DIY knitting tutorials, tips, and tricks

February 1, 2025March 3, 2025

Home & Garden DIY

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How to Knit a Scarf

Knit with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels 🧶

Who doesn’t love a warm, cozy scarf? 🧣 And guess what? Even if you’ve never picked up knitting needles before, you can create a beautiful hand-knit scarf! This simple garter stitch scarf is perfect for beginners: it’s easy, practical, and makes a great gift. Don’t worry if you’re just starting out. Take it one stitch at a time, and you’ll be knitting with confidence in no time! Grab my Beginner Scarf Knitting Pattern, open it in a new tab, or print it out to follow along. You’ve got this! 🎉

🎥 Watch the full process here or keep reading to see each step broken down.

How to Knit a Scarf 🧣 Beginner-Friendly Step-by-Step Tutorial

What Materials Do I Need to Knit a Scarf?

Yarn to Knit Scarves

One or two (2) 315-yard/6 ounce skeins of Caron Simply Soft yarn in your choice of color (in the video I use the color “Pagoda“).

one mini scarf uses 10.5 yards (0.2 ounces)*
one standard scarf uses 304.5 yards (5.8 ounces)*
one extra-wide scarf uses 420 yards (8 ounces)*

*Weights estimated with Caron Simply Soft yarn; other yarn weights may vary.

Knitting Needles for Beginner Scarves

Knitting Needles:
36-inch (91 cm) long US No. 8/5MM circular needle (or size needed to obtain gauge)

Or 9-inch (23 cm) long US No. 8 (5 mm) straight needles (or size needed to obtain gauge)

Notions to Finish Knit Scarves

What Skills Will I Need to Knit a Scarf?

Weave in Loose Ends on Flat Knits

How to Knit a Scarf

Step 1: Cast On

First, cast on Row 1. This means you’ll be adding stitches to your needle to start your scarf.
For the mini beginner scarf, use the long-tail cast-on method to put 6 stitches on your needles.

🎥 Watch: How to Start Your Knitting – The Long-Tail Cast On for Beginners

Step 2: Turn Your Work

When you reach the end of your row, it’s time to turn your work.

🎥 Watch: How to Turn Your Work in Knitting for Beginners – What to Do at the End of a Row

Step 3: Knit Every Row (Garter Stitch)

Now that your stitches are on the needles, it’s time to create your scarf. We’ll be using the garter stitch, which means knitting every stitch in every row for a soft, stretchy texture.

Row 2: Knit across all 6 stitches.
Repeat Row 2 until scarf measures 12 inches (30 cm) or your desired length.
Pro Tip: If you want a wider or longer scarf, simply adjust the number of stitches cast on or knit more rows.

🎥 Watch: How to Make the Knit Stitch

Step 4: Bind Off

Once your scarf is as long as you like, it’s time to bind off and secure your stitches.

🎥 Watch: How to Take Knitting Stitches Off the Needles – Bind Off Knit Stitches

Step 5: Weave in Loose Ends

Finally, weave in any loose yarn tails using your darning needle. This will give your scarf a polished, finished look.

🎥 Watch: How I Weave in and Tie Off Loose Ends on Flat Knitting

Troubleshooting Tips

Counting Stitches: You should always have 6 stitches on your needle when knitting the mini scarf.
Tension Check: Your stitches should be even: not too tight or too loose. Learn more about knitting tension for extra pointers.
Mistakes: Dropped a stitch? No worries! Check out my knitting troubleshooting guide for easy fixes.

Care Instructions

Machine wash cold 🧺
Lay flat to dry 🌬
Avoid fabric softener to keep your scarf soft and breathable

Congratulations! You Just Knit a Scarf! 🎉

Your handmade scarf is perfect for:
✅ Staying cozy in winter
✅ A thoughtful handmade gift
✅ Practicing new stitches
✅ Styling up any outfit

📸 Share your finished scarves with @PurlsAndPixels. I’d love to see your creations!

Need help? Drop a comment below, and I’ll walk you through any tricky spots. Remember, every knitter started exactly where you are now. 💕

Ready for More Knitting Patterns?

