Spring break: the season of college kids flocking to beaches, families heading to amusement parks, and, if you’re like me, knitters swapping out thick wool for breezy cotton. Right now, I am knitting a cotton washcloth in front of a palm tree in Arizona. Yes, you read that correctly. While others are sipping umbrella drinks 🍹 and making questionable life choices, I am clicking away with my needles, making the smooth transition from winter knits to spring essentials.
From Cozy to Cool: The Spring Knitting Shift 🧶
Winter knitting is all about survival: bulky scarves, hats you could store snacks in, and blankets that double as emergency shelters. But once the temperatures rise, no one wants to wrestle with a wool blanket in their lap unless they enjoy marinating in their own sweat. Spring knitting is the perfect excuse to lighten things up.
Enter cotton yarn, the MVP of warm-weather knitting. It is breathable, soft, and perfect for quick projects like washcloths, market bags, and lightweight shawls. I, myself, am working on a ribbed double stripped dishcloth (pattern here).
Knitting with cotton also forces a mindset shift. The dense, structured feel of wool yarn gives way to a looser, more relaxed stitch. It is like going from wearing a parka in the Rockies 🏔️ to lounging in flip-flops under an Arizona palm tree 🌴. You have to adjust your tension, embrace the drape, and accept that cotton knitting does not have the same forgiving stretch as wool. It is a little stubborn… kind of like me when someone tells me knitting is for grandmas. 🙄 (See Knitting Myths Unraveled for my unfiltered opinion on that!)
🌞 Spring Break, But Make It Knitting
Spring break is traditionally about relaxation, which means your spring knitting projects should follow suit. A cotton washcloth is the perfect project: small enough to toss in a beach bag 🏖️, easy enough to knit while half-watching a sunset 🌅, and practical enough to use later. Plus, let’s be honest, it is a good excuse to knit in warm weather without sweating through a half-finished sweater.
Speaking of unexpected things in the desert, did you know that Lake Havasu City is home to the original London Bridge? 🌉 Yes, the one from the nursery rhyme. A businessman in the 1960s decided to ship the whole thing from England to Arizona, because why not? It is now a tourist attraction, spanning a canal where spring breakers cruise by on jet skis. Meanwhile, I am over here knitting a washcloth and admiring a piece of British history in the Southwest. Not exactly a wild spring break story, but if you ask me, a stress-free afternoon with my knitting needles beats a sunburn and regret any day.
The Takeaway: Seasonal Knitting Wins 🌷
Transitioning from winter knitting to spring knitting is not just about yarn choice. It is about embracing the season, shifting to smaller, lighter projects, and letting your knitting patterns match your environment. Whether you are knitting in Arizona, on a road trip 🚗, or in your backyard with a fresh breeze 🍃, the key is to keep it simple and enjoyable.
So, if you find yourself swapping wool for cotton yarn and trading in cable knitting needles for a mindless garter stitch, welcome to the club. Spring break knitting might not be mainstream, but neither are we, and honestly, that is what makes it fun. 🎉🧶
Knitting is supposed to be fun, right? But thanks to a few lingering knitting myths, some people never even pick up the needles or, worse, give up too soon. Let’s unravel these myths and get you stitching with confidence.
