Rachel Wallace- Final Project 4/28/25

Learning to Knit

Getting you ready for your first project

start

Welcome!

In this course you will learn the basics of knitting and prepare to knit your first project.

Relaxation & Mindfulness

Create Unique Pieces

Meaningful gifts

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course you'll be able to...

1. Identify basic knit fabric textures.
2. Practice beginner knitting techniques.
3. Differentiate between stitch types, cast on methods, and cast off methods.
4. Use knitting tools and explain their functions.

Table of Contents

Module 1: The Basics

Module 2: Casting on and Basic Stitches

Module 3: Increasing, Decreasing and Casting Off

Module 4: Finishing Your Work

Module 5: Knitting Patterns

Module 1

Module 1: An Introduction & The Basics

There will be a series of video tutorials throughout this course. Please watch them all in full screen mode for a better look, and follow along to start learning the techniques.

What Materials Will You Need?

How Do You Make an Entire Project?

What is Knitting?

Knitting is a craft that creates fabric by passing loops of yarn between two needles.

There are generally two different approaches used to make entire finished objects: Self-Drafting and following a pattern.

A wide variety of supplies are available for knitting, but the most important are knitting needles and yarn.

Materials Required

Module 1

Knitting really doesn't require that many supplies. Here is a deeper look at the materials you will need.

Quiestion 1/2

Module 1 Assessment

Question 2/2

Module 1 Assessment

Module 2

Module 2: Casting On and Basic Stitches

Casting On

The Knit Stitch

The Purl Stitch

The purl stitch is another very common stitch in knitting, and is worked with the yarn held in the front. The purl stitch is actualls the opposite of the knit stitch, so when a piece is worked flat the purl stitches will create knit stitches on the opposite side of the fabric.

The knit stich is the most common and iconic stitch in knitting. It is knit with the yarn held in the back of the work. When you create a fabric using only knit stitches it is known as stockinette stitch.

Casting on is how the first row of stitches is secured to the knitting needles. There are many different cast-on methods, and a particular method will be chosen for a pattern based on the desired result.

Basic Knit Textures

Module 2

Knitting can be used to create a variety of different textures. Here's a brief look at some of the more common ones.

Module 2 Assessment

Drag the concept to its corresponding space:

The ____ and ____ stitches are the two most basic stitch types. Before you can learn to create those stitches, you must first learn to _______. While working the knit stitch, the yarn is held in the ____. The long tail cast on method creates a ________ edge, while the e-cast on creates a _____ edge.

back

knit

cast on

stretchy

rigid

purl

check

Module 3

I suggest following along with these videos in order, using your materials to practice as you go. You will need to have some stitches worked up first, so be sure you've completed the previous modules. While following the last two videos, you can switch cast off methods mid-row to practice both techniques.

Module 3: Increasing, Decreasing, and Casting Off

Increasing involves knitting techniques that add to the overall stitch count of a project. Here we will cover three common methods of increasing. Decreasing involves knitting techniques that subtract from the overall stitch count of a project. Here we will cover two common methods of decreasing. Casting off, also known as binding off, creates a finished edge of secured stitches so that your project won't unravel. There are a variety of different cast off methods that produce different aesthetics and functionality. Here we will cover two cast off methods that produce different kinds of edges.

Need a better look? Watch each video in full screen for a better view!

Concepts

Module 3 Assessment

Let's Recap! Match each square to the correct term

Decreasing

Increasing

Casting Off

1. Make 1 Left

4. Elastic

7. Knit 2 Together

8. Creates a finished edge

2. Basic

5. Make 1 Right

6. Stretchy or Rigid Edge

9. Slip Slip Knit

3. Knit Front and Back

check

Module 4

Module 4: Finishing Your Work

Caring for knit pieces

Weaving in your ends

Blocking

The way that a knit piece needs to be cared for will depend mostly on the fiber content of yarn used to make the project. Each ball of yarn you buy will usually come with information on fiber content and washing instructions. Some yarns are machine washable, and some yarns must be washed by hand, sometimes with special laundry detergent. This is an important factor to consider if you are choosing yarn for a project that will need to be washed frequently.

