Knitting Instructions: Intro to Basic Techniques

By Sandra Mishikins

This article will introduce you to a number of useful knitting skills. We will cover how to Cast-On, Knit, and perform a number of common knitting techniques. We?ll also give you a few pointers on how best to master the art of knitting.

Today it is easier than ever to find knitting instructions to follow. Pamphlets with basic knitting instructions can be found at any fabric store. The public library will likely have a host of videos or books on the topic. Each of these than can be helpful, when trying to learn the basics or trying to master more complicated techniques.

The first thing any knitting instructions will teach you, is how to cast on. This is the first step to starting any project. To cast on, you will need to start with a couple yards of yarn unrolled. Make a loop and hold it in your left hand. With the needle in your right hand, slip the end of the needle into the loop and pass the yarn from the ball over the needle while drawing the yarn back through the loop. Lastly, slip the loop from your left hand and tighten the stitch that you now have on the needle. This is a fairly easy process. Some people find it necessary to watch it done in person or to see a diagram of knitting instructions explaining it.

The process of knitting is usually performed with the cast-on needle in the left hand. The other needle will be worked with your right hand. You will keep your yarn behind your needles and insert your right needle through the first stitch on your left needle. Insert the needle from the front toward the back. Attach the yarn to the right needle and pull it through the stitch. Pass the stitch off the right needle to the left. This is the basic process of knitting, which will be repeated many times.

Another very basic technique is the purl. The purl is much like the basic knit. However, instead of inserting the right needle from the front, you will insert the tip from the back. You will pull the yarn through from the opposite direction and work the stitch onto the left needle.

Once you feel confident in your ability to perform these basic knitting movements, then you are ready to move on to more advanced techniques. Decide what format of knitting instructions you learn best with and stick to that. If you prefer videos then use those. Many people will learn fine from printed diagrams. Try learning one new knitting technique at a time and using it on your next project. By adding single techniques and taking the time to learn them, you will increase your skills in the most efficient manner. - 30225

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