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 WallinKnyt Co-founder and editor
To learn to knit, you only need to master four basic skills: casting on (getting yarn onto the needle), the knit stitch, the purl stitch, and binding off (finishing the edge). Almost every knitting pattern, from a simple scarf to a complex sweater, is built from these four moves. This guide is the starting point. It explains what you need, walks through each skill in order, and links to a full tutorial for every step.
This is the hub page for beginners. Work through the steps below in order, and come back here for the next step in the path.
What you need to start
You can begin knitting with two things: a pair of needles and a ball of yarn. For learning, the easiest combination is a smooth, light-coloured worsted-weight (medium / category 4) yarn and 4.5 to 5.5 mm (US 7 to 9) needles. This size is big enough to see your stitches clearly without being awkward to hold. A darker or fuzzy yarn hides your stitches and makes learning harder.
See the full list, including the one or two notions worth buying, on what you need to start knitting.
The four skills, in order
1. Cast on
Casting on creates your first row of stitches on the needle. The long-tail cast on is the most popular all-round method and the one most beginners learn first. → How to cast on
2. The knit stitch
The knit stitch is the most basic stitch. Work every row in knit stitch and you get garter stitch, a thick, reversible fabric that suits a first scarf. → How to knit the knit stitch
3. The purl stitch
The purl stitch is the reverse of the knit stitch. It shows a bump on the side facing you. Alternating knit and purl rows gives you stockinette stitch, the smooth fabric most people picture as knitting. → How to purl
If you are unsure how the two relate, see Knit vs purl, explained.
4. Bind off
Binding off (called "casting off" in the UK) secures your stitches so the work does not unravel when it comes off the needle. → How to bind off
Your first project
The usual first project is a garter-stitch scarf: cast on, knit every row until it is long enough, bind off. It uses only the four skills above, and mistakes do not matter much. → How to knit a scarf, step by step
Understanding patterns
Once you can make the four moves, the next skill is reading the shorthand that patterns are written in, codes like k, p and k2tog. Two short guides cover it:
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to learn to knit?
Most people can cast on and work a basic knit stitch within an hour or two. A simple scarf is achievable in your first week. Even tension and faster speed come with practice over a few weeks.
Is knitting or crochet easier to learn?
It depends on the person. Many beginners find that knitting's two needles give neat, structured results quickly, while others prefer crochet's single hook. Both can be learnt in a weekend.
What is the easiest thing to knit first?
A garter-stitch scarf or a dishcloth. Both use only the knit stitch and do not need to fit anyone, so mistakes do not matter.
What's the difference between knitting and garter/stockinette stitch?
Knitting is the craft. Garter and stockinette are fabrics you create with it. Knit every row for garter; alternate knit and purl rows for stockinette.
Do I need expensive equipment to start?
No. A single ball of worsted-weight yarn and one pair of mid-sized needles is enough to learn every basic skill, often for less than the price of a coffee and a sandwich.
Co-founder and editor of Knyt. Avid knitter!
