Beginner’s Guide to Knitting: Learn Essential Stitches & Projects Step by Step
Hi there! I’m Liz Chandler, and yes, I still have my first wonky dishcloth. It’s a little uneven, but it’s a badge of honor. We all start somewhere, and that’s exactly what this guide is all about. Whether you’re picking up needles for the first time or looking for beginner-friendly projects, I’ve got you covered. 🧶
Table of Contents
- Getting Started with Knitting
- Essential Supplies
- Basic Knitting Techniques for Beginners
- Beginner-Friendly Projects
- Continental Style Knitting
- Knitting Resources
- FAQs
Getting Started with Knitting
🎁 FREE STARTER KIT: Your Knitting Skills Tracker
Every expert knitter was once a beginner, myself included! That’s why I created this tracker to help you build confidence with every stitch. It’s packed with 30+ essential techniques broken into manageable steps, so you’ll always know what to learn next. And don’t forget, this sheet aligns with my free online knitting lessons and premium textbook knitting lessons, so you can learn the skills you need in the way you prefer.
Download Your Free Knitting Skills Tracker PDF
Essential Knitting Supplies for Beginners
Let’s start with the basics. These are the tools I recommend for every beginner knitter. You don’t need fancy gadgets to get going, just a few essentials (check out my complete knitter’s must-haves guide for more details):
- Size 8 (5mm) straight needles
- Light-colored worsted weight yarn (trust me, this makes everything easier to see)
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch markers
🌟 Pro Tip: Light-colored yarn isn’t just beginner-friendly—it’s mistake-friendly. Spotting errors is so much easier when your yarn isn’t a deep, moody navy blue.
Basic Knitting Techniques for Beginners
Let’s talk about Continental knitting, my absolute favorite way to get those needles dancing! Unlike English-style knitting (where you throw the yarn), Continental style is all about efficiency and flow – think of it as the ‘work smarter, not harder’ approach to creating cozy goodness. You hold the yarn in your left hand (yes, lefties, this one’s a gift for you!), and instead of throwing the yarn, you’re basically picking it with your right needle. It’s like a beautiful little choreographed dance that, once you get the hang of it, makes your knitting practically fly off the needles!
I’ve found that my students who switch to Continental style often see their knitting speed double, and who doesn’t want to finish that chunky sweater before the next ice age? Plus, if you’re coming from a crochet background, Continental style will feel surprisingly natural since you’re holding the yarn the same way. Trust me, once you go Continental, you’ll wonder how you ever knitted any other way!
Continental Style Knitting
Why do I teach Continental style? Simple:
- It’s efficient (speed knitters, rejoice!)
- Your hands won’t hate you after a long session
- It sets you up for smooth transitions into advanced techniques
- It helps you build consistent tension
Don’t worry if it feels a little awkward at first. It’ll click, I promise!
Beginner-Friendly Knitting Projects
🧶 Ready to embark on your knitting journey? I’ve mapped out the perfect path from ‘what’s a knitting needle?‘ to ‘watch me whip up these mittens!’
🌟 Starting with my Face Scrubby (your future spa buddy!), you’ll get those basic stitches under your belt without the pressure. Once you’ve mastered the basics, my Beginner Scarf helps you find your rhythm – think of it as your knitting meditation. The Seed Stitch Washcloth introduces you to the purl stitch, and before you know it, you’ll be ready for my Cozy Headband where circular needles become your new best friend. Next, learn to Decrease (shrink the length of your rows) to round out the top of a beanie hat. Still feeling adventurous? My Fingerless Gloves teach you the art of increases, and finally, my Classic Mittens let you show off everything you’ve learned.
💞 Each pattern builds on the last, adding just one new technique at a time. It’s like stacking cozy building blocks. The best part? You’ll never feel overwhelmed because you’re already familiar with 90% of each new pattern.
🧺 Begin your next adventure. Grab these patterns individually below, or save with my Beginner Basics Bundle! (Don’t worry! There are plenty of free patterns too keep you occupied if you’re not up for ordering anything just yet.)
