After you have cast on all your stitches (or finished a row) in a flat knitting project, your pattern will ask you to “turn your work.” This instruction is asking you to flip your needle over so that you can prepare to work the next row.
Whether you are working on circular needles or straight needles, turning your work is the same; the tip of the needle that is full of stitches will need to be turned 180 degrees and moved from your right hand into your left hand.
Below are both video and written tutorials to help you learn how turn your knitting and prepare to start the next row.
Video Guide: How to Turn Your Work When Knitting
Written Guide: How to Turn Your Work When Knitting
Turn Your Work, Step 1:
After you have cast on (or finished working a row), your stitches will be on the needle held in your right hand. The tip of the needle will be pointing toward the left.
Turn Your Work, Step 2:
To turn your work, flip your knitting needle over, so the tip points toward the right, then place it in your left hand.
The slipknot is frequently used in many types of fiber art, including knitting, crochet, and weaving. This knot loosens or tightens based on which side of the string you pull. Slipknots are useful because you can adjust the size of the knot to fit around the tool you are working with.
In knitting, a slipknot is used as the first step of a long tail cast on; it will create the first loop on your knitting needles. You will be able to adjust the size of your first loop by pulling on either tail of the slipknot. This helps your yarn loop fit onto your knitting needle with the correct “tension” or tightness. Your slipknot will always count as the first stitch in your knitting cast on.
Below are both video and written tutorials to help you learn how to make a slipknot and place it onto your knitting needles.
Video Guide: How to Make a Slipknot
Written Guide: How to Make a Slipknot
Slipknot, Step 1:
Hold the yarn with the tail end in your right hand. Drape the working yarn over the palm of your left hand, from your pinkie up toward your pointer finger. Wrap the yarn up and over your left pointer finger, then bring the yarn down behind your left hand.
Slipknot, Step 2:
Loop the yarn around all four fingers by bringing it around your pinkie and up to your pointer finger.
Slipknot, Step 3:
Bring the tail of the yarn behind the loop you created on your left hand. Pinch the part of the yarn that is laying across your knuckles and lift it just slightly.
Slipknot, Step 4:
Begin to push the tail side of the yarn through the loop on the back of your left hand, but do not pull the tail completely through.
Slipknot, Step 5:
Form a loop around your right pointer finger with the part of the yarn you have just pushed through the loop on the back of your hand.
Slipknot, Step 6:
Gently remove your left hand from the loop.
Slipknot, Step 7:
Pinch both the working yarn and the yarn tail with your left hand and pull to begin tightening the slipknot around your right pointer finger.
Slipknot, Step 8:
Once the slipknot has formed, remove it from your finger and hold it in your left hand.
Slipknot, Step 9:
Pick up a knitting needle with your right hand. Move the slipknot onto your knitting needle, positioning it in the same way it came off your finger.
Slipknot, Step 10:
Pull the tail-side of the slipknot to gently tighten it onto your knitting needle.
Up Next
After you’ve mastered making a slipknot, you will be ready to learn the long tail cast on and start your first knitting project.
Knitting one item at a time can be problematic when your gauge gets a little off. Sometimes, one piece can end up a lot bigger than the other. A great way to solve this knitting problem is to learn to knit two at once. This method is especially useful for gloves, mittens, socks, sweater sleeves, hats, and almost any small knit that is made in the round.
Learn to cast on two matching knits at once
For this knitting method, you will use a long circular needle, and you’ll essentially be knitting with the “magic loop” method, except that you will cast on two items instead of one.
Watch the tutorial video below to see how I convert all of my one at a time knitting circular patterns into two at a time knits.
Quick visual cheat sheet:
Written instructions to knit two at once from a one at a time knitting pattern
1: Choose the appropriate needles and divide your yarn into two separate balls.
2: Cast on half the stitches with your first ball of yarn.
3: Cast on all the stitches from the pattern with a second ball of yarn.
4: Slide the first set of cast on stitches and half the second set of cast on stitches to the back needle.
5: Cast on the second half of the pattern stitches with the first ball of yarn.
6: Turn your work.
7: Pull back needle through.
8: Start knitting in the round, making sure to use the working yarn ball that matches the stitches you are working.
