BEGINNERS KNITTING COURSE
BASIC KNIT STITCH
The foundation of all knitting is a basic knit stitch. In most patterns it will be represented by the letter k. If you see, for example, k4, that means you are to knit 4 stitches. Below you will learn how to simply knit.
Step 1
In your left hand, hold the needle with all of the stitches on it. Take your empty needle in your right hand and poke it through the first stitch, passing the needle under the left hand needle.
"In through the front door."
Step 2
With your right hand holding the loose yarn, wrap it around the back of the right needle, and back between the crossed needles.
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"Run around back."
Step 3
Bring your right hand needle, with the wrapped yarn still wrapped on it, through the stitch.
"Peek through the window."
Step 4
With the right hand needle , push the original left hand stitch off the left hand needle.
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"Off Jumps Jack."
You will now have your first knitted stitch on your right hand needle.
Repeat steps 1-4until you complete your row/pattern instructions.
Here is a video demo showing how to do a basic knit stitch.
PRACTICE PROJECT
GARTER STITCH HOT POT HOLDER OR SCARF
A basic garter stitch is such a classic pattern and is a great way to get comfortable mastering the knit stitch. The very first thing I ever learned how to make was a hot pot holder.... essentially a wool garter stitched square. I gifted it to my grandmother and she used it at family gathering for years. I can still remember the feeling of pride that I had as a 7 year old girl, to sit down at the table and see the steaming bowl of carrots resting atop my hot pot holder.
Or if you'd rather make a scarf, you can knit until your heart's content with a basic garter stitch.
MATERIALS:
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US size #8 needles
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Worsted Weight Yarn in natural fibre
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Tapestry Needle
INSTRUCTIONS:
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Cast on 40 stitches
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knit each row until desired length (square for a hot pot holder, or as long as desired for a scarf)
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Cast off & weave in ends