Now that you’ve learned to knit a classic beginner scarf, try one of my other scarf designs:

🧶 Easy Chunky Knit Scarf – Super cozy and knits up in a weekend! (Free!)
✨ School Colors Scarf – Show your team spirit with this fun striped pattern (Free!)
🌿 Ribbed Scarf – Add beautiful texture to your next scarf (Free!)
💫 Slipped Stitches Scarf – Ready to learn a new stitch? This one’s gorgeous! (Free!)
🎨 Single-Row Striped Scarves – A modern take on stripes ($9.99)

Let me know which one you’re casting on next! I love seeing your projects 🧶

Knitting Lessons

January 15, 2025October 2, 2025

Don’t Miss a Stitch! 🧶

Love cozy knitting projects? Sign up for my newsletter to get more free patterns, helpful tips, and updates straight to your inbox. 💌

How to Knit a Washcloth

Learn how to knit a mini washcloth from start to finish. Then you'll be able to knit washcloths and dishtowels of all sizes. Use these skills to knit lots of things with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Knit with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels 🧶

I think it’s about time to put all of our knitting skills together to start creating the useful knits you want. Since flat, cotton washcloths are the most simple of the knits, let’s start there. But, we are going tiny! So you can have a finished knit in no time flat, we’ll work on my free Beginner Face Scrubby Pattern. Open that pattern in a new tab or print it to use as you follow along with the lesson here.

Watch the full process here or continue reading to see everything in smaller steps.

What Do Materials I Need to Knit a Washcloth?

Yarn to Knit Washcloths

One ball of Lily Sugar ‘n Cream 100% Cotton Yarn in “Beach Ball Blue,” “Robins Egg,” (or your favorite color).

Knitting Needles for Washcloths

Knitting Needles:
Long Circular Needles
36-inch (91 cm) long US No. 7 (4.5 mm) circular needle (or size needed to obtain gauge)

Or Straight Needles
9-inch (23 cm) long US No. 7 (4.5 mm) straight needles (or size needed to obtain gauge)

Notions to Finish Knit Washcloths

What Skills Will I Need to Knit a Washcloth?

Weave in Loose Ends on Flat Knits

How to Knit Washcloths

Step 1: Cast On

First, cast on. This means you will be wrapping the number of stitches called for in the pattern around your knitting needle. So, for your tiny washcloth, use the long-tail cast on method to put 14 stitches on your knitting needles.

How to Start Your Knitting – The Long-Tail Cast On for Beginners

Step 2: Turn Your Work

When you reach the end of your row, it’s time to turn your work.

How to Turn Your Work in Knitting for Beginners – What to Do at the End of a Row

Step 3: Knit

Now that you have your 14 stitches cast on, it’s time to create your washcloth. We’ll be using the garter stitch, which means knitting every row. This creates a lovely, squishy texture that’s perfect for washing.

Row 1: Knit across all 14 stitches.

How to Make the Knit Stitch

Rows 2-27: Turn your work at then end of each row. Then, just keep knitting every row until your piece measures approximately 4 inches square. Remember, every row is just knitting – no purling needed! This repetition is perfect for building muscle memory.

Step 4: Bind Off

Ready to finish? Time to bind off!

How to Take Knitting Stitches Off the Needles – Bind Off Knit Stitches

Step 5: Weave in Loose Ends

Finally, we’ll weave in those loose ends to make your washcloth ready for use.

How I Weave in and Tie Off Loose Ends on Flat Knitting

Troubleshooting Tips:

Counting Stitches: You should have 14 stitches on your needle at the end of every row.
Tension Check: Your knitting should feel firm but not tight.
Edges: Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly straight – this comes with practice!
Mistakes: Mistakes are ok! Let them be, or try to fix your mistakes with my knitting troubleshooting guide.

Care Instructions:

Machine wash cold
Tumble dry low or lay flat to dry
Avoid fabric softener to maintain absorbency

Learn how to knit washcloth with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Congratulations! You’ve just created your first washcloth. This tiny version is perfect for:

Removing makeup
Gentle facial cleansing
Testing out new stitches
Quick gift-making
Cute drink coasters

Ready to level up? Try making full-sized washcloths using the same techniques. Get my Simple Washcloth Knitting Pattern Collection here.

And, find all my washcloth patterns gathered in one place:

🛁 Knitted Dishcloth Patterns – Dishcloths and Washcloths Designed by Liz Chandler

Share your finished washcloths with our community using @PurlsAndPixels. I’d love to see what you create! 🧶

Need help? Drop a comment below, and I’ll guide you through any tricky spots. Remember, every knitter started exactly where you are now. 💞

Knitting Lessons

January 13, 2025February 4, 2025

Don’t Miss a Stitch! 🧶

Love cozy knitting projects? Sign up for my newsletter to get more free patterns, helpful tips, and updates straight to your inbox. 💌

How to Care for Hand Knits

Learn to care for your hand knits and knitwear with practical tips from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

A Real-Life Guide from a Knitting Mom 🧶

Caring for hand knits can feel overwhelming, but after a decade of knitting (and plenty of mistakes), I’ve learned what actually works. As a solo parent and the creator behind PurlsAndPixels, I’ve found practical ways to keep handknits beautiful, even with a busy life and an active child. Let me share my best tips and a personal story that taught me one of my biggest lessons.

