Free knitting lessons and

Are you a totally new knitter ?

If so you need two items to begin.

1. a ball of wool or yarn .

Any type or thickness (gauge) will do as long as it is smooth. No thick-n-thin and no hairy yarns yet - you want to be able to clearly see what you’re doing.

2. a pair of straight regular knitting needles.

Hint : If you don’t have either of the above around your home, go to your nearest chain store and purchase a ball of 8ply (international symbol 3) wool or acrylic and a pair of 4mm (UK 8, US 6) knitting needles. Don't spend a lot of money on either of these items - you can buy the fancy expensive "stuff" later.

Just need a refresher course? Skim read through the first four lessons, then choose what you'd like to learn next......

Lesson 1 How to cast on

Lesson 2 - How to knit stitches

Lesson 3 - How to purl stitches

Lesson 4 How to cast off - (US = bind off) stitches

Further free knitting lessons -

knit purl rib stitch

fix ribbing mistakes

how to pick up stitches in garter stitch for purse and bag bases

how to kitchener stitch for an invisible seam.

Beginners - Are you ready?

Lesson 1 – How to cast on (casting on) using the firm cast on method ( note : this method is also called a "cable cast on" )

To knit any item you first need to place the initial stitches onto your needles – this process is called casting on . Make a loop approximately 4 inches (10cms) from the end of your yarn.

Place this loop over one of your needles and pull the ends so it is firm but not tight . All new stitches will be placed onto this needle which will be held in your left hand.

With the needle holding your loop in your left hand, push the point of your right hand needle through the loop you made. Wind the yarn around the back of the right hand needle, then between the two needles (as shown in the photo)

Gently pull the two needles a little apart and twist the yarn on the right hand needle through the loop on the left hand needle, then pull the needles a little further apart – you now have one stitch on each needle.

Gently pull the two needles a little apart and twist the yarn on the right hand needle through the loop on the left hand needle, then pull the needles a little further apart ? you now have one stitch on each needle.

Yes, if this is your first attempt it will feel very awkward...but persevere, remember you're only half way through the first of your free knitting lesssons - you'll soon get the hang of it.

Next. Push the point of the left hand needle into the loop on your right hand needle and slip the new stitch from the right hand needle onto the left hand needle.

You now have two needles on your left hand needle.

Insert the needle between the first two stitches on the left hand needle.

Pass the yarn around the back and over the top of the right hand needle as previously. Pull the right hand needle containing the new stitch through the gap between the stitches on the left hand needle to make your next stitch.

Slip this new stitch onto the left hand needle. You now have three stitches on your left hand needle. Repeat this process until you have the required number of stitches on your left hand needle.

Well done! You now know how to – cast on – stitches.

As already mentioned the above method demonstrated in this free knitting lessons creates a firm cast on edge - prized for its neatness.

This method of casting on stitches is perfect for cuffs and hems, scarf ends and handbags, totes and purses where it adds stability to the finished item.

If your pattern calls for a loose cast on simply place your right hand needle into the front of the loop of the left hand needle when making a new stitch, instead of in the gap between your last two stitches as described above.

Try this alternate method for yourself and you'll soon see the difference...

I hope you've enjoyed your beginning knitting instructions for casting on as the first of your free knitting lessons, are you ready for knitting lesson 2 - How to knit the stitches you've just created ?

Go to our main HoughtonAvenue yarn crafts home page

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