Learn How to Draw Knit Step by Step

Knitting is a versatile and enjoyable craft that allows you to create beautiful and functional items with just a few basic stitches. Whether you’re interested in knitting clothing, accessories, or home decor, learning how to draw knit is an essential skill for any beginner.

In this beginner’s guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of knitting, starting from the very basics. You’ll learn about different types of knitting needles, how to choose the right yarn, and the fundamental stitches you need to know.

With clear instructions and helpful tips, you’ll be able to follow along and practice your knitting skills as you go. We’ll also provide you with some easy knitting projects to get you started, so you can put your newfound skills to use right away.

Whether you’re looking to relax, get creative, or want to make personalized gifts for your loved ones, knitting is the perfect hobby for you. So grab your supplies and let’s get started on this exciting journey into the world of knitting!

Disclaimer: This guide assumes no prior knowledge of knitting. If you’re an experienced knitter, this guide may not be suitable for you. However, if you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics of knitting, you’re in the right place! Let’s begin!

Understanding the Basics of Knitting

Knitting is a versatile craft that involves creating fabric by interlocking loops of yarn with knitting needles. Whether you want to make garments, accessories, or home decor items, learning how to knit is a valuable skill for anyone interested in crafting.

Materials:

Knitting needles: Choose needles that are appropriate for your yarn. The size of the needles will affect the tension and the size of your stitches.
Yarn: There are countless varieties of yarn available, each with its own unique characteristics. Consider the fiber content, thickness, and color of the yarn for your project.
Tape measure: You’ll need a tape measure or ruler to check your gauge and measure your progress.
Scissors: A good pair of scissors is essential for cutting the yarn.
Tapestry needle: A tapestry needle is used for weaving in loose ends and sewing pieces together.

Basic Knitting Stitches:

There are two fundamental stitches in knitting:

Knit stitch (k): The knit stitch creates a smooth, V-shaped stitch on the right side of the fabric and a purl stitch on the wrong side.
Purl stitch (p): The purl stitch creates a raised horizontal bump on the right side of the fabric and a knit stitch on the wrong side.

By combining these two stitches, you can create a wide variety of patterns and textures in your knitting.

Gauge:

Gauge refers to the number of stitches and rows per inch in your knitting. It is important to match the gauge specified in a pattern to ensure that your finished project will have the correct size and fit. To determine your gauge, knit a swatch using the recommended yarn and needle size in the pattern, and measure the number of stitches and rows in a 1-inch square.

Basic Knitting Techniques:

Once you have mastered the basic knit and purl stitches, you can learn additional techniques to expand your knitting skills. Some common techniques include:

Casting on: This is the first step in starting a knitting project by creating the initial row of stitches on the needle.
Binding off: This is the final step in finishing a knitting project by securing the stitches and creating an edge.
Increasing and decreasing: These techniques are used to change the number of stitches in your knitting, creating shaping and design elements.
Colorwork: This technique involves knitting with multiple colors to create patterns and designs.
Cables: This technique creates twists and braids in the fabric, adding texture and interest to your knitting.

Getting Started:

If you are new to knitting, it’s a good idea to start with a simple project such as a scarf or dishcloth. These projects will allow you to practice the basic stitches and techniques without getting overwhelmed. There are also many tutorial videos and online resources available to help you learn and troubleshoot any issues you may encounter along the way.

Remember, knitting takes time and practice to master, so be patient with yourself and enjoy the process of creating something beautiful with your own hands.

