So, you’ve started knitting or are thinking of starting—congratulations! Knitting is a terrific activity that is not only fun, but is shown to improve memory and mental clarity, as well as allow you to meet new friends who also love to knit.
Maybe you’ve seen a sweater that you simply must have and want to knit it for yourself, or maybe you can sense that the meditative quality of knitting will dovetail neatly into your lifestyle, providing moments of calm in a whirlwind. Whatever your reason for starting, here are six tips to help you as a beginner have the most successful start to your knitting journey as possible!
1. Try, Try, Try Again!
Knitting is not necessarily difficult, but learning a new skill as an adult can actually be really challenging. Since we are accustomed to being successful at tasks we are already well versed in, learning a new one (one that you might not be great at initially) might be frustrating. Remember that repetition is the key to learning and you need to revisit a new skill multiple times to really learn it, so just keep going!
2. Be a Style Hound
One of the best things about knitting is that there are loads of different methods to accomplish the same thing. Essentially we are looping thread over sticks but you can work that by throwing the yarn (the English Method), picking the yarn (the Continental Method), or running the yarn around the back of your neck for tensioning (Portuguese method). And the needles can be held in your hands, or one needle can be held in your armpit (Lever Knitting), or in a leather belt at your waist (Shetland Belt Method). The point is that if one method doesn’t work for you, don’t give up! Try another method and see if you like it better.
3. Choose Your Tools Wisely
Sometimes those squeaky acrylic yarns and stiff sticky needles from the local craft store can be really challenging to use. Yes they are the least expensive, but they are that for a reason. The yarn sticks to the needles, preventing the stitches from sliding smoothly and making tension issues like uneven stitches pop up in the knitting. The plastic part of the circular needles is stiff and difficult, never uncurling from the shape it took in the package and making your knitting unpleasant to work on. You may want to consider using a natural material to start knitting with. A yarn made of 100% wool has more elasticity (spring! And bounce!). This makes it easier to knit with and smoother on the needles, plus it is a sustainable resource. Smooth solid colored yarn is the best to start with, stay away from those feathery, nubbly, or crimpy novelty yarns since they can make your stitches difficult to see and knit.
4. Count!
Remember Count Dracula from Sesame Street? Well you need to channel your inner Count for a while and make sure to count your stitches on the needle after every single row. It might seem tedious but it is a way to make sure that nothing tricky has happened on the row you just finished and it is much easier to fix a mistake you just made versus ripping back rows and rows to fix an earlier one.
5. Read Your Pattern Like a Book—Then Write ALLLL Over It!
You don’t know what you don’t know and reading the pattern all the way through before starting to knit can prevent mistakes and improve your knitting experience. Copyright laws allow you to photocopy the pattern for personal use, so get a copy of the pattern and a pencil, read it all the way through and mark down any areas of the pattern you might find confusing. Look them up! Check out all the great videos available on The Knitting Circle for any techniques you don’t know. Next go through the pattern and circle your size for every set of instructions and make checkmarks as you knit when you have completed an area. Write down the needle size you chose to use, the yarn you used (if you substituted a yarn) and any alterations to the pattern you made. This will come in super handy if you choose to re-knit the pattern, like if you managed to make the PERFECT sweater and want another one!
6. Gauge Swatches Can Actually Tell the Future
Did you know that knitting patterns are totally based on math? When the gauge is stated in the pattern for a number of stitches and rows over 4 inches, that ratio is used to create all the sizes in the pattern. The gauge and weight of the sample item are also used to determine the yardage amounts that the pattern calls for. So if your gauge is dramatically different than what the pattern calls for it can adversely affect the size and yardage of your project. Gauge swatches are a small but important piece of knitting; they might seem tedious but should not be skipped. They allow you as the knitter to tell if your yarn/needles/knitting style combination are a good match for the pattern you want to knit. And they can literally tell the future, if your gauge matches then your project will turn out the intended size!
Related Videos: How to Read a Yarn Label, English Knitting (Throwing), Continental Knitting (Picking)
After many years of not knitting, this is a nice refresher. X
I appreciate your teaching. I am attempting to knit a prayer shawl.
