How to start knitting

Starting knitting is mostly getting used to two needles, one yarn, and the very real possibility of losing count when you swear you were paying attention. I always recommend starting small, choosing a clear beginner pattern, and keeping your first project simple enough that you actually finish it.

By Team Ribblr | Last updated

Start with simple tools

I recommend starting with a smooth yarn in a lighter color, because black yarn for example can be difficult to work with - especially if you have darker needles. Light yarn makes it much easier to actually see your stitches, which matters a lot when you are learning. You do not need fancy yarn or expensive needles.

Learn the first skills

I focus on casting on, and both knit and purl, as well as binding off - those are the basic stitches. That is enough to get you moving. Once those make sense, increases, decreases and basic pattern reading feel much less dramatic and you can focus on the creative aspects - getting inspired and choosing more complex projects.

Choose a pattern you can finish

Once again - you want to start simple and small. A small finished project will teach you more than an ambitious project that lives in a box for six months or does not get finished at all. I recommend looking for beginner-friendly patterns with clear photos and reviews from other beginners. Simple shaping and a pattern that does not assume you know much about knitting is the way to go. On Ribblr you can see the list of abbreviations (essentially a glossary of stitch terms) before you purchase the pattern.

Track rows early

It is important to track rows and add notes from the beginning. It sounds small, but it makes a huge difference when you put the project down and pick it up later without having to inspect.

Finish your project

Finishing your project is just as important as starting it. Make sure you have all the necessary supplies and take your time to ensure a good result. Your aim is to be able to finish the project and celebrate your accomplishment! Ready to get started? There are many great patterns to choose from on Ribblr. Check out these collections below.

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