Learn about caring for knitwear with some practical tips from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Essential Knit Care: What Actually Works (A Recovering Perfectionist’s Guide) 🧶

Let me share a secret: I’m surprisingly reckless with my knits. And you know what? They’re doing just fine! Here’s my real-world, honest-to-goodness care method:

Basic Washing Steps (The Truth Edition)

Confession time – I use my washing machine! 🤫 Here is what I do to care for a handknit item:

Pop it in on the hand wash or delicate cycle.
Use tap cold water (this part’s non-negotiable).
Skip the fancy wool wash – I use Seventh Generation EasyDose Laundry Detergent. It’s gentle, simple, and works perfectly!
Let the machine do its thing

THE ONE ABSOLUTE RULE: Never. Ever. Ever. Put your knits in the dryer unless you’re planning to felt them or want a surprise doll sweater. Always lay flat to dry. This is the hill I’ll die on.

Fiber-Specific Care (The Reality Version):

Wool: Tougher than you think! Cold water, delicate or handwash cycle, no drama.
Cotton: Can handle a bit more, but why push it?
Acrylics: Fun fact – acrylic is literally plastic in fiber form. And you know what happens to plastic when it gets too hot? Yep, it melts. Hot water or dryer heat will turn your beautiful acrylic sweater into a sad, crackly mess. Stick to cold water and lay flat to dry.
Blends: When in doubt, treat it like your precious wool.

Learn how to care for hand knit items with tips from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Pro Tip: While others swear by specialty wool wash, I’ve found that simple, Seventh Generation EasyDose Laundry Detergent does the job perfectly. No need for fancy products – sometimes simpler is better!

Remember: Your handknits aren’t as delicate as the internet might have you believe. They can handle real life – just keep them away from that dryer and warm/hot water!

The Velcro Incident: A Knitting Care Lesson Learned

My first ‘perfect’ knit was a baby blanket for my son. I felt like every stitch was flawless, the tension perfect. It was my masterpiece. Then came the Velcro incident.

A harmless-looking toy snagged the blanket, pulling stitches and leaving snags everywhere. My heart sank. That first project, meant to be a keepsake, now carried imperfections.

But here’s the thing about knitting (and life) – perfection isn’t always the point. Those snags became part of our story, marking moments of real life with an active little one. Still, I learned some valuable lessons about protecting precious knits!

Sneaky Snag Culprits to Watch Out For:

Velcro: The knitwear destroyer! Check those baby toys, shoes, and jackets.
Zippers: They look innocent but can catch your stitches in a flash.
Jewelry: Those dainty rings and bracelets? Stitch snatchers in disguise.
Pet Claws: Our furry friends don’t mean to, but those little paws can pull.
Rough Surfaces: Beware of splintery wood and rough upholstery.

Pro Tip: When gifting baby knits, I now include a gentle note about Velcro awareness. It’s saved many a blanket from meeting the same fate!

Remember: While we can’t prevent every snag in life (or knitting), we can be mindful of these sneaky culprits. Your handknits deserve that much! 🌿

Cozy Knits Storage Solutions That Work 🧶

Living in a small space has taught me the art of storing precious handknits. Here’s what really works (and what I actually use!):

Fold with Love: Stack your sweaters like I do here – see how the teal sweater keeps its shape? Proper folding prevents shoulder distortion and maintains your knits’ natural structure.
Clear Storage Champions: Using transparent containers (like this one!) lets you easily spot your favorites while keeping them dust-free. Plus, you can see exactly what you have at a glance!
Layer with Care: Notice how these colorwork pieces are carefully stacked? This prevents any snagging between delicate patterns. That pink and orange fair isle beauty stays perfect!
Seasonal Organization: Sort by season and store similar items together – makes switching out your wardrobe so much easier

Remember: Your handknits are treasures that deserve thoughtful storage. With these simple solutions, they’ll stay beautiful for years of cozy wearing! ✨

Make sure to store your hand knits in a way that will preserve them for longer. Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels uses clear storage bins to keep folded sweaters and blankets.

Emergency Hand-Knit Care

Accidents happen, especially with kids or pets! Here’s how to handle them:

Snags:
- Don’t pull or cut the snagged string.
- Use a crochet hook to gently pull the yarn back through.
- Work from the wrong side if possible.
- Gently stretch the piece to try to bring the yarn back into it’s original shape.
Stains:
- Blot (don’t rub).
- Rinse with cool water immediately.
- Test cleaning solutions on a hidden spot before applying.
Holes:
- Catch them early.
- Use matching yarn to repair.
- Seek professional help for large or intricate repairs.