Great article! Thanks
Hi There this tips are helpful !!! I tend to get a bit of back ache but I want to carry on knitting. I am looking for a pullover pattern thats must fit a bit snug. I am a size 42-44. Thank you.
I’m just starting knitting again after not knitting for a long time
I find sometimes reading a pattern is sometimes not always difficult
Years ago I was a knitter…..having a daughter and as a single mom who had to work, I lost the priveledge. Am starting over. the ingo for a beginner is very important to me. the advise given above will go a long way in elpiing me knit aagain. thanks
Sou portuguesa e aprendi a tricotar com a minha mãe e a minha avó. Fiquei feliz de ver aqui mencionado o método português de tricotar que, para mim, é extremamente mais fácil e rápido do que os outros de que fala.
Há uns anos atrás não se via um único vídeo que não fosse no método inglês ou no continental e alguns padrões eram difíceis de converter no método português, principalmente quando temos que tricotar no “back loop”.
Agora já vão aparecendo alguns provenientes quer de tricotadeiras portuguesas, quer de brasileiras, que vão ensinando truques e dando dicas.
Obrigada pelas suas.
Thank you for these tips! Been knitting for years (am81) But always look for ‘tips’ from experts!
Appreciate these 😊
Hey LaVerne,
Thank you for your feedback. I have forwarded your comment to the proper department. We value your opinion, and it will help with the development of our online streaming community. We will continue to listen and work hard for your complete satisfaction.
Sarah
The Knitting Circle
I know how to make several different stitches in knitting, what I would love to learn is to actually make a sweater or a vaby garments besides scarfs and blankets
Hello Auda,
Thank you for contacting us.
You may want to check out the videos under the “Advanced Techniques” section or our “Patterns and Projects” section. Here is a short video on how to navigate the website:
https://www.theknittingcircle.com/video/how-to-navigate-the-knitting-circle-website/
If you have any other questions, please chat, email, or call Customer Service.
Sincerely,
Sarah
The Knitting Circle Video Membership
Thank you
I love to knit. It is a great exercise for my old fingers
Disabled from car wreck and looking to restart my knitting. Mainly interested in good quality socks with natural fibres that somehow will last and last….any ideas?
Hello Steven,
Here’s what the experts had to say about your question:
There are lots of sock yarns to choose from. Look for something with wool content – those are typically very durable. I personally like sock yarns that are 75 – 80% wool and 20 – 25% nylon.
Sincerely,
Jen
The Knitting Circle Expert
trying to start
It’s been quite awhile since I’d knitted shawls and small blanket throws. I’m retired now and am doing dish cloths which is quick and easy. Any suggestions of easy shawl patterns with “holes”?
Hello Florence,
Here’s what the experts had to say about your question:
We have several easy shawl pattern videos; you can find them here: https://www.theknittingcircle.com/videos/patterns-projects/shawls/
We also have a couple of patterns in our shop that you might enjoy:
https://www.theknittingcircle.com/product/aranthera-shawl/
https://www.theknittingcircle.com/product/cornflower-shawl/
Please let us know if you have any further questions
Sincerely,
Danesha
The Knitting Circle Video Membership
My mother-in-law taught me to knit years ago. It was difficult because I’m left handed. I still struggle w/ the whole knitting process but the videos and seeing someone allows me to adapt quickly.
Having a hard time finding actual projects for a beginner. Can you suggest something besides squares, which are getting boring.
Hello Pam,
Here’s what the experts had to say about your question:
We have a 14 Day Learn to Knit Series that has a project, although it is a rectangle. But, there are different stitches in it that you might find enjoyable: https://go.knittingcircle.com/a26535/
We also have a couple easy cowl patterns that are knit in the round that you might enjoy:
https://go.knittingcircle.com/a26944/
https://go.knittingcircle.com/a27209/
Please let us know if you have any further questions
Sincerely,
Danesha
The Knitting Circle Video Membership
I have tried several times to join your group, to no avail. What more do I need to do?