9: Follow your pattern, row by row. For each row, work half the stitches each row calls for with yarn ball 1, then all the stitches each row calls for with yarn ball 2, then to finish the second half of the row with yarn ball 1.
Whether you have unraveled a project or just have some leftover yarn, by now you probably have some scraps that are in need of organization. Winding yarn into neat balls keeps your strings from becoming a hopeless tangled mess. While there are many ways to coil yarn for storage, center-pull yarn balls are the most versatile; they allow you to work directly from either end of the string.
(In the article below, I have linked to items on Amazon.com, so you can see examples of the equipment I reference. Please know all links to Amazon are affiliate links, and if you make a purchase through them, I will earn a small commission at no cost to you. Now, on to the important information.)
Center-Pull Yarn
Each ball of yarn is made of one long strand with two ends. There are a number of ways to coil the yarn so that it does not tangle. Some yarn is pre-wound into center pull balls or skeins (tube-shaped balls) by the manufacturer. When you see a string coming from the center of the ball or skein, you can probably work directly from either end.
Working from the center of a ball is often more convenient. When you work with the end on the outside of the ball, the yarn will likely roll and flop around. Yarn bowls and containers can help keep your yarn from escaping. But center-pull balls can be even more effective at reducing the movement of your ball of yarn. Pulling from outside of the ball forces it to roll. But when you pull from the center, the yarn uncoils without turning the ball.
Many yarn-makers, however, wind their yarn into “hanks” instead of center-pull balls or skeins. To make a hank, the manufacturer makes one large circle of yarn then twists it together for storage and shipping. Hanks are incredibly difficult to work from directly, so to use yarn that comes in a hank, you will need to wind it into a ball.
Machines like “yarn swifts” and “yarn winders” are available to assist you in turning yarn into a usable form. A yarn swift holds the yarn from a hank in place while you wind your ball. Then, you can use a yarn winder to turn that yarn into a “cake” which is much like a center pull ball. Or, instead of investing in fancy machines, you can use just your hands and wind hanks, leftovers, and frogged yarn into center-pull balls.
Video Guide: How to Wind a Center-Pull Yarn Ball
Written Guide: How to Wind a Center-Pull Yarn Ball
Below I’ll show you how to wind a center pull yarn ball step-by-step. I am winding the ball from a larger center-pull skein so that I can knit two items at once from the same yarn. I also wind partially used skeins into new balls for tidier storage.
Wind Yarn into a Ball, Step 1:
Drape the yarn end between your left pointer finger and thumb, laying it across your palm.
Wind Yarn into a Ball, Step 2:
Clasp the end of the yarn with your left ring and pinkie fingers, then, with your right hand, pick up the other end of the yarn just above your left pointer finger. With the strand in your right hand, begin to wrap the yarn over the top of your left pointer finger.
Wind Yarn into a Ball, Step 3:
Bring the yarn down between your pointer and middle fingers, then between your thumb and pointer finger, forming a loop around your left pointer finger.
Wind Yarn into a Ball, Step 4:
Wrap the yarn around your left thumb in a counterclockwise motion.
Wind Yarn into a Ball, Step 5:
Wind the yarn up between your left thumb and pointer finger to form a figure-eight (8) shape.
Wind Yarn into a Ball, Step 6:
Continue wrapping the yarn around your pointer finger and thumb in figure eight shapes (as in steps two thru five).
Wind Yarn into a Ball, Step 7:
When you have wrapped the yarn around your fingers in figure eights at least 20 times, you can stop and move to the next step. To make a larger ball of yarn, wrap more figure eights; when the yarn wraps reach your left thumb knuckle, move to step eight.
Wind Yarn into a Ball, Step 8:
With your right thumb and pointer finger, pinch all the strands at the center of the figure-eight shape (just between your left thumb and pointer finger).
Wind Yarn into a Ball, Step 9:
While continuing to pinch the center of the yarn figure-eight with your right hand, gently remove your left hand from the yarn loops.
Wind Yarn into a Ball, Step 10:
Continue to pinch the center of the figure-eight with your right hand.
Wind Yarn into a Ball, Step 11:
With your left hand, fold the two loops of the figure eight up, toward each other, pinching them together over your right thumb.