Gathering the Necessary Tools and Materials

Before you start learning how to draw knit, it’s important to gather all the necessary tools and materials. Having the right supplies will make your knitting journey much smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s a list of the essentials you’ll need:

Knitting Needles: Get a set of knitting needles in a size suitable for beginners, such as US size 8 or 9. These can be made of bamboo, metal, or plastic.
Yarn: Choose a yarn that is easy to work with and appropriate for beginners, such as medium weight or worsted weight yarn. Avoid textured or novelty yarns to keep things simple.
Tapestry Needle: This needle is used for weaving in ends and sewing up seams. Look for a blunt-tipped needle with a large eye that can accommodate your yarn.
Scissors: A small pair of sharp scissors will come in handy for cutting yarn and trimming loose ends.
Stitch Markers: These small clips or rings are used to mark specific stitches or sections in your knitting. They can help you keep track of your progress.
Measuring Tape: A flexible measuring tape is essential for checking gauge and measuring your finished projects.
Row Counter: A row counter helps you keep track of the number of rows or pattern repeats in your knitting.
Pattern or Guidebook: Choose a beginner-friendly knitting pattern or guidebook that includes step-by-step instructions and illustrations.

Once you have gathered all of these tools and materials, you will be well-equipped to start your knitting journey. Investing in quality tools and materials will set you up for success and ensure that your knitting experience is enjoyable.

Learning Basic Knitting Techniques

Knitting is a popular craft that involves creating fabric by interlocking loops of yarn with knitting needles. If you’re a beginner, learning the basic knitting techniques is key to getting started. Here are some essential techniques to help you master the art of knitting:

Casting On: This is the first step in starting a knitting project. It involves creating the first row of stitches on the needle. You can choose from various casting on methods, such as the long-tail cast on or the knitted cast on.
Knit Stitch: The knit stitch is one of the two basic stitches in knitting. It involves inserting the right needle through the loop on the left needle, wrapping the yarn around the right needle, and pulling it through to create a new stitch. Knit stitches create a smooth V-shaped pattern on the fabric.
Purl Stitch: The purl stitch is the other basic stitch in knitting. It is the opposite of the knit stitch and creates a bumpy texture on the fabric. To purl, insert the right needle from right to left through the loop on the left needle, wrap the yarn around the right needle counterclockwise, and pull it through to create a new stitch.
Knitting in the Round: Knitting in the round is a technique used to create seamless tubes of fabric, such as hats or socks. It requires circular knitting needles or double-pointed needles and involves knitting continuously in a spiral without turning the work.
Increasing: Increasing is a technique used to add stitches to the knitting. It can be done by knitting into the front and back of a stitch (kfb), or by making yarn overs (yo) and knitting them on the next row.
Decreasing: Decreasing is a technique used to remove stitches from the knitting. Common decreasing methods include knitting two stitches together (k2tog), slipping stitches knitwise and knitting them together (ssk), or passing a slipped stitch over (psso).
Binding Off: Binding off is the final step in finishing a knitting project. It involves creating a secure edge by knitting the stitches together and passing one stitch over the other. This prevents the stitches from unraveling.
Blocking: Blocking is a technique used to shape and finish the knitted fabric. It involves wetting the project and laying it flat to dry, allowing the stitches to relax and the fabric to take its final shape.

By mastering these basic knitting techniques, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle a wide range of knitting projects and continue to enhance your skills as you progress.

Creating Simple Knit Patterns

Creating simple knit patterns can be a fun and rewarding process. Whether you’re a beginner learning to knit for the first time or an experienced knitter looking for new projects, creating your own patterns allows you to have complete control over the final product.

Here are some steps to help you get started with creating simple knit patterns:

Choose your stitch: Start by selecting a stitch pattern that you would like to use for your project. There are many different stitch patterns to choose from, such as the garter stitch, stockinette stitch, or seed stitch. Experiment with different stitch patterns to see which one you like best for your design.
Decide on your project: Determine what type of project you want to create. Whether it’s a scarf, hat, sweater, or even a blanket, the possibilities are endless. Consider the size and shape of your chosen project when designing your pattern.
Calculate your gauge: Before you start knitting, it’s important to determine your gauge. Gauge refers to the number of stitches and rows per inch in your knitting. Use a gauge swatch and a set of knitting needles in the size recommended for your chosen yarn to determine your gauge. This will help ensure that your finished project has the correct measurements.
Plan your pattern: Sketch out a rough outline of your pattern, indicating the stitch pattern and any shaping or color changes you plan to incorporate. Consider the repeat of the stitch pattern and how it will work with the dimensions of your chosen project.
Start creating: Now it’s time to start knitting! Follow your pattern outline, making any necessary adjustments as you go. Keep track of your stitch count and row numbers to ensure accuracy.
Finishing touches: Once you’ve completed your knitting, it’s time to add any desired finishing touches. This could include blocking the project to even out the stitches, adding buttons or other embellishments, or weaving in any loose ends.

