Knitting is a popular craft that allows you to create beautiful and unique fabric using just a pair of knitting needles and some yarn. One of the basic stitches in knitting is the “knit” stitch, which creates a smooth and even texture. In this guide, we will learn how to make a “1” in knitting, also known as a “make one” or “M1” stitch.
The make one stitch is commonly used to increase the number of stitches in your knitting, creating shaping or decorative details. It is often used in patterns for sweaters, socks, and hats, among other projects. Learning this technique will give you more versatility in your knitting projects and open up a whole new range of possibilities.
To make a 1 in knitting, you will need to pick up the yarn between two existing stitches and create a new stitch. This can be done in several different ways, depending on the desired result. In this guide, we will focus on one of the most common methods, called the “knit front and back” method.
The “knit front and back” method involves knitting into the front and back loops of the same stitch. This creates a new stitch and increases the stitch count by one. It is a relatively simple technique that can be easily mastered with practice. Follow the step-by-step instructions below to learn how to make a 1 using the knit front and back method:
- Insert the right-hand needle from left to right into the front loop of the stitch on the left-hand needle.
- Wrap the yarn around the right-hand needle counterclockwise, from back to front.
- Pull the right-hand needle through the front loop, creating a new stitch.
- Do not remove the original stitch from the left-hand needle.
- Without twisting the new stitch, insert the right-hand needle from left to right into the back loop of the same stitch.
- Wrap the yarn around the right-hand needle counterclockwise, from back to front.
- Pull the right-hand needle through the back loop, creating another new stitch.
- You have now successfully made a 1 stitch!
Practice this technique on a swatch of knitting until you feel comfortable with it. Once you have mastered the basic knit stitch and the make 1 stitch, you will be able to tackle a wide variety of knitting patterns and create stunning projects.
Remember, knitting is all about practice and patience. Don’t get discouraged if your first attempts don’t turn out perfectly. With time and experience, you will become more confident in your knitting skills and be able to tackle more challenging projects. Happy knitting!
Step 1: Gather the Materials
Before you start making a 1 in knitting, you’ll need to gather some materials. Having the right tools and supplies ready will make the process much easier. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Yarn: Choose a yarn in your desired color and weight. Make sure it’s suitable for the knitting needle size you’ll be using.
- Knitting needles: Select the appropriate knitting needle size for your yarn. The size will depend on the yarn weight and the desired gauge for your project.
- Tape measure: This will be useful for measuring your gauge and determining the size of your project.
- Scissors: You’ll need these for cutting the yarn.
- Tapestry needle: This needle is used for weaving in loose ends when you’re finished knitting.
Optional materials:
- Stitch markers: These can be helpful for marking specific stitches or sections in your knitting.
- Row counter: If you have trouble keeping track of your rows, a row counter can be a useful tool.
- Knitting pattern: If you’re following a specific pattern, make sure you have it ready before you begin.
Once you have all the necessary materials, you’ll be ready to move on to the next step of making a 1 in knitting.
Step 2: Cast On
Before you can start knitting, you need to cast on stitches onto your knitting needle. This is the foundation row of your project.
There are several methods for casting on, but the most basic one is the easiest for beginners. Follow these steps to cast on stitches:
- Hold your knitting needle in your right hand and make a slipknot.
- Insert the knitting needle into the slipknot and tighten it, leaving a tail of yarn.
- Hold the needle with the slipknot in your left hand, and use your right hand to hold the working yarn.
- Loop the working yarn around your left thumb, creating a loop.
- Take the needle and insert it through the loop on your thumb from back to front.
- Use your right hand to pull the yarn through the loop, creating a new stitch on the needle.
- Repeat steps 4-6 until you have cast on the desired number of stitches.
Once you have cast on all your stitches, you are ready to start knitting! Make sure the stitches are snug on the needle, but not too tight, to ensure an even tension.
Step 3: Knit the First Row
Now that you have cast on your stitches and prepared your knitting needle, it’s time to start knitting the first row of your project. This step is an essential part of the knitting process that lays the foundation for your entire project.
Follow these simple steps to knit the first row:
- Hold the knitting needle with the cast-on stitches in your right hand, and hold the empty knitting needle in your left hand.
- Insert the point of the empty needle into the first stitch on the right needle, from left to right.
- With your left hand, wrap the yarn around the empty needle counterclockwise.
- Using the right-hand needle, pull the wrapped yarn through the stitch on the right-hand needle.
- Slide the stitch off the right-hand needle, and let it rest on the left-hand needle.
- Repeat steps 2-5 for each stitch on the right-hand needle until you reach the end.
- Once you finish knitting the first row, turn your work over to start the next row.
It’s important to maintain a consistent tension while knitting to ensure even stitches and a neat-looking finished project. Don’t worry if your first row doesn’t look perfect – knitting takes practice, and with time, your skills will improve.
Continue following the pattern instructions for subsequent rows to create the desired design or stitch pattern. Remember to always knit the stitches as indicated in the pattern, whether they are knit stitches or purl stitches.
Now that you know how to knit the first row, you’re ready to move on to the next steps in your knitting project. Keep practicing and soon you’ll be able to create beautiful knitted items.
Step 4: Create the 1 Stitch
Now that you have set up your stitches and are ready to start knitting, it’s time to create the 1 stitch. Follow these steps:
- Insert the right-hand needle into the first stitch on the left-hand needle from left to right.
