How to Knit for Beginners - The Easy Continental Way

Knitting doesn't have to be hard. In fact, with the right method, you can learn the basics in one evening. This tutorial uses the continental style - it's ergonomic, fast, and gentle on your hands. You'll learn three essential skills: how to cast on, how to knit the knit stitch, and how to bind off.

What you need to start

Get a pair of knitting needles (size 5 mm is good for beginners) and a ball of medium-weight yarn - look for "worsted" or "DK" on the label. That's all. Don't worry about expensive tools.

Casting on - the long-tail method (step by step)

Casting on creates the first row of loops. The long-tail cast-on is the best choice because it's stretchy and easy to knit into later.

• Step 1: Measure out a tail of yarn roughly four times the width you want your finished piece to be. For a small practice swatch, about 20 inches is fine. Hold the yarn so the ball is on your left side and the tail hangs on the right. Wrap the strand twice clockwise around your left pinky.

• Step 2: Lead the yarn over the back of your left hand, from pinky toward index finger.

• Step 3: Turn your hand palm up. Take the yarn once around your left thumb, going clockwise.

• Step 4: Tuck the loose tail end between your left ring finger and pinky to keep it from moving.

• Step 5: In your right hand, hold one knitting needle. Slide the needle tip upward through the loop that is wrapped around your thumb – come from underneath, going into the loop.

• Step 6: Reach the needle behind the strand that runs from your index finger to the ball. Catch that strand with the needle tip.

• Step 7: Draw that caught yarn forward through the thumb loop. A new loop will appear on the needle.

• Step 8: Slip your thumb out of its loop. Let that original loop tighten slightly around the new strand.

• Step 9: Separate your thumb and index finger gently, pulling the yarn in opposite directions. This snugs up the new stitch on the needle without making it too tight.

• Step 10: Pull the right needle toward your body. You will see the yarns form a shape like a slingshot. This properly sets up the next stitch. 

Repeat steps 5 through 10 until you have the number of stitches you need.

➡️ Your stitches are on the needle. Now it's time to learn the knit stitch - turn the page for clear, detailed instructions.