1. 🚫 “Knitting is Just for Grandmas”
✅ Reality: Have you seen social media lately? Knitting is everywhere, and it’s for everyone. Cozy-loving homesteaders, edgy fashion designers, and creative minds of all kinds are picking up needles. Plus, have you ever met a grandma? They’re hardcore. If knitting is just for them, we should all aspire to be as cool as they are. 👵💞
2. 🚫 “You Have to Be Good at Math to Knit”
✅ Reality: If you can count to ten and do a little basic stitch tracking, you’re all set. Most of the “math” in knitting is just making sure you have the same number of stitches you started with. And if things go a little off? That’s just creative flair. 🧶💃
3. 🚫 “Expensive Yarn is Always Better”
✅ Reality: Just because it costs as much as your rent doesn’t mean it’s the best choice. Acrylic won’t betray you with a surprise felting incident in the wash, and budget-friendly wool blends can be just as soft as the fancy stuff. You don’t have to buy into this knitting myth. The best yarn? The one you’ll actually use.🧵💰
4. 🚫 “I Don’t Have the Attention Span for Knitting”
✅ Reality: If you’ve ever scrolled social media for an hour instead of doing literally anything productive, you absolutely have the attention span for knitting. The trick is to knit while watching TV, listening to a podcast, or pretending to pay attention in Zoom meetings (Shhhh 🤫 I didn’t suggest that last one!). 📺🎧
5. 🚫 “You Have to Follow the Pattern Exactly”
✅ Reality: Patterns are like recipes. Some people follow them to the letter; others throw in a pinch of this and a dash of that. Want longer sleeves? Go for it. Hate the neckline? Change it. You’re the boss of your yarn. 📜✂️
6. 🚫 “Knitting Takes Too Long”
✅ Reality: You don’t need to spend months knitting a sweater to be a “real knitter.” Some projects take an evening; some take a year. Your stitches don’t expire if you set them down for a while. Start small, take your time, and if all else fails, a chunky yarn and big needles will have you cranking out projects at lightning speed. ⏳⚡
7. 🚫 “I’ll Just Finish This Row Before Bed”
✅ Reality: We both know you’re about to finish the whole sleeve and fall into a knitting-induced time warp where suddenly it’s 3 a.m. and your alarm is in four hours. Accept your fate. 🌙😴
If you’re anything like me, you probably started out with budget-friendly acrylic yarns like Caron Simply Soft. They’re easy to find, affordable, and great for learning. But as I delved deeper into knitting, I discovered a world of yarns that can elevate projects from “nice” to truly special. And there is a vast world of worsted weight yarn substitutes to explore.
I’ve experimented with various fibers, textures, and brands, and let me tell you, switching up your yarn can completely transform the feel of your finished piece. If you’re ready to upgrade your stash and explore options with better texture, durability, and stitch definition, here are my top worsted-weight recommendations!
Note: As the creator of PurlsAndPixels and author of “Liz Chandler’s Knitting Guide,” I’m committed to sharing honest recommendations and celebrating the evolving craft of knitting. These are yarns I personally love and use in my own knitting, but I have no direct affiliations with the companies. However, this post does contain Amazon affiliate links to help keep my content going – full transparency! ✨
Quick Yarn Comparison Guide (Organized by Price and Quality)
✔ Rich, hand-dyed colors with incredible depth ✔ Perfect for luxury garments and statement pieces
Brooklyn Tweed Shelter (100% American Wool)
✔ Woolen-spun for lightweight warmth ✔ Stunning texture, ideal for heirloom knits
Ancient Arts Yarn (Artisanal, Hand-Dyed Fibers)
✔ Unique colorways, supports independent dyers ✔ Great for meaningful gifts and custom projects
FAQs
Q: What is your favorite luxury worsted weight yarn substitute? A: My absolute favorite luxury yarn is Malabrigo Rios! It is incredibly soft, hand-dyed, and has stunning stitch definition.
I’m always on the lookout for amazing yarns to try! Do you have a favorite worsted-weight yarn that you swear by? Whether it’s an old favorite or a new discovery, I’d love to hear your recommendations. Drop a comment below and let me know what makes it special! 🧶✨
Ready to knit? Grab a copy of Knitting the Simple Things (a glossy hardcover with 15 classic worsted-weight knitting patterns in sizes for everyone). Or, dive into your own pattern writing with my beautiful knitting journals to track your making journey!
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.
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.
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).
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!
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.
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:
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.
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! ✨
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):
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!
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.
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.
Share Your Stories
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. 🧶
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.
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.
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.
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.
Match patterns to your stash for immediate starts.
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.
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.
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! ✨
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. 🧶
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.
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!
🌟 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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