Hello Andree,
This is for members to our online community. We do have a $2.04 annual entrance offer if you are interested? This would include access to expert advice (like this), plus discounts, hours of Premium videos, etc. Below is the link to join if you are interested:
https://go.knittingcircle.com/C29453
Sincerely,
Sarah
The Knitting Circle Video Membership
Interesting and clever!
took a year off from knitting but starting again. Have made many pairs of socks, a few sweaters and a few schawls. Have a stash of some beautiful yarns and just retired so plenty of time on my hands.
I like your site on what you show in your email site
Have a 7is pound ChiPom. I keep promising him a new sweater. I never see patterns or tutorials to my needs. Like it to have some leg as he’s bones. Winter booties in teeny size too. Always fall off. I started knitting few months ago but knew basic knit, purl, long tail cast on, cast off. Brain still trying to do k1, p1 ribbing.
Would appreciate some Afghan patterns with ripples and “V ‘s” for babies and adults. Thanks
Total beginner,no needles,yarn or knowledge
I have been doing basic knitting for years but now I want to further my skills and learn new patterns! I look at all the cute patterns for toddlers and say “ I wish I could knit that,”
My mom was a fabulous and FAST knitter. She could knit complicated pattern keep up an adult conversation and keep littles engaged in an activity. . .all at the same time. I can do vey basic knitting scarves & simple slippers. I am now retired and want to learn to do more, eventually to be able to knot Mom’s baby booty pattern and sister’s baby sweater pattern.
Though I’m an experienced knitter, I find that bamboo needles either circular or straight work more easily with yarn that is slick and slips too easily off metal needles. It’s easier to maintain a consistent tension or gauge using bamboo, too. New knitters might find them easier to use, too.
Best of yarns and needles
I am an 80-year-old who use to be a knitter. I just picked up some yarn I found from years ago and started knitting a scarf for a friend. Love it. I am a “picker” but I would love to be a “thrower” and hold the needles in one hand. Have you any videos on that method? Wish I would have learned that way but didn’t know that method existed till I started watching some on you tube.
I’m so happy to see that I’m not the only “old” new knitter! It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do, and I’m thrilled to have found this group. Great tips, videos and comments… thank you!
Beginniner to learn knitting
When using circular needles do you start at the same place for each row or move on a stitch?
When you get to knit the yoke on a babies jumper is it better to cast off and then pick up the stitches for the yoke or put the stitches on a stitch holder and then knit from there?
i always use a stitch holder- makes for a more even pick up
I’ve been an off and on knitter for years, and each time I come back to it, I’m much more comfortable and ready to add new skills! One thing I need to learn at the start is how to correct errors. Many of my errors have to do with not ending up with the same number of stitches at the end of each row or round! What? Where? When?!? Did I drop one somewhere, or did I inadvertently add a stitch as I merrily knit the last row? I become so frustrated that I’ll set my knitting and stew over it for a year or two. Help!
Hello Barbara. We have quite a few videos on how to fix errors in your knitting. You can find them all here: https://www.theknittingcircle.com/videos/knitting-basics/fixing-mistakes/
Thanks
Jen
The Knitting Circle
I am a 80 year old new knitter
Me too. I don’t even have my needles out of the store bought package yet and haven’t yet bought any yarn. I have a lot of yarn from other projects left over and may use that to learn the technique. Glad to know there are other people out there willing to learn new skills.
Used to knit a lot but life got in the way ..now I want to knit again
Just like Aspassia….picking up after 50 years. Might even finish a sweater that’s half done from that period (found the pattern).
HI had to laugh when you mentioned a sweater from 50 years ago – Me too! I started a complex Aran sweater for my husband in 1974 – then he bulked up and I never finished it. still have the wool and pattern – might unpick and make a throw!
My Mom was an avid knitter and I learned the basics – it was after she passed and I couldn’t part with her knitting needles and a boatload of baby yarn that I wished I had paid more attention to her more advanced knitting… I picked up the needles and found a pattern for preemie hats and started knitting! I found such comfort knitting those little hats and using my Mom’s collection of yarn – I donated 50 hats just before Christmas to two local NICU units. I am enjoying simple projects for now. I have made myself a couple of scarves and a couple of baby blankets. I am so glad I kept my Mom’s collection of needles and baby yarn! I gave the “other” yarn to her church where they make prayer shawls for the local nursing homes. Feeling the Love!