Wind Yarn into a Ball, Step 12:
While continuing to pinch the loops with your left hand, gently remove your right thumb. Pick up the yarn strand you have been winding with your right hand.
Wind Yarn into a Ball, Step 13:
Gently wind the strand in your right hand around the yarn you have pinched in your left hand. Be sure you do not wrap the tail end of the yarn into the ball, or you will lose your center-pull. Also, try not to wind too tightly; this can make yarn lose its stretch.
Wind Yarn into a Ball, Step 14:
Continue winding your yarn around until you have formed a ball in your desired size. Always ensure you do not wrap the center-pull end into the ball. When you are finished wrapping, clip the yarn with scissors (if necessary). Carefully tuck the end that you held with your right hand into the ball to secure it in place.
Practice With My Knitting Patterns
If you’ve been following my lessons, you now have enough information to knit all of the washcloths and face scrubbies in my Simple Washcloth Knitting Pattern Collection. Happy knitting!
Up Next
Next up, a lesson about gauge. Learn what gauge means in knitting and you to check your gauge to make sure your knits end up the right size.
Trying to find out how much yarn you need for a project can sometimes feel like a guessing game. Do you have enough? There is one way to be sure. Do a little yarn math.
When you are finished with a project, you will often have leftover yarn; knitters call this “scrap yarn.” This leftover yarn can be perfect for smaller knitting patterns. Before you get started with a scrap knitting project, though, you will need to make sure you have enough yarn to finish it. With a bit of math, you will be able to calculate exactly what you have left. Learn how to do the quick yarn math or jump to the yarn length calculator at the bottom of this page.
Many knitting patterns are perfect for scrap yarn and pattern-writers will usually tell you exactly how much yarn you need. When an author provides you with the weight of yarn needed, calculating whether you will have enough is simple; just weigh your yarn and see if you have at least as much as the writer suggests.
Sometimes, however, a pattern-writer only lists a length of yarn needed. While this makes your calculations a bit trickier, you can do a little math to be sure you have enough yarn.
Tools Needed to Calculate Yarn Math
To find out how much yarn you have left, you will need two important items.
First, you will need the label from your yarn. Nearly every new ball of yarn you purchase will have a label noting yardage and weight. If you save the label, you will be able to calculate how much yarn you have left after a project.
You will also need a scale that weighs in ounces, so that you can measure the current weight of your yarn.
Basic Yarn Math Formula
To find out the yardage you have left after using some yarn, we will use simple ratios. A ratio compares two things; here we want to compare the length of our yarn to the weight of our yarn. Mathematically, you would write out our basic ratio like this:
But we are trying to find out the length of yarn we have now, based on information about the yarn we had when we had a full skein of yarn. So, we really want to compare two different ratios. If you can make the ratios equal to one another, you’ll have all the numbers you are looking for. Making two ratios equal in this way is called solving a proportion. Our basic math will start with this proportion:
If you’ve just finished a knitting project and you have your yarn label, you will have information to fill in three blanks in the proportion above. You will know the length of yarn in a full skein, the weight of yarn in a full skein, and the weight of the left-over yarn.
To calculate the length of your leftover yarn, you will “cross multiply, then divide.” This means, multiply the Length of Yarn in a Full Skein by the Weight of the Leftover Yarn (the two numbers you have across from each other), then divide that number by the Weight of a Full Skein of Yarn. The result will be the Length of Leftover Yarn.
Or just a bit more mathematically, use the following formula to solve:
An Example, Using the Yarn Math Formula
If you started with a ball of Caron Simply Soft Yarn, one of the suggested yarns in this book, the label would show that you started with 315 total yards or 6 total ounces of yarn. After you’ve made a project or used some of your yarn, you weighed the leftovers to find that you have exactly 1.2 ounces of yarn left. How many yards is equal to 1.2 ounces of this yarn?
Start by filling in your formula with the numbers you know:
Then solve the math problem. Cross multiply (multiply the numbers shown in purple) then divide (by the number shown in teal). If it makes it easier, fill in the formula and solve:
Now, you’re ready to calculate how much yarn you have leftover. You can do the math yourself, or use the calculator below for quick answers.