Blocking is the last step in the knitting process, and is usually considered optional, though it is recommended if you have made a garment. This relaxes the stitches of the garment and often makes the fabric look more uniform. It can also relax the fabric, resulting in slight size and shape changes.

Weaving in your yarn ends is one of the last steps of a knitting project, and involves using a tapestry needle to sew loose tails of yarn into the knitted fabric. This is both aesthetic and functional because it helps prevent your stitches from unraveling. You might need to weave in yarn ends anywhere you had to switch to a new ball of yarn, and at the cast on and cast off edges.

Question 1/3

Module 4 Assessment

Quiestion 2/3

Module 4 Assessment

Question 3/3

Module 4 Assessment

Module 5

Module 5: Knitting Patterns and Additional Resources

1. Choosing your first pattern

2. Abbreviations and Terminology

3. Additional Resources

Question 1/2

Module 5

Question 2/2

Module 5

Happy Making!

Congratulations on finishing the course!

After casting on, you can knit directly into the casted on stitches. Remember to hold your working yarn in the back while performing the knit stitch, and knit into the front of the stitch rather than the back.

The best knitting pattern to choose is one you're excited about!

That being said, there are some additional factors to consider.

There are many knitting patterns available online, both for purchase and for free. Many independent designers are releasing patterns that are very beginner-friendly and offer quite a bit of instruction. In addition to their written instructions, many of these designers also release video tutorials for their patterns, which are incredibly helpful if you get stuck. I recommned using the website Ravelry to find your first pattern. This is an online database for knitting and crochet patterns that lets you search for patterns based on many different criteria. Patterns are then rated and reviewed by users based on quality and difficulty. You will also find information on whether or not video tutorials are offered for a specific pattern there.

• Scarves
• Hats
• Dish Cloths
• Decorative Baskets or pillows
• But if none of these excite you, feel free to start with something like a basic sweater. It may be a challenge, but that's part of the fun!

ravelry.com

Finding Additional Resources

Fortunately, there are many free knitting resources available online to help you along as you work on mastering the basics, and as you progress into more advanced techniques and projects.

• There are thoudands of videos available on youtube covering both the basics and more advanced techniques
• A quick search through a search engine will bring up many knitting blogs reviewing various techniques, projects, and related topics.
• Chances are your local library has some books about knitting
• If you check the Ravelry projects and comments sections, many knitters discuss common problems and solutions to pattern issues.
• You can also often reach out to designers directly if you have issues with their patterns.

Raglan increases- Used freaquently in sweaters, created by strategically using 'Make 1 Right' and 'Make 1 Left' increases.

From cozy home goods to chic and contemporary garments, the possibilities of what you can create are almost limitless. You might be surprised by the variety of things you can make through such a simple hobby.

For the purposes of this lesson we will be covering 2 common methods of casting on: The E-Cast on (Creates a non-stretchy edge) The Long-Tail Cast On (produces a stretchy edge)* *Explanation for the long-tail method begins at 3:19

Knitting is a great way to relax, especially for people who have a difficult time sitting still. It serves as a mindful activity away from your phone, but can also give you something to do with your hands while watching tv or listening to audiobooks and podcasts.

In order to properly weave in your ends, you'll want to make sure you've left long enough tails throughout your project, and that you have a tapestry needle.

Tapestry Needle- You'll need one of these to weave in the yarn ends of your project. This is a larger and more blunt version of a sewing needle, with an eye large enough to fit yarn through.Stitck Markers- these aren't required, but they're nice to have to mark your progress and significant points in your work to use for reference. You can also just use a piece of scrap yarn if you prefer. Scissors- You'll need some scissort to cut your yarn Tape Measure- not required, but nice to have so you can ensure that your project is the right size.

Essential Supplies:

• Knitting Needles
• Usually Straight Needles or Circular Needles
• Yarn
• Scissors
• Tapestry Needle

Additional Helpful Supplies:

• Stitch Markers
• Stitch Holders
• Tape Measure

For the purposes of this course, we will be focusing on preparing you to use a knitting pattern for your first project. A knitting pattern is a document that acts as a set of instructions to create a knitted object, and will also contain helpful information such as the project difficulty level and materials required. Knitting patterns can be found in a variety of places, like in magazines or online. Many are available for free, while others must be purchased. Self-drafting is a creating a design for a knitted project without following a pattern.

