Muna wa Wanjiru asked:


Knitting Stitches is not that difficult as it sounds, its very easy. You have to know basics of knitting and some basic stitches. To start knitting try some basic stitches like “knit stitch”, “knit two stitches”, and “the purl stitch”, “stockinet stitches”. Garter stitch is also a very basic stitch and very popular too. Garter stitch is a really versatile quick to knit and sturdy, so it is great for all skill levels.
Knit stitch is most common stitch you do, when you start knitting, you can have little variation in this in knit stitch pattern, with having back knit stitches. Purl stitches are also very popular and easy stitch you just have to take yarn in front while knitting.

Once you get grip on all these basic stitches, they you can try some advanced stitches. Let’s start with bind off. For this bind off, first knit two stitches; then slip off first stitch over second needle; knit another stitch and repeat the same procedure till only one stitch remains. Break the yarn and just draw it from last loop.

If you want to do ribbing then cast stitches in multiple of four; then bring yarn under the needle in front and then knit two purl stitches. Then take yarn under the needle to the back of your work, and then repeat till end of the row. Repeat the row and then just bind off the pattern.

Slipping stitches, first slip stitch from left needle from left hand needle on which casting is done to right hand needle as for purl. To pass slip stitches over a knit stitch then bring slip stitch over the knit stitch. This stitch is usually used to get lace pattern.

The Yarn over stitch, first bring the yarn under the needle, then forward again over the needle then backward and then knit the “knit stitch”. This makes one extra stitch. This yarn over stitch makes holes and used for openwork patterns.

To weave a stockinette stitch, bring two pieces to joint together, up yarn in first stitch on upper piece, you can do this by inserting needle from back side. Then insert needle from first stitch on right side on lower piece and bring up through next stitch on upper piece from back side up yarn; insert needle from right side in same stitch, draw the yarn and repeat the procedure till all stitches are joined fasten he yarn before breaking off.

Farrow rib stitch is very quick knitting pattern. You can quickly knit scarf using this Farrow rib. This is very elegant and easy pattern. Basket weave stitch is also another elegant stitch, this is perfect for a knitter who wants to maker knitted fabric, with a woven look and with little variation.

There are actually countless stitches you can knit by using little variations. You just have to use a little creativity and you just have to repeat the whole pattern it is very sequentially, and you can definitely create beautiful patterns.



WILBURN

Muna wa Wanjiru asked:


Do you wish to learn how to knit? With these instructions and a little practice, you can learn knitting and will definitely create professional patterns.

There are five basic instructions. Make a slip knot, cast on, knit stitch, purl stitch and bind off. Let’s start with making a slip knot.
Making a slip knot is very easy. This knot is tied for secure knitting, otherwise it may happen that as you go further, stitches open up from the beginning. A slip knot is very easy: just pull some yarn to make one loop. Then simply tie a regular knot.

Now to start knitting, you have to cast on stitches. So for cast on, make a slip loop over left needle then pass right needle through loop from left to right yarn under and over right needle then draw yarn through loop and transfer loop to left needle, continue this till you get number of stitches on left needle. Now your stitches are ready now decide on pattern you want to knit and start knitting.

Now you must have the basic information about the two basic stitches: Knit stitch and Purl stitch. The knit stitch is very basic stitch. To start knitting, insert right needle through first stitch of left hand needle. Then wind yarn over cross of two needles over right hand needle. Just gently pull through loop. After that just slip over first original stitch from left needle to right hand needle. Just repeat the whole process until you transfer all stitches from left needle to right needle. This is the way to complete a row with knit stitches.

Your second basic stitch is the Purl stitch. First you have to take the yarn in front of the needle, then insert right hand needle in first stitch on left hand needle. Wind yarn around back of right hand needle from right to left, then just draw loop backward which will allow stitch to sleep off left needle to right hand needle. With purl stitches, you can create pattern which look like brick face.

With variations and combinations of these two stitches you can create many different types of patterns very easily. For example, if you want a pattern to look like twisted rib, then just knit from back side of knit stitches. This will definitely give you even textured pattern.

Once you are done with the knitting, then you have to seal the ends of knitted fabric, binding off is done. For this bind off, first knit two stitches; then slip off first stitch over second needle; knit another stitch and repeat the same procedure till only one stitch remains. Cut the yarn and just draw it from last loop.

So with this basic information you can create almost any patterns you want. Select yarn very carefully, as the final look of knitted fabric also depends upon thickness and type of yarn. Selection of type of knitting needles is also very important, as it decide thickness and quality on knitted fabric. Also choose appropriate color depending on what you are knitting and for whom you are knitting.