Remember, creating your own knit patterns is a creative process, so don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with it. As you gain experience, you can start to incorporate more complex stitch patterns and techniques into your designs.

Happy knitting!

Troubleshooting Common Knitting Mistakes

As a beginner knitter, it’s common to make mistakes while learning this new craft. However, don’t be discouraged! Every knitter makes mistakes, even the most experienced ones. Here are some common knitting mistakes and how to troubleshoot them:

Dropped stitches: Dropped stitches can happen when you accidentally let a stitch slip off your needle. To fix this mistake, first, secure your work by inserting a stitch marker or safety pin into the dropped stitch to prevent further unraveling. Then, using a crochet hook or the tip of your knitting needle, gently pick up the dropped stitch and place it back onto the needle. Continue knitting as usual.
Uneven tension: Uneven tension can result in stitches that are too tight or too loose. To achieve an even tension, try to relax your hands and hold the yarn consistently. Practice knitting with different needle sizes and yarn weights to find a combination that suits your tension preferences.
Holes or gaps: Holes or gaps can occur when you unintentionally change the number of stitches in a row. To fix this mistake, carefully count your stitches to identify where the mistake occurred. If you have too few stitches, you may have missed a yarn over or dropped a stitch. If you have too many stitches, you may have accidentally made an extra yarn over or added an extra stitch. Undo the incorrect stitches and re-knit the row.
Misaligned patterns or motifs: Misaligned patterns or motifs can happen when you lose track of your stitch count or accidentally shift your pattern or motif to the side. To fix this mistake, carefully examine your work and identify where the misalignment occurred. Depending on the size and complexity of the mistake, you may need to tink (undo stitch by stitch) or frog (undo row by row) your work to the mistake location and re-knit.
Twisted or dropped stitches: Twisted or dropped stitches can occur if you accidentally insert your needle into the wrong part of a stitch or if you drop a stitch. To fix this mistake, carefully examine your stitches, and if you notice a mistake, carefully undo the incorrect stitch or pick up the dropped stitch with a crochet hook or the tip of your knitting needle.

Remember, knitting is a skill that takes time and practice to master. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you make mistakes. Embrace them as learning opportunities and use these troubleshooting tips to help you become a better knitter. Happy knitting!

Exploring Advanced Knitting Techniques

Once you have mastered the basics of knitting, you may be interested in exploring more advanced techniques to take your knitting skills to the next level. Here are some advanced knitting techniques that you can learn:

1. Lace Knitting

Lace knitting involves creating intricate, delicate patterns using yarn overs and decreases to form decorative holes and motifs. This technique requires concentration and attention to detail, but the results can be stunning.

2. Cables

Cabling is a technique where stitches are crossed over each other to create a twisted, textured effect. It adds depth and interest to your knitting. By working with a cable needle or using a cable without a cable needle technique, you can create various cable patterns.

3. Colorwork

Colorwork knitting involves working with multiple colors in your project. Fair Isle and intarsia are two popular colorwork techniques. Fair Isle knitting involves creating patterns by carrying different colored yarns across the back of your work, while intarsia knitting involves creating separate color blocks within your work.

4. Brioche Knitting

Brioche knitting creates a thick, reversible fabric with a unique ribbed texture. It involves knitting with yarn overs and slipped stitches to create a faux ribbed effect. This technique can be used to create cozy sweaters and scarves.

