The essentials
Want to learn how to knit? Learn the essential knitting techniques quickly so you can start knitting in just a few minutes.
Casting On
This is the Backward Loop Cast On, which is by far the easiest cast on method for knitting. You start with a slipknot, and each next stitch is formed by twisting a loop onto your needle. Really, it couldn’t be simpler! Give it a try for your first knitting project.
The Knit Stitch
The Knit Stitch is the building block of all your knitting projects, and is absolutely essential. Insert your needle into the next stitch from left to right, wrap the yarn around the needle, and use the needle to pull the loop forward through the stitch. This may take a few tries. If the loop drops from your needle, just try again. If the loop keeps dropping, try using a larger knitting needle and see if that’s easier.
Once you’ve pulled the loop forward, you’ve got your new stitch on your working needle (usually your righthand needle). Drop the old stitch from the holding needle (usually lefthand needle), and proceed to the next stitch where you repeat this process.
Practice makes progress!
The Purl Stitch
The Purl stitch is the second most essential stitch in knitting, and is the ‘reverse image’ of the knit stitch. Basically, the back side of a knit stitch will look like a purl stitch, and vice versa. But for now, let’s just focus on how to do this stitch.
Hold your yarn at the front of your work. Insert your needle into the next stitch from right to left. Wrap the yarn around the needle, and pull it backward through the stitch. Slide the old stitch off the holding needle, and move onto the next stitch.
How to Knit Stockinette
The most common stitch pattern in knitting is called ‘stockinette’. It’s where you knit all stitches on one side, then turn your work, and purl all stitches on the other side. This creates a smooth fabric that you will probably recognize from your storebought sweaters. Stockinette is also sometimes called stocking stitch.
If you’re working a knitting project in the round, you’re always working on the ‘front’ side of your fabric. This means that for stockinette in the round, you only need to do the knit stitch, no purling! That’s why a lot of knitters love to knit socks, as they are mindless round-knit tubes of knit stitch. Very meditative!
How to Knit Garter Stitch
Garter stitch creates a ribbed surface, and is very squishy! You can knit a garter stitch fabric by working the Knit Stitch on both sides of your fabric. You knit all stitches on one side, turn your work, then knit all stitches on the other side! Of course, since knit and purl stitches are the reverse image of each other, you could also achieve garter stitch by purling stitches on both sides. However since most knitters prefer the knit stitch over the purl stitch, you’ll very rarely encounter a knitter who will purl their way through garter stitch fabric.
Note: if you’re working in the round, you will actually need to alternate knitting 1 round, then purling 1 round to achieve a garter stitch fabric.
Want to learn more?
There are SO many more knitting techniques and stitches to learn! Read our other blogposts or subscribe to the New Leaf Designs Newsletter to learn more.