CLEMENT

Louise Nova asked:


I wanted to set out some basic knitting instructions as a refresher so here it is. All knitting instructions use basically two stitches, the knit stitch and the purl stitch. Once you know these two knitting essentials you will be able to follow most knitting instructions which are just combinations or variations of these two stitches.
Knitting Instructions for the Knit Stitch

Once you have cast on, hold the knitting needle with the cast on stitches in your left hand. Push the point of the right knitting needle in between the front of the first and second stitches, pointing the knitting needle to the right to feed the point through the first stitch keeping it under the left needle. The knitting yarn should be at the back of the work. Loop the knitting yarn around the right knitting needle from back to front, letting the knitting yarn rest between the needles. Catch the knitting yarn on the end on the right knitting needle and pull it through the first stitch to the front of the work. Slip the old stitch off the left needle. The new stitch is now on the right needle. Now you are getting the hang of the knitting instructions. It is a good idea to keep the knitting yarn draped over the right forefinger, this keeps it to the back of the work too. Repeat this process until all stitches are on the right knitting needle. Now count the stitches, if they are all there, turn the right knitting needle around and put it in the left hand. This is the first row from your knitting instructions. The knitting yarn will look like it is at the front and you will now take it to the back and start the second row of transferring stitches to the empty right needle.

Knitting Instructions for the Purl Stitch

The Purl stitch will also be in any knitting instructions. Start with the knitting needle with the cast on stitches in your left hand. Your knitting yarn will be hanging in front. Push point of right knitting needle into the front of the first stitch from right to left. Wrap the knitting yarn around the tip of the right knitting needle, crossing over the two needles and hanging once again in front. Slide the right knitting needle down and back taking the new loop of knitting yarn from front to back, through the old stitch. Slip the old stitch off the left knitting needle. If you have followed the knitting instructions you now have a stitch in purl on the right knitting needle and the yarn is hanging, once again, in the front. Repeat this process until all stitches are on the right knitting needle. Now count the stitches to make sure you haven’t dropped any and turn the work around putting the knitting needle with the stitches on in your left hand to start the next row.

I hope you could follow my basic knitting instructions. I have a lot more information about knitting on my Knitting Instructions blog so please join me there to learn more.



KURTIS

Craig Thornburrow asked:


Learning how to knit has many benefits, it promotes relaxation, improves your self-discipline and allows you to create beautiful projects to display in your home, wear or give as gifts to family and friends.

You will need four things before you learn how to knit; these are two knitting needles, yarn, a pattern and a pair of scissors. Choosing a simple pattern and yarn that is easy to work with will make learning how to knit easy and enjoyable.

Spend a few minutes holding your knitting needles so you can get a feel for them. At first they may feel awkward but that’s ok, roll the needles around in your hands and between your fingers. Once you can do that without dropping the needles your ready to add some yarn. Pull a long piece of yarn out of the ball and wrap it a loosely around your hand

Depending on your instructions, you will first create your half hitches (tie a loose knot to the end of the knitting needle in your right hand if you are right handed and your left hand if you’re left handed.) Now following the instructions, loop the yarn over the needle you tied the knot on, however many times it says to.

Next step is to slip the yarn, using the needle in your opposite hand through the loops, entering from the left side of the yarn. Insert your knitting needle from the backside of the loop pulling it up through the front. This needle is now called your holding needle. While doing knit stitches your holding needle will always be on top of your working needle.

Now you should have a piece of yarn attached in a straight line between your two needles. Using the tip of your needle to, “called the working needle” pull that piece of new yarn taught and slip the loop you just made off the needle, and repeat over and over again, following your instructions. That is called your knit stitch.

Once you have created your desired amount of knit stitches in your first row, turn the knitted yarn so the end is near you and begin knitting back towards your first stitch. This is called the garter stitch.

Next is the purl stitch, using your working needle slip it through the stitch from right to left. Your working needle will now be on top of the holding needle. To make a purl stitch, the yarn goes around the working needle, bring the needle around to the back and pull the needle through the front of the loop and you have your first purl stitch, slip it off your need and repeat.

Those are the two stitches you need in learning how to knit. Once you master them, you will be on your way to creating beautiful blankets, hats, mittens, baby booties, sweaters, dresser doilies, doll clothes and so much more. You can even get creative and add lace and beads to your beautiful masterpieces after learning how to knit.



WILEY

Muna wa Wanjiru asked:


Knitting is no longer only for grandmothers or just any mothers. Now it’s a fun, creative hobby for anyone. Just get some basic information before you start knitting. All you need to start knitting are knitting needles, yarn and good patterns or instructions.

