How to Learn to Knit: A Beginner’s Guide
Knitting is a cozy, creative, and rewarding craft that anyone can learn. Whether you dream of making your own scarves, sweaters, or gifts, this beginner-friendly guide will walk you through the basics of knitting—plus explain the difference between U.S. and European styles.
🧵 Why Learn to Knit?
Knitting is a relaxing and useful hobby with real-life benefits:
- Relieves stress and anxiety 🧘♀️
- Lets you create unique handmade items 🎁
- Saves money on seasonal gifts and fashion 🧤
- Connects you with a global community of crafters 🌎
🧰 What You Need to Start Knitting
Start your knitting journey with these beginner-friendly tools:
- Knitting needles – Start with US size 8 (5mm), straight or circular
- Worsted weight yarn (#4) – Easy to handle and widely used in beginner patterns
- Tapestry needle – For weaving in ends
- Scissors
- Stitch markers (optional but helpful)
🛍️ All of these supplies are available at Candy Yarn, with fast worldwide shipping from Ukraine—including to the U.S.!
🪡 Basic Knitting Stitches: Step-by-Step
1. Cast On
This is how you create the first row of loops (stitches) on your needle.
Tip: The long-tail cast on method is beginner-friendly and creates a clean edge.
2. Knit Stitch (k)
The foundation of most knitting patterns.
Steps:
- Hold the needle with the stitches in your left hand.
- Insert the right needle through the first stitch (left to right).
- Wrap the yarn around the right needle.
- Pull the loop through and slide the old stitch off the left needle.
- Repeat!
3. Purl Stitch (p)
The purl is the knit’s mirror image. Used to create texture and stockinette patterns.
Steps:
- Insert the right needle into the front of the stitch (right to left).
- Bring the yarn to the front of your work.
- Wrap the yarn over the right needle.
- Pull the loop through and drop the stitch off.
4. Bind Off
Used to finish your work and secure the last row.
Steps:
- Knit 2 stitches.
- Use your left needle to lift the first stitch over the second and off.
- Knit one more stitch and repeat the process.
🇺🇸 U.S. vs 🇪🇺 European Knitting Styles
There are two popular knitting styles worldwide:
✳️ English Style (a.k.a. Throwing) – Common in the U.S.
- Yarn is held in the right hand
- You “throw” the yarn around the needle
- Easier to learn for many beginners
✳️ Continental Style – Popular in Europe
- Yarn is held in the left hand
- You “pick” the yarn with the needle
- Often faster and more ergonomic with practice
Which one is better? It’s all about comfort! Try both and go with what feels natural.
🧣 Beginner-Friendly Knitting Projects
Once you’ve learned the knit and purl stitches, start with simple, satisfying projects:
- Garter stitch scarf – Just knit every row
- Ribbed headband – Practice knit + purl
- Dishcloths or squares – Fast and great for learning tension
- Chunky blanket – Uses thick yarn and big needles for quick results
🛒 Where to Buy Knitting Supplies Online
Looking for soft, colorful yarns and beginner-friendly tools?
Shop at Candy Yarn for:
- Knitting needles in multiple sizes
- Premium yarns for any project
- Stitch markers, tapestry needles & accessories
- Fast and reliable worldwide shipping from Ukraine ✈️📦
💡 Beginner Tips for Learning to Knit
- Start with light-colored yarn – It’s easier to see your stitches
- Use worsted weight yarn (#4) – Ideal for learning
- Practice daily in short sessions
- Relax your hands – Don’t grip the yarn too tightly
- Follow along with video tutorials – Visual learning really helps
- Join online knitting communities – Ask questions and share progress
🧶 Final Thoughts
Learning to knit is easier than you think—and incredibly rewarding. With just a pair of needles and some yarn from Candy Yarn, you can create beautiful, handmade pieces you’ll be proud of. Whether you knit in the American or European style, the joy of creating is universal.
Start your knitting journey today with Candy Yarn — your trusted source for premium knitting supplies, shipped worldwide from Ukraine!