Knitting Needles

Knitting needles are what you use while knitting to hold your yarn and create the loops that you will pass back and forth to build fabric. They come in a variety of sizes, lengths, and materials. The 2 main types of knitting needles you can buy are straight needles and circular needles. The knitting pattern you choose will tell you what kind of needles you need for your project.

Straight needles are used to knit back and forth, which means that you will knit on the front and back of the work. To knit this way you will finish knitting a row and turn the work around to knit the next row.

Circular needles are knitting needles that are connected by a flexible cord. They are used to knit in the round. When using these, you typically only work on the front of the fabric without having to turn the work to the wrong side. Curcular needles can also be used to knit back and forth if needed.

The knit and purl stitches are the two most basic stitch types. Before you can learn to create those stitches, you must first learn to cast on. While working the knit stitch, the yarn is held in the back. The long tail cast on method creates a stretchy edge, while the e-cast on creates a rigid edge.

close

Garter Stitch- created by alternating rows of knit stitches with rows of purl stitches if knitting in the round, or by working knit stitches on every row if knitting back and forth.

Ribbing- created by alternating knit stitches and purl stitches within the same row in a consistent pattern. This scarf is worked using a 1x1 rib, meaning 1 knit stitch is alternated with 1 purl stitch, and that repeat is used throughout the project to create this texture

Decreasing

Casting On

Increasing

2. Basic

7. Knit 2 Together

1. Make 1 Left

4. Elastic

9. Slip Slip Knit

3. Knit Front and Back

7. Design

6. Stretchy or Rigid Edge

5. Make 1 Right

8. Creates a finished edge

Close

While it's fine if you want to keep your projects for yourself, knitting can also be a great way to produce sentimental gifts for friends and family members suited to their unique style.

Stockinette- very common, "plain" knit fabric, created by working rows of knit stiches if knitting in the round, or alternating rows of knit and purl stitches if working back and forth.

Cables- a raised texture created by crossing and twisting stitches over and under one another. While this is a slightly more advanced knitting technique, it's probably not as complicated as you think. Many cables are made using only knit and purl stitches!

Knit fabric actually is very common, and chances are you have at least some of it in your closet. It is commonly produced on machines for ready-to-wear garments sold in stores, but can also be done by hand. Machine-made knits are often made using a much thinner yarn than hand knits, but both produce a stretchy fabric and can be used to create a variety of textures.

If your pattern calls for a row of purl stitches first, you can also knit those purl stitches directly into the casted on stitches. Remember to hold your working yarn in the front while purling.

Yarn

Yarn is the material you knit up into a fabric. Yarn is available in a wide variety of colors, weights and fiber contents. The fiber content of the yarn you use will determine the feel of your finished projects, as well as how you care for them and how they wear over time. The yarn weight you use will affect the thickness of your fabric and the needle size you will use to knit. Knitting patterns will usually outline a few ideal yarn options for each project.

You will find many different abbreviations within knitting patterns, and many patterns that are more beginner-friendly will offer you a key for abbreviations used within their written instructions. The abbreviations used across patterns are not universal, but below we will go over some of the more commonly used abbreviations based on the skills we have covered in this course.

CO = Cast on K= Knit P= Purl K2tog= Knit two together Ssk= Slip, slip, knit Kfb= Knit front and back M1L= Make one left M1R= Make 1 right BO= Bind off/Cast off Sts= stitches

Examples:

• CO 20 sts using the long-tail cast on method
• K 20 sts
• K 40 sts, M1R, K 5 sts, M1L, continue knitting until the end of the round

Blocking a project involves soaking the project in water and shaping the garment to allow it to air dry. Blocking matts are an optional tool that can help eith this process. Lukewarm to cool water is recommended for this process, as hot water can cause wool fibers to felt if handled too roughly.