I love your story! Thank you for sharing. ❤
Just subscribed to this group and I have already been pleased with the information I have gleaned. I am a self taught knitter and have been knitting for about 10 years. THANKYOU for useful, commercial free info. I look forward to using the videos and tips.
I’ve been knitting for a few years now mostly prayer shawls, but with the virus I had more time so wanted to do something extra for Christmas for family members. I have made hats and some cowls on circular needles. I need help with adjusting the cast on for patterns where my yarn does not match the weight of pattern. I just picked yarn that I thought would be good for the person and washable. Is there any rule of thumb for this. I have done more than my sharing of ripping out because I added too many stitches or not enough.
I have knitted for years and learned from my Mother in Finland. Some American abbreviations I am not familiar with. So need to have those explained.
I learned knitting and crocheting from my Mother in Finland. I do not know some of the American abbreviations and need to have them explained,
I need to see (video) how you add a new skein of yarn to existing project.
Hi Teresa,
Here’s what our expert had to say: We have a video in our Learn to Knit Series that covers this. https://www.theknittingcircle.com/video/day-12-cowl-part-3-purl-ridge-stitch/
(Changing to the new ball of yarn happens around the 9 minute 30 second mark)
Let us know if other questions come up!
Sincerely,
Codi
The Knitting Circle Video Membership
I want to start knitting again after fifty years, so I am a beginner again.
My arthritis is stops me from casting on. I would like to learn the knitting cast on
Hello Frances,
Here’s what the experts had to say about your question:
We have a free video that demonstrates the knitted cast on here: https://www.theknittingcircle.com/video/knitted-cast-on-018321/
Sincerely,
Jen
The Knitting Circle
I am a beginner lefty must I say it’s hard for me to learn knitting any tips.
I am also a leftie, want to learn knitting, any tips for me also ? 😊
Hello Nancy,
Thank you for contacting us.
We are currently working on bringing some left-handed content to the site this year. In the meantime, we have some helpful videos an articles on our sister site, Craftsy:
https://www.craftsy.com/post/left-handed-knit-stitches/
https://www.craftsy.com/class/left-handed-knitting/
If you have any additional questions, please email or contact Customer Service at 1-833-622-6523.
Sincerely,
Lindsay
The Knitting Circle Video Membership
R J knits on u tube is excellent. I am a lefty and learned to cast on and start knitting
I am a leftie and learned to knit right handed. I can hold my yarn in my right hand, like I do when I crochet left-handed. You get to hold the worked on piece in your left hand. I don’t remember how to do it left-handed, but I remember that by the time it was offered I already was doing it right-handed & switching seemed difficult. ( No wonderful internet back then.) But when I relearned knitting a couple of months ago I looked at books and videos. The videos give more understanding than books. (When i first learned it was a class in high school (great teacher) There are lots of knitting videos on you tube,surely their are left-handed ones. It would be more beneficial to learn it right -handed though because most of your learning videos are right-handed. Hope this helped
I can knit, just do not know how to read a pattern. Learned knitting in Holland.
I know a bit about knitting
Just completed the simplest of blankets. First time knitting in 40 years. So am a beginner again. Love your tips.
I’d love the pattern…thought I’d start out with a blanket!!
Starting to knit again after years spent working,
raising a family and volunteering…looking forward!
Making knit blankets. Blanket edges are not straight (curvy). What am I doing wrong.
Hello Kathy,
Thank you for contacting us.
It could be a few different things. If you are working a pattern that has Stockinette stitch (knit on Right Side/purl on Wrong Side) right up to the edge, it may curl and distort. If it’s more curvy, it’s possible that you are inadvertently added or taking away stitches, which would change the size and make it curve in and out.
Depending on the reason for the curve, it might help to add some kind of edging onto the blanket when it’s complete.
Here’s a video you might find helpful:
https://www.theknittingcircle.com/video/crochet-edge-018783/
If you have any additional questions, please email or contact Customer Service at 1-833-622-6523.
Sincerely,
Lindsay
The Knitting Circle Video Membership
I’ve never knitted before. Where do I start? What is the first video that I should watch? There is so much information on here that I’m not sure where I begin. Thank you!
RJ Knits on YouTube.
I have just started to knit again