Build an Essential Hand-Knit Care Kit

Keep these tools in mason jars for quick fixes (Amazon Affiliate Links):

Gentle wool wash or laundry detergent.
Cedar sachets.
A crochet hook (for snag rescue).
Tapestry needles.
Small precision scissors.
Safety pins and spare yarn scraps.

Pro tip: Save yarn scraps from each project for future repairs by winding them into tiny balls (lesson here) or around old gift cards and storing them with these supplies!

Here’s a fun DIY project if you’re feeling crafty: learn to make your own cedar sachets in this guide.

Seasonal Hand-Knit Care Tips

Spring/Summer:

Wash knits before storing to remove oils and dirt.
Add cedar or lavender sachets for moth prevention.
Store in a cool, dry place.

Fall/Winter:

Check for moth damage before use.
Refresh cedar blocks or sachets.
Air out stored items before wearing.

Pack important hand knits - especially those made of wool - in a cedar chest to prevent moths from destroying your hard work. Find more tips from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Real-Life Knitting Care Routines

Life gets messy. Here’s how I balance precious handknits with reality:

Spot clean whenever possible to extend time between washes.
Air out knits after wear to freshen naturally.
Keep a basic care kit on hand for quick fixes.
Address issues promptly to avoid permanent damage.
Embrace imperfections—they tell the story of a loved, well-used knit.

Remember: Perfect Is Overrated

That baby blanket with Velcro snags? My son still treasures it. Every imperfection tells a story of love, learning, and real life. While caring for knits is important, the “oops” moments often become cherished memories.

Pro Care Tips From My Knitting Journey

Always check pockets before washing.
Keep spare buttons in a labeled jar.
When in doubt, air it out.

What’s your first “perfect” project? Any care disasters you’ve learned from? How do you balance real life with precious handknits? I’d love to hear your stories! Drop a comment or send me a message on social media. Find me @PurlsAndPixels on all platforms. 🧶

December 31, 2024December 31, 2024

New Year’s Knitting Project Checklist

Organize your knitting projects with Liz Chandler's free Knitting Project Planner PDFs at PurlsAndPixels.

Plan Your Most Creative Year Yet 🧶

A new year brings a world of possibilities for knitters. Whether you’re dreaming of cozy sweaters, intricate colorwork, or mastering new techniques, a clear project plan can turn those creative dreams into reality. Organize your space and then plan your next knitting projects with the free Knitting Project Checklist and Knitting Planner at the end of this article. Let’s get intentional about making this your most inspired knitting year yet!

Essential Steps for Knitting Success

1. Stash Assessment

Before diving into new projects, take stock of your yarn:

Inventory your yarn by weight, yardage, and fiber content.
Find your favorites: Note which yarns spark joy or inspire ideas.
Fill in the gaps: Identify missing weights or colors.
De-stash thoughtfully: Plan projects to use yarn that’s been sitting idle.

This Knitting Project Checklist is a free Knitting Planner in PDF form from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

2. Skill Development Goals

Set intentions for leveling up your knitting this year:

List techniques you want to learn, like brioche, entrelac, or colorwork.
Seek patterns that teach those skills in manageable steps.
Plan for progression—start simple, then tackle complex designs.
Schedule dedicated time for tutorials or classes.

Organize your knitting for the new year with tips and a free project planner from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels

3. Project Timeline

Map out projects by season to stay on track:

Winter (Jan-Mar): Cozy accessories, temperature tracking projects, or indoor comfort items.
Spring (Apr-Jun): Lightweight garments, garden-inspired makes, or Mother’s Day gifts.
Summer (Jul-Sep): Portable projects, beach/travel knitting, or early holiday prep.
Fall (Oct-Dec): Gift knitting, warm layers, or festive decorations.

Plan the projects you will make in the new year by organizing your yarn stash by weight - lighter weight yarn for spring and summer, thicker yarns for fall and winter. Free tips and planner from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

4. Supply Organization

An organized toolkit makes for smoother knitting:

Take inventory of needles, notions, and tools.
Review storage solutions to ensure everything is easy to find.
Maintain your tools—sharpen scissors, replace worn needles, and clean your knitting bag.

