Now that you’ve learned the essentials, you’re ready to practise and start small projects like scarves, dishcloths, or hats. Remember: every knitter once started with their first stitch — so enjoy the process and don’t worry about mistakes. They’re part of learning!

✨ To get started, choose yarn that’s soft, smooth, and easy to handle. We’ve selected high-quality yarns in a range of colours and textures to make your knitting journey even more enjoyable.

👉 Browse yarn in our online shop