This week, I wrote about How knitting saved me from having a nervous breakdown. This post gave me the idea of starting a series focussed on knitting for beginners. Today it’s part 1, casting on. Come back next Friday to learn how to make knit stitches. If you always wanted to knit something and wear it proudly saying to everyone you made it or give simple and lovely handmade knitted gifts, you’ve come to the right place!
Material:
- Knitting needles
- Yarn (it is written on the yarn the size of the knitting needles you will need.)
There are many ways to cast on; this is a very easy way to do it. At this stage, only one needle is needed.
Leave a certain length in your yarn before starting to cast on. The length you will leave depends on how many stitches you want to create at the start. For today’s tutorial, I made 14 stitches and left a length of yarn of 70 cm; 5 cm for each stitch (I prefer being generous, leave more length in the yarn and cut it if need be).
Do a simple knot and slide it into your needle. This is your first stitch.
Turn the knot to put it under the needle (not facing you). There is now a length of yarn on the left hand side and the ball of yarn on the right hand side.
Make a loop with your finger and the yarn on the right hand side.
Insert the loop in the needle, keeping it on your finger.
Pass the yarn on the left hand side over the needle.
Re-insert the loop (that’s the yarn on your finger) in the needle.
Drop the loop and pull the yarn gently from both sides. Don’t tighten up too much. Line up the knot you just made with your yarn with the first knot, under the needle. That’s the second stitch.
Repeat.
Make a loop with your finger and the yarn on the right hand side.
Insert the loop in the needle keeping it on your finger.
Pass the yarn on the left hand side over the needle.
Re-insert the loop (that’s the yarn on your finger) in the needle.
Drop the loop and pull the yarn gently from both sides. That’s the third stitch.
Repeat until you have the number of stitches required by the pattern. Cut the yarn on the left hand side leaving a length of 10 cm.
Don’t forget to come back next Friday to learn how to make knit stitches.
Please, leave me a comment telling me if my explanations are clear or if you have any questions you would like me to answer regarding knitting.
Linking up this post with Katie over at Katie’s Nesting Spot.
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You cast on differently to how I learnt! Great tutorial! I’ll be checking back for more
Glad you enjoyed it Emma!
Fantastic idea Rita! You’ve written this tutorial very well so that it is easy to follow. I have a variety of ways I cast on. The one you have shown is one of them.
I look forward to following your series!
Thanks Min!
Very interesting idea for the people who don’t know how to knit. Bravo!
I have knitted for years, this brings it all back. (sort of)
whoops meant I haven’t knitted for years.
Maybe you’ll get back into it Rhian when your mum, nephew and sister go back to England…
That look so easy as you explained it! I feel like learning knitting. Good teacher and clear instructions. Looking forward to the next step.
You already know the basics, so now, it’s only a question of finding some time to knit.
Oh wow, this looks simple enough – I will get some knitting needles and give it a try, and let you know how I go!
It is very simple. Please do so Janet! I will be looking forward to hear how you find it.
Hello, this is a handy reminder that my little girl is keen to learn to knit and I would need to re-teach myself first. She’s a left-hander which will be interesting too!
Oh Seana… I hope my tutorials will help even though your daughter is a left-hander. Let me know how you go or if you have any questions…
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