Unsure of which hat or mitten size to choose? Here are my standard sizing measurements. I generally follow the Crafty Yarn Council’s size guidelines when designing my knit and crochet clothing. My knitwear size guide should help you take your measurements and choose the size that will fit best.
Hats
Adult Extra Large size fits adults with larger heads, or measuring 23 to 25 inches around.
Adult size fits most adults and teens, or heads measuring 21 to 24 inches around.
Child size fits children ages 2 – 14 years, or heads measuring 19 to 21 inches around.
Toddler size fits children ages 3 months – 2 years, or heads measuring 16 to 19 inches around.
Baby size fits infants from birth to 3 months, or heads measuring 13 to 16 inches around.
Preemie size fits extra small babies, or heads measuring 10.5 to 13 inches around.
How to Measure for Hat Size
If you are unsure of the size you need, choose the size that most closely matches your measurements. You can easily find your head measurement if you have a soft measuring tape. Wrap the measuring tape around your head just above your eyebrows, as if you were wearing a headband low across your forehead. This will give you your head circumference (the length around your head). Use the length you measure as a guide to select your hat size.
Gloves and Mittens
Adult Extra Large size fits men with larger hands or 9 to 11 inches around hand, without thumb.
Adult Medium/Large size fits men and women with larger hands or 7.5 to 9 inches around hand, without thumb.
Adult Small size fits women with small hands and older children or 6 to 7.5 inches around hand, without thumb.
Child size fits most boys and girls age 4-10 years of age or 5.5 to 6 inches around hand, without thumb.
Toddler size fits most boys and girls age 2 to 4 years of age or 4.5 to 5 inches around hand, without thumb.
Baby size fits most boys and girls age 0 to 2 years of age or 3 to 3.5 inches around hand, without thumb.
How to Measure for Glove Size
As with hats, choose the gloves or mittens that match your measurements most closely. To measure your glove size, wrap your measuring tape around the palm of your hand and measure it at the widest part of your hand that does not include your thumb. You will be measuring across your knuckles. Use this number to select your best fitting pair of gloves or mittens.
Do-It-Yourself Knitting Gift Set from Liz @ PurlsAndPixels
Do you have a friend who always says, “I wish I knew how to knit”? Well, it’s time to make their yarn dreams come true with a DIY Learn to Knit Gift Set! This thoughtful and budget-friendly gift idea is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just as a “thinking of you” surprise. Expectant and new moms love this too; it’s a cozy and creative baby shower gift that won’t end up in the ‘never used’ pile. Trust me; this kit has everything they need to knit their stress away.
Let’s dive in! Here’s your shopping list (with handy Amazon links) and a sprinkle of crafty advice.
Let’s start simple! My top choice for beginner projects is Lily Sugar ‘n Cream 100% Cotton Yarn. It’s sturdy, easy to work with, and perfect for learning basic stitches while making something useful like a washcloth. Plus, it’s 100% cotton, making it an eco-friendly option for those who prefer natural fibers. Grab one or two balls of washcloth yarn in their favorite colors so they can start off on the right foot.
Once your new knitter masters the basics, they will quickly want to level up to something more suitable for scarves and hats. Be sure to include two balls of a scarf yarn as well. My go-to is Caron Simply Soft Yarn. This yarn is fluffy, squishy, and machine washable: everything a newbie needs for creating their first cozy scarf. Feeling eco-conscious? Opt for Patons Classic Wool Worsted instead (it’s biodegradable, while acrylic yarn isn’t).
No matter what brand you choose, just make sure it’s labeled “worsted weight.” This yarn thickness is beginner-friendly and will allow them to make a variety of projects. Pick one or two colors you know your recipient will love—there’s no need to overcomplicate things!
🪡 Knitting Needles
If your giftee gets confused by all the needle options (spoiler: they will), save the day with these two staples:
Circular needles don’t look like your grandma’s chopsticks: they’re even better. These versatile tools can knit almost anything, and they’re easy on the hands. Your new knitter will need both sizes to get off to a great start. Save the day, by giving them the perfect tools.
