Learn to Knit in 6 Months: A Practical Guide for Beginners

Published on 31 July 2023 7 min read

Gather Your Knitting Tools
Learn Basic Knitting Terms
How to Cast On
Practice the Knit Stitch
Practice the Purl Stitch
How to Cast Off

Learning a new skill can be both exciting and overwhelming. But don't worry, we're here to take you on a journey from a knitting beginner to a confident knitter, and it's not as hard as it sounds. This practical guide is designed to help you learn knitting in six months. So, let's get started!

Gather Your Knitting Tools

Before you dive into the world of knitting, you'll need some basic tools. Don't fret, they're simple to find, and you won't need a lot. Here's what you'll need to start your knitting journey.

Knitting Needles

Knitting needles are your main tool. They come in different sizes and materials. As a beginner, you may find wooden or bamboo needles easier to handle. They're less slippery than metal ones, which helps prevent stitches from sliding off. To start, get a pair of size 8 (5mm) needles. They're the perfect size for beginners learning how to knit.

Yarn

Next, you'll need some yarn. When learning how to knit, the type of yarn you choose can make a big difference. Start with a medium-weight yarn, often labeled as "worsted". It's thick enough to handle easily, but not so bulky it's difficult to work with. Choose a light color; it makes it easier to see your stitches.

Scissors and a Yarn Needle

A good pair of scissors is essential for cutting your yarn. You'll also need a yarn needle for weaving in your ends once you've finished your project. Trust me, it's not as scary as it sounds—you'll get the hang of it in no time!

And there you have it! With these tools in hand, you're ready to begin your journey on how to learn knitting in six months. It's like setting off on an adventure—with every stitch, you'll be creating something beautiful and uniquely yours. But remember, it's not a race. Take your time, enjoy the process, and let's move onto the next step: learning some basic knitting terms.

Learn Basic Knitting Terms

Now that you've gathered your tools, it's time to get a little friendly with knitting jargon. Think of it as learning a new language—a language of loops and knots.

Stitches

Stitches are the basic units in knitting. Each loop you make on your needle is a stitch. When you're just starting out, focus on making each stitch consistently—same size, same tension.

Gauge

Gauge refers to the number of stitches and rows in a square inch of knitting. It's important because it determines the size of your finished project. So, if you're knitting too loosely or too tightly, your finished project might not be the size you expected. Don't worry, though, gauging will become second nature over time.

Knots

Not your everyday knots, but knitting knots. These include the simple slipknot, which is the first loop you make to start casting on. Remember, it's not about speed here; it's about practice. In six months, you'll be a knot pro!

Learning these terms is a significant step in understanding how to learn knitting in six months. It's like unlocking a secret code. And once you've got this code, you're ready to cast on and start creating your first row of stitches. So, buckle up, the adventure has just begun!

How to Cast On

Now that you're familiar with basic knitting terms, it's time to put that knowledge into action. Casting on is the first step to any knitting project. It's how you add the initial stitches to your needle. It's a bit like laying the foundation for a house—everything else builds from here. So, let's dig in.

The Slipknot

The very first step is to make a slipknot. This is your first stitch. You make a loop with your yarn, slide it onto your needle, and pull it tight. But not too tight! You want it to slide easily along the needle.

The Long-Tail Cast-On

The long-tail cast-on is a popular method for adding stitches. It creates a smooth, stretchy edge that works well for most projects. Here's how you do it:

Measure out a long tail of yarn. A good rule of thumb is to allow an inch of yarn for each stitch you plan to cast on.
Hold the needle with the slipknot in your right hand, and grasp the tail of yarn with your left hand.
Slide the thumb and index finger of your left hand under the yarn, then bring the needle down and through the loop on your thumb.
Next, bring the needle over and under the strand of yarn on your index finger.
Finally, slide the loop off your thumb, pulling the new stitch snug (but not tight!) on the needle.

Repeat these steps until you have the number of stitches you need.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Remember, practice is a huge part of how to learn knitting in six months. Don't be discouraged if your first few attempts are a bit wonky. Keep trying, and soon casting on will feel as natural as tying your shoes. Now, onward to the knit stitch!