Let’s start with some basic patterns. Before you start with a pattern as a beginner, you should know the basic stitches including the knit stitch and purl stitch. For the first, pass the right needle through the first stitch of your left hand needle. Now wind your yarn over cross of two needles, over the right hand needle. Just gently pull through the loop. After that just slip over first original stitch from left needle to right hand needle. Repeat the whole procedure till you transfer all stitches from left needle to right needle.

Purl stitch when viewed from purl side of pattern. First you have to take the yarn in front of the needle, then insert right hand needle in first stitch on left hand needle. Wind yarn around back of right hand needle from right to left, then just draw loop backward which will allow stitch to slip off left needle to right hand needle. The main thing to remember about this stitch is that you have to take the yarn in front of needle. Continue till all stitches are transferred from left needle to right needle.

There is a specific way to read the patterns. First the skill level; it can be easy, medium, hard or beginner, intermediate or advance, each pattern has specific skill level, you can start with beginner and then go for complex advanced patterns.

For an easy or beginner level there are usually easy patterns, like different types of scarf or shawls or even some sweaters with easy knitting patterns. You can even make some easy handbags, mats to begin knitting. For medium or intermediate levels you can have patterns like stocking caps, sweaters and knitted scarves; usually patterns with altered stitches and patterns for advanced levels, you can have patterns which are complicated and which require lot of shaping.

If you are beginner then start with a no pattern, this means just start by knitting with a combination of just two basic stitches, knit and purl. To begin you can knit a nice pashmina style stole, just with three hundred stitches, if garter stitch means only knit stitches no purl stitches. To start you can even make some simple combination of stitches.

If you are knitting with circular needles, you can start making tubular scarf for this cast around 300 stitches, and join them together in a circle. You can try stockinette stitch it produces nice curls at the end which gives the scarf a very different look.



DEVON

Sawyer Theron asked:


So have you caught the knitting bug? Have you learned the basic stitches and are now wondering what to do? With a little practice and tips from experienced knitters, you can be creating awesome creations in no time.

Once you learn three basic techniques you will find that there are numerous projects you can learn to knit. The three basic foundations of knitting are casting on, the knit stitch and the purl stitch. Once you master these three techniques you can begin to add more advanced knitting skills.

You can learn the basic stitches from other knitters, online or from a book. You can truly only become a functional knitter from practicing as much as possible.

Starting out you will want to use medium gauge wool yarn which is the easiest yarn to start out with. It may not be the prettiest, flashiest novelty yarn, but it’s the easiest yarn to learn how to knit with. You do not want to use cotton since it has no give in it. Wool has just a bit of stretch so it is much easier to learn with.

Your local yarn shop is a great place for both beginners and veteran knitters. It is an excellent place to have your questions answered when you begin to choose your yarns and patterns.

Knitting has always been a social hobby. Similar to scrap booking where women meet to work on their scrap booking in gatherings called “crops”, knitters have sessions called “stitch and bitch”. Women bring their projects, knit together and chat.

These knitting groups are a great place to learn to knit from experienced knitters. They can give you advice and show you hands on skills. Advanced knitters are also able to improve their skills by watching the talents of others who can share various techniques.

Lessons are a great way to learn basic knitting skills. It is usually worth the money to have someone teach the knit and purl stitches. The local shop usually offers individual or group beginning knitter classes. It will take you just one or two classes before you feel confident enough to attempt an easy project. Of course, outside of class you will want to practice as much as possible.

When you start to knit you will not really begin with a project. Most likely you will learn by knitting a swatch about 2 feet long just for practice. Once you can complete that you will rip it all out, roll it up and start all over again. It is not necessarily fun but you will begin to feel comfortable with the knit and purl stitches. You should not start a real project until you can successfully knit the swatch with no dropped stitches or gaping holes.

The easiest first project is a scarf. It is simple and you really do not have to worry too much about gauge. It is the best project to begin with to practice your skill. If it is summer and a scarf does not sound too appealing, try a decorative scarf in a lightweight cotton yarn that can be used in place of a necklace, or used as a belt.

Knitting is a really fun hobby. You will find it relaxing and enjoyable. You will love all the colors and textures of fibers available. You will love to make things and give them as gifts. Knitting is a great hobby for all seasons and all ages.



MARC

Muna wa Wanjiru asked:


Knitting looms, around since the 16th century, are considered fairly easy to learn and use and are growing in popularity. There are varieties of shapes in looms: some are round, oval and rectangular.

Single loom rakes have single row of pegs and double rakes have two rows of pegs. Looms are mainly used to make knit fabric. The size of the fabric depends upon the size of the loom. And there are many names used for loom knitting: fame knitting, ring knitting, box knitting, spool knitting, reel knitting, French knitting, knitting board, reel knitting are other names for loom knitting.