1. First Victory: Simple Face Scrubby
This quick project is a fan favorite and it’s the perfect place to start. You’ll feel accomplished, even if it’s a little “rustic.”
Skills You’ll Master:
What You’ll Need:
- Size 7 (4.5mm) needles
- 100% cotton worsted weight yarn
2. Confidence-Building: Beginner Scarf
Your first “real” project! You’ll get into a rhythm with this one and start seeing consistent stitches as you go.
Skills You’ll Master:
- Tension control
- Spotting mistakes
- Repetition (hello, muscle memory!)
What You’ll Need:
- Size 8 (5mm) needles
- Soft Acrylic or wool worsted weight yarn
3. New Stitches: Seed Stitch Washcloth
This is where you’ll meet the purl stitch, and trust me, it’ll open up a whole new world of patterns.
Skills You’ll Master:
What You’ll Need:
- Size 7 (4.5mm) needles
- 100% cotton worsted weight yarn
4. Knit In the Round: Cozy Headband
Let’s get fancy! This introduces knitting in the round, which is easier than it sounds.
Skills You’ll Master:
What You’ll Need:
- Size 8 (5mm) circular needles
- Soft Acrylic or wool worsted weight yarn
- Stitch markers
5. Top it Off: Basic Beanie Hat
It’s time to tackle hats! Now, you’ll learn to make decreases to round off the top of a hat. They’re surprisingly quick and satisfying once you get the hang of it!
Skills You’ll Master:
- Ribbing
- Gauge measurement
- Crown shaping
What You’ll Need:
- Size 8 (5mm) circular needles
- Soft Acrylic or wool worsted weight yarn
- Stitch markers
6. Add Stitches to a Row: Simple Fingerless Gloves
Making gloves introduces you to knitted increases, which is a fancy way of saying adding stitches to a row. Plus, these mitts make great gifts and are a fun way to build precision and dexterity.
Skills You’ll Master:
- Shaping techniques
- Thumb gussets
What You’ll Need:
- Size 8 (5mm) circular needles
- Soft Acrylic or wool worsted weight yarn
- Stitch markers
7. Tie it All Together: Classic Mittens
You’ve made it to the final round of beginner knitting!
Skills You’ll Master:
- Thumb gussets
- Advanced shaping
What You’ll Need:
- Size 8 (5mm) circular needles
- Soft Acrylic or wool worsted weight yarn
- Stitch markers
Complete Knitting Guide Resources
💻 Online Lessons: You can find all my free online knitting lessons indexed on my Learn to Knit page! Start at the top and work your way down the list to begin making your own beautiful knits.
✅ Don’t forget to mark things off your Knitting Skills Tracker as you go!
Want everything in one place? My book “Liz Chandler’s Knitting Guide: Learn to Knit with Practical Patterns” has everything. It includes step-by-step photo tutorials, troubleshooting guides, and every pattern you’ll need.
📚 Book Formats Available:
- Hardcover: $46.48
- Premium Edition: $74.72
- eBook: $9.95
Check Out Liz Chandler’s Knitting Guide Here!
Frequently Asked Questions
What knitting style is easiest for beginners?
I recommend Continental style – it’s quick, ergonomic, and sets you up for success.
How much does it cost to start knitting?
About $20 – $30 for the basics – knitting needles and some cotton yarn. Add in some snacks, cozy socks, and a good playlist for the full experience. 🎶
100% Cotton Yarn
I like Lily Sugar ‘n Cream 100% Cotton Yarn. It’s cost-friendly and great quality.
Knitting Needles
You can knit all the washcloths with US No. 7 (4.5 mm) needles. I like 36 inch long circular needles, because you can use them for all sorts of projects in the future.
Join My Knitting Community
Knitting is better with friends. Share your progress, ask questions, and connect with other beginners:
- Instagram: @PurlsAndPixels
- Facebook: Knitting Life with Liz Chandler
- Tag your posts: #PurlsAndPixels
Start Your Knitting Journey Today
- Download the free Skills Tracker
- Gather your supplies
- Start with the Face Scrubby
- Share your progress! I can’t wait to see how you do!
Every stitch gets you closer to cozy handmade goodness. Let’s get started! 🧶✨