A Comprehensive Guide to Knitting Basics from A to Z for Beginners | Mytour

Choosing Wool and Knitting Needles

Selecting wool and knitting needles is a crucial step for beginners in knitting. Ideally, go for large, smooth yarn and needles made of wood or learn how to knit with a crochet hook first. When starting out, opting for thicker yarn and larger needles makes it easier to unravel and correct mistakes. Avoid choosing yarn with many fibers, fine yarn, or small knitting needles as they can be challenging to work with and fix when errors occur. Once you gain experience, you can explore knitting with fine yarn or knitting with a crochet hook.

Simple Knitting Techniques for Beginners

There are numerous basic knitting techniques for you to start learning and create memorable gifts for your loved ones, friends. Below are some of the simplest knitting techniques to get you started:

Rolling Yarn into Coils

When hand-knitting, it's advisable to roll the yarn into coils first to make the knitting process easier. Avoid choosing yarn that is bundled into long strands as it can be inconvenient when pulling the yarn.

Create a Slip Knot

Making a slip knot is considered the first knitting stitch. To create a slip knot, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Coil the end of the yarn into a loop. Ensure the longer end of the yarn, the one attached to the yarn ball, is below the shorter end.
• Step 2: Bring the short end of the yarn down below the newly formed loop.
• Step 3: Take the short end of the yarn and pull it through the loop. Gently pull to form another loop.
• Step 4: Hold both yarn ends and tighten to create a knot resembling the head of a noose.
• Step 5: Insert the knitting needle through the created knot.
• Step 6: Pull gently backward to secure the knot onto the knitting needle.

Knitting Skinny Stitches (Rib Stitch)

Rib stitches are the next stitches you'll knit onto the needle. When knitting rib stitches, you apply knitting techniques for each stitch. Follow the instructions below for this knitting technique:

• Step 1: Hold the needle with the slip knot in your right hand.
• Step 2: Stretch the long yarn across the palm of your left hand and loop it behind. At this point, the shorter yarn can be let go or held snugly in your right hand.
• Step 3: Thread the needle down under the yarn, across the palm of your left hand, and pull your hand out of the yarn. Now, the yarn has formed a new loop on the needle.
• Step 4: Gently pull the yarn to snug the new loop onto the needle.
• Step 5: Repeat the above steps until you have the desired number of rib stitches.

When knitting rib stitches, remember to loosen the stitches to make it easier for the next stitches. Also, the rib stitches should twist upward, not around the knitting needle, to prevent tangling during the knitting process.

Creating Rows in Knitting

In knitting techniques to form rows, you can knit in various styles. Among them, the two basic ways are knitting stitches downward (knit stitch) and knitting stitches upward (purl stitch):

Knitting Stitches Downward (Knit Stitch)

• Step 1: Insert the knitting needle in your right hand into the first stitch and work downward. Ensure the yarn is knitted along the fingers inside the right hand, creating suitable tension.
• Step 2: Loop the yarn over the right-hand needle, moving from bottom to top. Hook the yarn through the loop from the left-hand needle, then slip the knitted stitch off the left needle, completing the first downward stitch on the right needle.
• Step 3: Repeat the above steps to complete the knit stitches.

Knitting Stitches Upward (Purl Stitch)

• Step 1: Insert the right-hand needle with the first stitch from bottom to top. Loop the yarn over the needle and hook the yarn through the first left-hand needle stitch. Then, slip the first stitch off the left needle to complete the purl stitch. Note that when knitting, the yarn is always in the front position.
• Step 2: Continue the above steps for the following purl stitches.

Slip Stitch in Knitting

In knitting techniques for handmade items or knitting scarves, slipping stitches is the final knitting stitch to complete the knitting process and perfect the product. The slip stitch is done as follows:

• Step 1: Knit two stitches as usual.
• Step 2: Insert the left needle into the first stitch on the right needle.
• Step 3: Pull the first needle loop over the second needle loop.
• Step 4: Pull the left needle out, leaving only one stitch on the right needle.
• Step 5: Knit the next stitch and repeat the steps until only one stitch remains on the right needle.
• Step 6: Pull the needle out of the last stitch while holding it to prevent slipping.
• Step 7: Cut the yarn from the skein, leaving about 15cm. Then, thread the cut end through the last needle and pull tightly. You can cut off the excess yarn or sew it into the product.

Tips for Beginners in Knitting

Knitting techniques might seem complex for those new to it. However, the following tips will make learning knitting easier:

• Use larger-sized yarn and needles to make knitting easier and faster.
• Knitting requires patience, precision, and a calm approach; avoid rushing.
• Relax while knitting to prevent fatigue.
• Focus on knitting to ensure even stitches for a more beautiful end product.
• Prepare a bag or box to organize knitting supplies neatly, preventing loss.
• When starting to knit, choose affordable yarn.
• Looser knit stitches make it easier to insert the needle.
• When removing a needle from the knitting, tie it back to keep it secure.
• Knit on the go—bring your knitting to cafes or outings for productive time.
• Don't hesitate to seek guidance from experienced knitters.
• Practice knitting every day to avoid forgetting the technique.
• Start with simple projects like scarves; as proficiency grows, try more challenging items like hats, gloves, or even wedding gifts made of yarn.

Here is a detailed guide on the most basic knitting techniques for beginners. We hope these tips will help you easily tackle your first stitches and create the perfect hand-knitted product. It could be a unique Valentine's gift, a cute birthday present, or a meaningful Christmas gift. Don't forget to visit the Mytour e-commerce platform to purchase quality knitting supplies at discounted prices.