Practice the Knit Stitch

Once you've managed to cast on, it's time to introduce the knit stitch, the fundamental stitch in knitting. It's like the bread and butter of the knitting world — once you've mastered it, you can create anything from scarves to sweaters. Ready to take the plunge?

Getting into Position

First, let's get you into the right position. Hold the needle with the cast-on stitches in your left hand, and the empty needle in your right. The yarn should be hanging down from the last stitch on the left needle. You got it? Great! You're already halfway there.

Into, Around, Through, Off

The knit stitch follows a simple four-step motto: Into, Around, Through, Off. Here's how it works:

Insert the right needle into the first stitch on the left needle, from left to right and from front to back. This is the 'Into'.
Take your yarn and wrap it around the right needle, moving from behind to front. That's the 'Around'.
Next, slide the right needle down and pull it through the first stitch, carrying the loop of yarn with it. This is the 'Through'.
Finally, slide the old stitch off the left needle. And voila! That's the 'Off'. You've just made a knit stitch!

The Importance of Consistency

It's not just about getting the technique right, it's about consistency. Uniform stitches are the secret to neat, professional-looking knits. So keep practicing until your stitches are the same size and tension. Remember, it's all part of the journey to learn knitting in six months. Next up, we'll dive into the purl stitch. Ready?

Practice the Purl Stitch

So, you've perfected the knit stitch and you're feeling pretty good, right? Let's not rest on our laurels just yet. It's time to learn the purl stitch, the yin to the knit stitch's yang. Understanding how to purl is as vital as knowing how to knit for your six-month knitting journey.

Getting Set Up

Similar to the knit stitch, hold the needle with the stitches in your left hand and the empty needle in your right. The yarn should hang in front of your work this time. It's a subtle difference, but it's what makes the purl stitch unique.

Before, Around, Through, Off

Just like the knit stitch has a motto, so does the purl stitch: Before, Around, Through, Off. Here's how you do it:

Insert the right needle into the first stitch on the left needle, from right to left and from back to front. This is 'Before'.
Wrap your yarn around the right needle from front to back. This is 'Around'.
Now, pull the right needle back through the stitch, bringing the new loop with it. This is 'Through'.
Finally, let the old stitch slide off the left needle. Congratulations, you've just done the 'Off'!

Patience is Key

It might feel a bit awkward at first, especially if you've gotten comfortable with the knit stitch. But don't worry, that's perfectly normal. With patience and practice, soon enough, you'll be purling with the best of them. And remember, mastering both the knit and purl stitches is a significant milestone in learning how to knit in six months. Up next, we'll tackle how to cast off your knitting project. Exciting, isn't it?

How to Cast Off

Finally, we've reached the finish line, or rather, the finishing line. Casting off, also known as binding off, is the process used to securely finish your knitting project. So, how do you wrap up your knitting masterpiece? Let's break it down.

The Knit Two Method

One of the simplest ways to cast off is using the 'Knit Two' method. Here's how you do it:

Start by knitting two stitches from your left needle onto your right needle. Now, you'll have two stitches on your right needle.
Insert your left needle into the first stitch you knit onto your right needle. Lift this stitch over the second stitch and off the right needle. You now have one stitch remaining on your right needle.
Knit another stitch from your left needle onto your right needle. Again, lift the first stitch over the second stitch and off the right needle.
Repeat these steps until you're down to one stitch.
Finally, cut your yarn, leaving a tail. Pull the tail through the remaining stitch, pull tight, and voila! You've just cast off.

Take it Easy

Remember, casting off should be done loosely. If you pull too tight, your fabric might lose its stretch, and we don't want that. So, keep a gentle tension, and you'll end up with a neat, elastic edge that perfectly finishes your project.

Onwards and Upwards

Learning to cast off is a significant step forward in your quest of learning how to knit in six months. You can now start, work on, and finish a knitting project all by yourself. Isn't that a remarkable achievement?

But remember, as with any skill, practice makes perfect. So, keep those needles clicking, and before you know it, you'll be a knitting pro!

If you're excited about learning to knit and want to explore more creative skills, check out Daisie's classes. You can find workshops on various topics, including the 'Improve Your Acrylic Painting Skills' by Rachel Christopoulos, which can complement your journey into the world of arts and crafts. Discover new passions and expand your creative horizons with Daisie's expert-led workshops.