✂️ Sharp Scissors or Yarn Cutting Pendant
Yes, everyone has scissors. But sharp sewing scissors are a game-changer. They’re perfect for snipping yarn without fraying or splitting the fibers.
If this kit is for a little one or if you want a safer option, consider adding a yarn cutting pendant instead. It’s stylish, safer, and just plain cool. Check out this pendant that cuts yarn cleanly without the risk of sharp blades—ideal for on-the-go knitting projects!
🪡 Tapestry Needles
These big-eyed needles are what your new knitter will need to weave in yarn ends, essentially tidying up their masterpiece. A pack of six tapestry needles will do the trick. Bonus tip: If you’re making multiple gift sets, split the package up. Sharing is caring (and cost-effective).
Pair it with a Knitting Journal, where they can jot down notes, track projects, and doodle their creative ideas. Together, these knitting books make a killer combo for anyone just starting out.
🖊️ Gift Card with Link to Free Video Tutorials
Include a cute gift card with a link to my Free Learn to Knit Tutorials. You can print the card on pretty paper (bonus points for brown cardstock – it’s got that rustic chic vibe) and write a personal message. With this guide, they’ll be casting on and purling in no time. It’s like giving them a one-way ticket to the wonderful world of knitting.
🎁 Gift Wrap: Storage Box Edition
Time to wrap it up! Skip the flimsy gift bags and go for a decorative photo storage box or a sturdy tote. Not only do these make for pretty packaging, but they’re also practical for storing yarn, needles, and other knitting treasures. I’ve linked a few of my favorites on Amazon, but you can also find cute options at your local craft store.
Top it all off with a fancy gift bow, and voilà! Your DIY Learn to Knit Gift Set is ready to impress. 🥳
Ready to knit something practical and pretty? This beginner-friendly seed stitch washcloth pattern is a fast and relaxing way to learn a new texture. The seed stitch gives your cloths a soft, nubby feel that’s both exfoliating and absorbent. They’re perfect for scrubbing faces, dishes, or both (just not at the same time, please).
Knit with 100% cotton yarn, these reusable washcloths are eco-friendly, long-lasting, and way better than anything store-bought. Stack a few in cheerful colors, tie them with twine, and you’ve got a thoughtful handmade gift for baby showers, housewarmings, or just because.
Prefer to knit offline? (Download Printable Knitting Pattern)
This pattern is free to read below, but if you’d rather print it or save it for later, I’ve created a clean, ad-free PDF version for you.
How this Seed Stitch Washcloth Free Knitting Pattern is Made
The seed stitch is one of the easiest (and cutest) knitting textures to learn. You create it by simply alternating knit and purl stitches, no fancy tricks required. The result? A bumpy, textured fabric that looks way more impressive than the effort it takes. Just follow the pattern below, and you’ll be stitching up cozy, scrubby goodness in no time.
This Seed Stitch Washcloth is knit flat, turning after each row.
One 95-yard (2 ounce) skein of cotton worsted weight yarn* (shown in Lily Sugar ‘n Cream 100% Cotton Yarn), in your choice of color. – one washcloth uses about 71.25 yards (1.5 oz.)
*Shown in Lily Sugar ‘n Cream 100% Cotton Yarn in “Robins Egg” and “White” (#AffiliateLinks). Weights estimated with Lily Sugar n’ Cream yarn; other yarn weights may vary. Weight does not include gauge swatch. A 4×4 inch gauge swatch with a 2 row by 3 stitch border uses an additional 19 yards (0.4 oz.).
This washcloth will be an 8-inch by 8-inch square.
Care
If you use the materials called for in the pattern, your final product will be machine washable. To keep your seed stitch washcloth looking its best, hand wash or machine wash separately on delicate cycle in cold water. You may tumble dry on low heat.
This pattern is for personal use, gifting, and charitable donation of completed items. You may also sell handmade items created using this pattern. Do not copy this pattern and distribute it. If you’d like to share the pattern, refer your friends to my website, purlsandpixels.com so they may obtain a copy.
If you find any errors or have any questions, email purlsandpixels@gmail.com and I will do my best to help.
I’d love to see your finished work! Tag your photos with @PurlsAndPixels on Twitter or Instagram.
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