5. Entrelac Knitting

Entrelac knitting creates a basketweave-like fabric by working in tiers of interconnected squares. It may look complex, but it is created by knitting simple garter stitch and picking up stitches along the edges. This technique is often used to make blankets and scarves.

6. Double Knitting

Double knitting involves creating a reversible fabric with two layers of knitting. This technique is achieved by working with two colors and alternating between them to create a mirror image on each side. It can be used to make thick, warm garments that are fully reversible.

7. Socks and Gloves

Knitting socks and gloves requires mastering techniques like knitting in the round, creating and shaping heel flaps, and working with double-pointed needles. It is a great way to practice small circumference knitting and create cozy accessories.

8. Lace Cables

Lace cables combine the beauty of lace knitting with the texture of cables. By working lace patterns with cable twists, you can create intricate and visually appealing designs.

9. Beading

Adding beads to your knitting can add a touch of elegance and sparkle. This technique involves threading beads onto your yarn and placing them onto specific stitches as you work. Beads can be used to create borders, embellishments, or even entire beaded garments.

10. Tunisian Crochet

Tunisian crochet is a technique that combines elements of knitting and crochet. Using a long crochet hook, you can create a fabric that has a knit-like appearance. It is a versatile technique that can be used to create blankets, scarves, and even garments.

By exploring and practicing these advanced knitting techniques, you can expand your creative possibilities and create beautiful, intricate projects. Remember to start with small, manageable projects as you familiarize yourself with each technique, and don’t be afraid to challenge yourself!

Finishing and Caring for Your Knit Items

Once you have finished knitting your item, there are a few steps you can take to ensure that it looks its best and lasts for a long time. Here are some tips for finishing and caring for your knit items:

Blocking

Blocking is the process of shaping and stretching your knit item to give it a professional finish. To block your knit item, you will need to:

Fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water and add a small amount of gentle wool wash.
Submerge your knit item in the water and gently press it down to make sure it is fully soaked.
Let the item sit in the water for about 15 minutes to allow the fibers to relax.
Remove the item from the water and gently squeeze out any excess water. Do not wring or twist it.
Lay the item flat on a clean towel or blocking mat and shape it to the desired dimensions.
Use rust-proof pins to secure the edges and corners of the item in place.
Leave the item to dry completely before unpinning and handling it.

Seaming

If your knit item is made up of multiple pieces, such as a sweater or a blanket, you will need to seam them together. Here are some tips for seaming:

Use a yarn needle to join the pieces together using a mattress stitch or a whipstitch.
Make sure to align the stitches and edges as closely as possible to create a neat seam.
Take your time and sew with even tension to ensure a professional finish.

Caring for Your Knit Items

To keep your knit items looking their best, it is important to care for them properly. Here are some tips for caring for your knit items:

Check the care instructions provided with your yarn and follow them carefully.
Hand wash your knit items using a gentle wool wash and lukewarm water.
Do not wring or twist your knit items when washing as it can distort their shape.
Lay your knit items flat to dry to maintain their shape and prevent stretching.
Avoid hanging your knit items as it can cause them to stretch or lose their shape.
If necessary, you can lightly steam your knit items to remove any wrinkles or creases. Use a low heat setting and hold the steam iron a few inches away from the item.
Store your knit items in a cool, dry place to protect them from moths and other pests.

By following these finishing and care tips, you can ensure that your knit items not only look beautiful but also last for a long time.

FAQ:

What materials do I need to knit?

To start knitting, you will need knitting needles, yarn, and a pair of scissors.

Is knitting difficult to learn?

No, knitting is not difficult to learn. With practice and patience, anyone can learn how to knit.

What are the basic knitting stitches?

The basic knitting stitches are knit stitch and purl stitch.

Are there any specific techniques to hold the knitting needles?

Yes, there are different ways to hold the knitting needles, such as the English method or the Continental method. You can choose the one that is more comfortable for you.

Can I knit different patterns?

Yes, once you have learned the basic knitting stitches, you can start knitting different patterns and create various designs.

Learn How to Draw Knit