New Years knitting tip: organize your craft supplies so you don't have to hunt for what you need, or accidentally buy something you already have! Find more cozy craft ideas from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

5. Pattern Library

Keep your patterns accessible and inspiring:

Organize your digital and printed patterns.
Create a Knitting Project Checklist
Get a knitting journal to keep track of all the patterns you will write.
Create a queue of projects you’re excited about.
Match patterns to your stash for immediate starts.

When crafting gets messy, its time to start organizing. First, get a knitting journal to organize all the patterns you will write this year. Available from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

6. Comfort Zone Expansion

Stretch your creativity by trying something new:

Experiment with unfamiliar yarn weights or fibers.
Play with bold colorwork or gradients.
Try challenging techniques like double knitting or cables.
Join a knit-along (KAL) focused on skill-building.

Expand your knitting skills this year by learning new techniques and practicing with new fibers. Find free lessons from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Tips for Knitting Joy and Productivity

Start Small: Kick off the year with quick wins like hats, mittens, or dishcloths to build momentum.
Track Your Progress: Use photos or a notebook to document your projects, celebrate successes, and learn from mistakes.
Stay Flexible: Allow space in your schedule for spontaneous inspiration or unexpected challenges.
Build Community: Share your goals with fellow knitters for encouragement and accountability.

Download Your Free Knitting Planner PDF

Plan your year of knitting with these two printable PDFs. Print the knitting project checklists as many times as you need to keep track of all of your patterns this year.

Knitting Planner PDF

Project Details PDF

Make 2025 Your Most Inspired Knitting Year!

This knitting project checklist isn’t about rigid rules—it’s a flexible guide to help you find joy and creativity in your knitting journey. Ready to get started? Download your free project planner and let’s make this your most organized and inspired year yet! ✨

Find out why knitting is a perfect New Year’s resolution in this article.

Need Some Knitting Inspiration?

🙏 Make a Gratitude Blanket this Year

📃 Browse Knitting Patterns

🧶 Learn Knitting Techniques

🧺 Explore Yarn & Supply Ideas

December 13, 2024September 26, 2025

Beginner’s Guide to Knitting

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. 🧶

Learn to take knit stitches off needles with a standard bind off, a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

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

Learn to Beginner Ear Warmers with this knitting pattern from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels

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.

Learn a new knitting skill to make a new knitting project with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

1. First Victory: Simple Face Scrubby

Washcloth Knitting Pattern by Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels

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

Free Beginner Knit Scarf Pattern in Garter Stitch from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

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

Learn to knit Simple Beanie Hats with this knitting pattern from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels

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

Learn to knit Simple Fingerless Gloves with this knitting pattern from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels

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

Learn to knit Simple Mittens with this knitting pattern from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels

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. 🎶

1 Yarn

100% Cotton Yarn

I like Lily Sugar ‘n Cream 100% Cotton Yarn. It’s cost-friendly and great quality.

Get it on Amazon

2 Needles

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.

Check on Amazon

Join My Knitting Community

Knitting is better with friends. Share your progress, ask questions, and connect with other beginners:

📱 Instagram: @PurlsAndPixels

📍 Pinterest

🏷️ 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! 🧶✨

Explore All My Patterns Here

November 11, 2024November 11, 2024

Home & Garden DIY

Knitting in the Round

Knitting in the round is a way of creating seamless tubes of fabric without having to sew anything together. There are several ways of knitting in the round, but the three key methods are using double point needles, using circular needles, or working in the “Magic Loop.”

Knitting in the Round on Double Point Needles (DPNs)

Learn to bind off on double point needles (DPNs) while working in the round - a knitting lesson with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

To knit in the round with DPNs, you will use three or four needles (with points on both ends) to work in a triangle or square shape. Once it comes off the needles, this knit will be a round tube. DPNs are great for making smaller items like mittens, cup holders, socks, and sweater sleeves.

Learn to Knit with Double Point Needles (“DPNs”) in this Lesson

Knitting in the Round with Circular Needles

Learn how to move a hat top from circular needles to Double Point Needles (DPNs) in this knitting lesson with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Circular needles have two pointy ends connected by a flexible cord. This setup allows you to bring your needle tips together and join the ends of your cast on. Then, you can work around and around creating a seamless knit tube.

Learn How to Knit with Circular Needles in this Lesson.

The Magic Loop Method

For the “Magic Loop,” you will also use a circular needle; however, you will bend the cord into a shape that allows you to knit smaller tubes. This technique is excellent when you need to knit smaller items but circular needles in that size are not available. For example, tiny mittens are far too small to make on traditional knitting needles. The Magic Loop method gives you the ability to make theses tiny things.

Learn to Knit in the Magic Loop Method with this Lesson

Need Supplies? Find everything you need to follow along with my lessons at my Amazon Storefront.