Starting to Knit using Basic Knitting Instructions

The basic knitting stitches are called "knit" and "purl." In the knit stitch, put your working yarn at the back. Insert the needle from the back coming from the left side. Then wrap the yarn from the back of the needle into the front. The purl stitch is essentially the reverse with the working yarn at the front.

The needle is inserted coming from the back to the front on the right side of the stitch. Then the yarn is wrapped from the top of the needle to the bottom.

Knitting instructions and materials can be found in specialty hobby shops and sewing centers but in all honesty, most people require one-on-one instruction to get a feel for the rhythm of the stitches. Most of the places that sell knitting supplies also have information about classes. While you may be able to get free knitting patterns online, you will probably need at least one or two lessons from an experienced knitter to really get going well.

The Different Kinds of Knitting Needles

A variety of knitting needles are available and are distinguished by purpose and by the skill level of the knitter.

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Single Point Needles

Single point needles used for flat knitting are the best for beginners. These needles have a knob on an end to keep the stitches from falling off and are typically nine to fourteen inches in length.

Double Point Needles

For advanced knitters who intend to do some circular knitting, double point needles are the best choice. They vary in length from four to nine inches. The shorter needles are used for making gloves, the intermediate lengths (five to six inches) for socks and mittens, and the longer ones (seven to nine inches) for knitting bags, sleeves, hats, and collars.

Circular Knitting Needles

Many knitters find circular needles to be the most comfortable to use. The needles are connected by a flexible circle that helps to reduce strain on the wrists and does a better job of containing the finished stitches, which allows for faster work.

Flex Needles

Flex needles are also used in doing flat pieces. They can actually be used as a replacement for the straight needle type. They are more compact for easy storage and tend to reduce tension as you knit.

General Tips For Knitters

Choose your yarn carefully. Knitting can be an expensive pastime. At first you will probably want to use less expensive yarns until your skill level improves and you can put finer yarns to their best possible use. Solid colored yarns are best for your first projects because they allow you to see your stitches more clearly and to identify "dropped" or missed stitches before you get too far past the area.

Armed with a good set of knitting instructions and free knitting patterns most people can begin producing reasonable projects in just a few short weeks.

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