- Wrap the working yarn counterclockwise around the right-hand needle.
- Use the right-hand needle to pull the wrapped yarn through the first stitch on the left-hand needle, creating a new stitch.
- Slip the old stitch off the left-hand needle, leaving the new stitch on the right-hand needle.
Repeat these steps for each additional 1 stitch you want to create in your knitting project.
Tip: Make sure to keep your tension steady as you create each stitch to ensure an even and balanced fabric.
Note: If you are following a specific knitting pattern, it may have different instructions for creating the 1 stitch. Always refer to the pattern for any specific stitch instructions.
Creating the 1 stitch is an essential skill in knitting, and with practice, you will become more proficient. Once you have mastered this step, you can continue knitting and working on your project.
Step 5: Continue Knitting
Once you have successfully made a 1 in knitting, you can continue with your knitting project. Here are the steps to continue knitting:
- Insert the right needle into the next stitch on the left needle. Make sure that the point of the right needle goes into the stitch from left to right.
- Wrap the yarn around the right needle. Take the working yarn and wrap it in a counterclockwise direction around the right needle. The yarn should be positioned between the two needles.
- Use the right needle to pull the yarn through the stitch. Carefully pull the right needle with the wrapped yarn through the stitch on the left needle, creating a new loop on the right needle.
- Slip the old stitch off the left needle. Once the new loop is securely on the right needle, use your left hand to slide the original stitch off the left needle. The new loop is now the stitch on the right needle.
- Repeat steps 1-4. Continue these steps for each stitch until you have completed your desired number of rows or until your knitting project is finished.
Remember to take your time and practice regularly to improve your knitting skills. Happy knitting!
Step 6: Finish the Row
Once you have completed making the 1 stitch, you are ready to finish the row.
1. Continue knitting in the pattern specified for your project until you reach the end of the row.
2. If you are following a pattern with multiple rows, make sure to follow the instructions for each row until you have completed the desired number of rows.
3. Once you have reached the end of the row, turn your work and start the next row.
4. Remember to keep track of your stitches and pattern instructions to ensure accuracy and consistency in your knitting.
5. Repeat the steps for making a 1 stitch and finishing the row until you have completed the desired length for your project.
6. After finishing the last row, you may need to bind off your stitches to secure the edge of your knitting. Consult your pattern instructions for guidance on how to bind off.
By following these steps and paying attention to each row, you can create a beautifully knitted project with the 1 stitch technique.
Step 7: Repeat the Process
Once you have completed your first knit stitch, you can now repeat the process to create more stitches and continue your knitting project.
To repeat the process, follow these steps:
- Hold the knitting needles with the last stitch you made in your left hand.
- Insert the right needle into the next stitch on the left needle.
- Bring the yarn over the right needle from back to front.
- Use the right needle to pull the loop of yarn through the stitch, creating a new stitch on the right needle.
- Slide the stitch from the left needle to the right needle, leaving the newly created stitch on the right needle.
- Repeat steps 2-5 until you have reached the desired number of stitches.
Remember to keep the tension of your yarn consistent and to hold your knitting needles firmly but comfortably.
As you repeat the process, you will see your knitting project grow and take shape. Whether you are making a scarf, a hat, or any other knitting project, this step is crucial to its completion.
Don’t forget to count your stitches periodically to ensure you have the correct number.
Now that you know how to make a knit stitch and repeat the process, you can confidently continue with your knitting project and explore more advanced knitting techniques.
Step 8: Bind Off and Secure the End
Once you have completed your final row or desired length for your knitted project, it’s time to bind off and secure the end. This process will create a nice finished edge and prevent your stitches from unraveling. Here’s how to do it:
- Knit the first two stitches of your row.
- Insert the left needle into the first stitch on the right needle.
- Lift the first stitch over the second stitch and off the needle, binding it off.
- Knit the next stitch on the left needle.
- Lift the first stitch over the second stitch and off the needle to bind it off.
- Repeat steps 4 and 5 until you have bound off all the stitches on your right needle.
- Cut the yarn, leaving a tail about 6 inches long.
Now it’s time to secure the end to ensure that your knitted project stays intact. Here’s how:
- Thread the tail of the yarn onto a yarn needle.
- Pass the needle through the last stitch on your right needle.
- Remove the knitting needle from the stitch, pulling the yarn through to tighten it.
- Weave the needle and tail through a few stitches on the wrong side of your knitted project.
- Trim any excess yarn.
Congratulations! You have now successfully bound off and secured the end of your knitting project. Your project is now complete and ready to be enjoyed or gifted!
FAQ:
What materials do I need to make a 1 in knitting?
To make a 1 in knitting, you will need knitting needles, yarn, and a pair of scissors.
Can I use any type of yarn for making a 1 in knitting?
Yes, you can use any type of yarn for making a 1 in knitting. However, keep in mind that different yarns will give different results in terms of texture and thickness.
What is the process for making a 1 in knitting?
To make a 1 in knitting, start by casting on the desired number of stitches onto your knitting needles. Then, knit every stitch for the specified number of rows until you reach the desired length. Finally, bind off the stitches and cut the yarn, leaving a tail for weaving in later.
How long does it typically take to make a 1 in knitting?
The time it takes to make a 1 in knitting can vary depending on the individual’s knitting speed and the complexity of the stitch pattern. However, on average, it may take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or more to complete.