Learn to knit

Everything you need for your first stitches: cast on, knit, purl and bind off, explained step by step for complete beginners.

All Learn to knit Techniques Sizes & charts Glossary Projects9 articles

Red yarn balls with knitting needles on a sunlit terrazzo surface by a bed

Learn to knit

How to knit: a complete beginner's guide

Learn the four skills that make up every knitting project: cast on, knit, purl, bind off. Follow our step-by-step path from first stitch to first scarf.

By Julia Wallin5 August 20263 min read

White curly sheep wool fleece texture close-up

Learn to knit

How to read a knitting pattern (a beginner's guide)

Knitting patterns look like code until someone explains them. Learn to read gauge, abbreviations, brackets, repeats and sizing, step by step, with examples.

By Julia Wallin4 August 20264 min read

Close-up of camel brown stockinette stitch knit texture

Learn to knit

Knit vs purl: what's the difference?

Knit and purl are the two basic knitting stitches, and they are the same stitch seen from opposite sides. Learn how to tell them apart and what each one makes.

By Julia Wallin4 August 20262 min read

Olive knitted blanket in the foreground with a stoneware mug on a wooden windowsill

With video

Learn to knit

How to purl (the purl stitch)

The purl stitch is the knit stitch in reverse. Learn to purl step by step, and combine it with knit stitches to make stockinette and ribbing.

By Julia Wallin4 August 20263 min read

Green knitting in progress on a café table with a cappuccino and a magazine

Learn to knit

What you need to start knitting

A short list of what a beginner needs to start knitting: which needles, which yarn, and the few notions worth buying. No expensive kit required.

By Julia Wallin4 August 20262 min read

Red yarn and knitting needles with coffee on a balcony café table

Learn to knit

How to read a knitting chart

A knitting chart is a picture of your fabric. Learn to read the grid, the symbols, and which way to go, flat and in the round, with clear examples.

By Julia Wallin4 August 20263 min read

Brown textured knitted throw draped over a wooden armchair by a window

With video

Learn to knit

How to knit the knit stitch

The knit stitch is the first and most important stitch in knitting. Learn it step by step, Continental style, with the simple "in, pick, through, off" motion, and make your first fabric.

By Julia Wallin2 August 20263 min read

Navy yarn cast on wooden knitting needles on a brown marble table

With video

Learn to knit

How to cast on (knitting)

Casting on is how you put the first stitches on your needle. Learn the easiest beginner method step by step, plus when to use long-tail, cable and stretchy cast ons.

By Julia Wallin29 July 20263 min read

Folded rust wool blanket by a large window with an autumn landscape and a stoneware cup

With video

Learn to knit

How to bind off (cast off)

Binding off secures your stitches so your knitting will not unravel. Learn the standard bind off step by step, plus when to use a stretchy bind off instead.

By Julia Wallin19 June 20264 min read