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Learning How to Knit is Easy with some Basic Instructions and Helpful Tips


So you want to learn how to knit. Since knitters often love to share their craft, if you know one, go ahead and ask for help. It's possible though, that you don't know anyone who knits or you are someone who prefers to learn on your own. Many knitters taught themselves how to knit and there are many ways to learn. And thanks to the internet, there are even more options to suit various learning styles.

If you are definitely someone who needs hands-on instructions, but you don't have a grandma to teach you, the next best thing is to get familiar with your local yarn store. You will almost always find they have beginner classes for very reasonable prices. It's also a good way to get to know other knitters and learn about different yarns and patterns.

Here's a great bit of information on various types of yarns from
Craft Lady Crochet - "Mysteries of Yarn"

There are also many books that can give you basic knitting instructions. I suggest going to your yarn or bookstore to flip through books rather than ordering on line. People have different learning styles and some books are written more clearly than others, so find a book that's right for you. If you do want to order on-line, I would recommend "Teach Yourself Visually Knitting”. (See our Knitting Books Page).


Knitting:Casting On Knitting

Knitting help can also be found on-line and Youtube.com is a great place to start.

So.... go to Youtube.com and in the Search Bar type anything such as the following:

    knitting
    how to knit
    learn to knit
    knitting basics
    knitting instructions
You will find a huge selection of videos. Look for basic instructions for the simplest knitting stitches and techniques - this is all you need to get started. Everything else that looks more complicated, you will learn as you go, as you try new patterns.


Knitting:How To Knit The Knit Stitch

These are the basics you want to learn:

    How to cast on - which means how to get the first row of loops onto a needle.
    The knit stitch - usually the front of a simple knitted piece.
    The purl stitch - usually the back
    How to cast off - how to get your knitting off the needle – also called binding off.
Knowing these, you can easily knit a scarf or a blanket.

See More Videos

If you prefer to see simple diagram instructions instead of video, go to Lion Brand Yarns website. Diagrams are a helpful learning tool. But the advantage to using video as well is that you can see how the knitter is holding the yarn, watch the hand movement, and repeat the video as often as you need.

Continue to Page 2 - More Helpful Tips

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