Knitting Knowledge

Start your knitting journey with this course for beginners.

These step by step youtube video tutorials will help you learn all of the basics from creating your first slip knot, casting on then move on to knit stitch and purl stitch.

Once you have mastered the basics you can improve your knitting knowledge and you’ll be able to create all kinds of beautiful projects with patterns on the blog or in the shop in no time.

Further down the page you will find help with reading patterns and abbreviations that can sometimes seem like reading another language, but don’t worry you’ll be fluent in no time!

Don’t forget to check out the Learn To Knit & Crochet page too for help with yarns, tools and general techniques so you can knit like you mean it!

Learn To Knit For Beginners

Knitting doesn’t need to be an expensive hobby, you just need some needles and some yarn, that’s it!

As KingAndEye has evolved I get more and more messages from new knitters and crocheters and I have realised that most people find it easier to learn with chunkier yarns and larger needles as they can see the way that the yarn travels during each stitch.

If you’re not sure which needle size or material to start with you might want to read this blog post on choosing the right needles first.

You can buy the perfect starter needles, yarns and kits in the shop

Plus, as these projects tend to work up more quickly it it is super satisfying for people who may work more slowly!

How To Make A Slip Knot For Knitting

So you’ve got your needles and ball of gorgeous yarn, but how do you get it to stay on the needles?

Learn how to create a slip knot in this youtube video tutorial – it literally only takes a minute to learn (actually less than a minute!)

Once you’ve got the knot on your needle, scroll down for the video on how to cast on when knitting

How To Cast On In Knitting

So now you have one loop on your needles but how do you create more?

Casting on is the first stage of knitting and forms the base of your project.

The cable cast on method is perfect for beginners as it gives a great firm edge to your knitting.

Learn how to cast on with this youtube video tutorial, which will walk you through each stage of starting your knitting project.

How To Knit The Knit Stitch

Learn to knit with this Youtube tutorial. The step by step class will talk you through how to create your first knit stitch through to what to do when you reach the end of your row.

Make sure you stay to end to see how to start your second row!

How To Knit The Purl Stitch

So now you can knit – hooray!

But to make most patterns you will need to know the other basic stitch, the PURL stitch. By combining knit & purl stitches you will be able to make most patterns that you come across either here with me or on the internet.

Let’s get started with this YouTube tutorial which will walk you really slowly through each stage of the Purl stitch (because who wants to keep pressing pause?)

Knitting Needle Conversion Chart

Knitting needles are made in different sizes and certain sizes are generally recommended for different weight yarns.

Sometimes a pattern might refer to the diameter in mm, sometimes US patterns refer them with a letter – so how do you know which ones to choose?

If you look at the label on your yarn, there will be a recommended size of needle or hook.

Remember this is only a recommendation, sometimes you might need a bigger needle if your work is too tight or a smaller needle if your work is too loose……sometimes you might want to use a bigger needle to give you a different stitch effect.

The list below gives the usual needle size for the yarn you are working with:

Knitting needle conversion chart — Knitting Needle Sizes Conversion Chart

How To Choose The Easiest Knitting Needles For Beginners

So you’ve decide to give knitting a go (yay, welcome aboard!) but you haven’t started yet because you took one look at Amazon and got scared by the sheer number of tools out there, not to mention all that yummy yarn! How do you choose the right size knitting needles for you?

There may be more knitting needle variations than you can shake a stick at but don’t worry, I’ve got you. How do you know which knitting needles are the right ones for you?

Click the image to find out!

Knitting Terms You Might Come Across in Patterns

Bind Off: When you’re ready to finish the last row, knit two stitches to bind off. Then, slip the first stitch over the second on the right hand needle. Repeat until there is only one stitch left. Cut off the remaining yarn and tuck it into the last stitch.
Cast On: Casting on is how you create the first stitches of your piece. Watch this video to show you how to cast on stitches for knitting.
Crochet: Although crochet also uses yarn, crocheters use a hooked needle to create more tightly–crafted designs. You can learn more about crochet on the Crochet College Page
Gauge: The gauge indicates how many stitches and rows there are per inch.
Eyelet: This is a decorative edging for knitting projects with small holes.
Knitting Needles: The three types of knitting needles include pin-style needles, double-pointed needles, and circular needles. See which is best for you in this post
Knit Stitch: With this most basic knitting stitch. Watch this video to help you learn how to knit your first stitches.
Moss Stitch: This is when you switch between a knit stitch and a purl stitch in a row.
Purl Stitch: This stitch is the second stitch you will need after knit stitch. Watch this video to show you how to create Purl Stitches in knitting.
Rib Stitch: With a rib stitch, you alternate knit & purl stitches between rows to create a contrast or a stretchy edge to your work.
Skein: This is another name for a roll of yarn.
Slip Stitch: Transfer (or slip) the stitch from the left to the right needle without working a knit or purl stitch.
Slip Knot: This is an adjustable loop used for casting on. This video will show you how to make a slip knot so you can start knitting
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