In the knitting loom, the stitches are made by interconnecting loops which becomes a fabric. Loom knitting is similar to needle knitting. In the loom knitting, the pegs are the needles. When the peg holds one loop it becomes a stitch. The yarn surrounds the pegs. The knitter has to wrap each peg and lifts the bottom loop over and off so that the loop is dropped to the inside of the loom. A stitch will be created when the loop is lifted over and off.

In the knitting looms, knitters combine the purl stitch and knit stitch. Hundreds of stitch patterns rises with this combination. But the designs were limited only. Recently, the loom knitting has undergone vast changes. Lace patterns and cable designs can also be knitted in the loom knitting. Knitting comes in different sizes. There are some popular sizes in the knitting looms that are known as loom gauge. There are three main factors that influence the gauge in the loom knitting. They are knitting loom gauge, yarn and knitting tension. The measurement from center of one peg to the center of other peg determines the gauge on the knitting looms. Another important factor that influences the gauge is the diameter of the peg shaft. If the spacing between the pegs is large, then the stitches will have long space between them. If the pegs are closer, the knit gauge will be smaller.

The knitting loom covers three types of looms. They are single-sided rakes, rounds and knitting boards. The round knitting looms are known as hat looms. They come in different shapes and sizes. They create small tubes for the baby socks, and larger tubes for the hats made for adults. They have stitches similar like needle knitting. A flat panel can also be created using round loom. This form is called single sided rake. You can find single sided rakes also in the knitting looms. They are used specifically to create flat panels.

Knitting board is a part of the knitting looms. The knitting looms have double bed of pegs, which faces each other and allows the knitting to pass through. They are also called knitting frames or double-sided rakes. A fabric is created with double side and there is no wrong side. Knitting tool is a long piece of metal and has an angled tip that is used to lift off the loops.



RICARDO

Muna wa Wanjiru asked:


Knitting is a traditional art and craft most generally associate with using wool and yarn. These two materials are used for different patterns of tops, scarves, socks, etc that can be crafted via knitting.

Knitting is very traditional, generally used by grandmothers to do all kind of things, but today many women are getting interested in this activity. Though knitting seems to some to be boring, once you get into it, you definitely gain an interest in it.

There are different patterns and designs for knitting. Being by using two needles plus learn some basic instructions.

Usually there are two types of stitches to use throughout your patter or other instructions; the knit stitch and the purl stitch. On the whole, knitting is nothing but the combination of these two stitches.

The details of these instructions about how to knit stitch are as follows:

Knit stitch:

First of all you have to hold the knitting needle with the cast on stitches in your left hand. Now push the tip of the right needle, in middle of the front of first and second stitch now the needle must be pointing to the right which will fed the point in the course of first stitch by keeping it under the left needle. While doing this, the yarn which is in use must be at the back of the work.

Now take the yarn which is in use. You have to loop this around the right knitting needle such that it should come from back to the front by resting the knitting yarn in between the needles. At this point pick up the yarn on the end on the right needle and pull it through first stitch to the front side of the work. The next step is to slip off the old stitch from left needle so that the new stitch would be on right needle.

While working or knitting generally keep the knitting yarn swathe over right forefinger, this arrangement will help you in keeping the yarn on back side. Until you get all the stitches on the right needle, keep knitting and when all the stitches will come on the right needle turn this right needle around, and hold it in left hand. At this situation will be the first row now again follows the same steps for second row.

Knitting instructions for purl stitch:

The first knitting needle must be with the cast on stitches in your left hand. Here the yarn must be hanging in front. Now push the tip of right needle in to front of first stitch in right to left direction. Now enclose the knitting yarn, around right needle point by crossing two needles so that it will hang in front again. At this position slide right needle downward and back by taking new loop the yarn from front to back through old stitch.

By following these steps you will get a purl stitch on right needle and yarn is hanging again in front side. Again follow the steps for all stitches and once you get all the stitches transform them on left needle and again repeat the steps.

Enjoy your new craft. Here’s to your success!



CLIFFORD

BEEFan asked:


All I know how to do is use size 8 knitting needles, cast on, knit, and I think I can purl, even though when I purl it just looks like a bigger knit stitch.

ROGER

knittinghelp asked:

More free videos available online at www.knittinghelp.com. Continental Method aka German Method sometimes called Left Handed Knitting Officially, anyone who holds the yarn in their left hand is a Continental knitter. Some continental knitters wrap the yarn between the needles to knit it, and some simply scoop, or “pick”, the yarn with the needle. The latter requires fewer hand movements, and has a reputation of being the fastest method of knitting there is. This is my preferred knitting method. …

JOSE