Casting On - Getting Started with Knitting

Each person seems to pick a different pattern to get started with. For me it was the Hitchhiker scarf, but that will not be the right pattern for others. The key is to pick a pattern that sticks with the basics. For that reason, think about looking for patterns that:

1. Only use a knit stitch. Patterns that are entirely knit or have sections that are entirely knit are often referred to as garter stitch patterns.
2. Are small. Small projects allow you to finish something and gain a sense of accomplishment. You can knit multiple small projects and see your improvement.

Below are a few project types that you may want to consider. Please note that many of the patterns linked are listed at Ravelry. Ravelry is a free website that has thousands of patterns. You need an account in order to purchase any patterns on Ravelry but accounts are free and they rarely send any emails. Any patterns you purchase are available in your Ravelry library for whenever you need them. 

Patterns are usually made up of abbreviations that can sometimes feel like it is trying to read something in code. Don't panic! Most patterns include a list of abbreviations to help you decipher it all. Although some abbreviations are pretty standard, there are variations between patterns so it is always a good idea to review the abbreviation section to make sure you understand what they mean in this pattern.  Once you figure a few of them out, it because second nature to make sense of it all. Most beginning patterns are written out, but once you get into more advanced patterns and patterns with lace, it is common for patterns to be charted. There are great You Tube videos out there on how to get comfortable with charted patterns for when you get to that point. 

Washcloths are great small projects for beginners. There are many different washcloth patterns out there from the most basic to the very elaborate. They are functional and quick to complete. Here are some fairly basic washcloth and dishcloth patterns patterns. 

• Grandma's Favorite Dishcloth - This is a corner to corner pattern, meaning you start with one or two stitches and increase the number of stitches on each row. This means that you will be learning to knit and increasing and decreasing. Don't panic! There are great You Tube videos on how to do all of these things. Check out the list of helpful You Tube videos below. 
• Copycat Dishcloth - This pattern does not cover increases or decreases but you learn to purl as well as knit. 
• Explore Ravelry! - Search for Dishcloth or washcloth patterns on Ravelry. Just be prepared to lose a lot of time! There is so much to see. 

If you want a bigger project, a scarf is a good option. Since it is longer, you have time to get into a rhythm and feel like you have a good handle on things. There are a lot of scarf patterns to choose from which also makes them a great project to grow with. My first scarf did not use any real pattern, I cast on a bunch of stitches and just did some knits and purls and played around. It was a wonky hot mess but it was fun. Here are some scarf patterns that may be good options to get you started.

•  Woodruff Scarf - This scarf is knit using the garter stitch, meaning all stitches are knit. It creates a cozy scarf that will give you a solid mastery of the knit stitch. 
• Wheat - This scarf has you add a bit of purling to your scarf to create some visual interest. 
• Easy Mistake Stitch Scarf - Don't let the name fool you, it is not a mistake or a pattern where you make a lot of mistakes. It is a term used for the effect created when combining knits and purls in a specific way. This is a great pattern that creates a warm and squishy scarf.

Where ever your creativity takes you. That being said, I highly recommend a trip to your local yarn store (LYS) and ask them what they recommend as your next steps. They can help you figure out what patterns match your skills and interests. 

 Most of the time the pattern will tell you the weight and amount of yarn you need. You mostly have to decide on color(s) and type. For more information on yarn weight, check out the yarn section on our Purls of Wisdom page.  One thing to consider, don't pick a dark yarn for your first projects. Darker yarn makes it difficult to see your stitches. I picked black for my first attempt, it did not last long. 

 There are some people who feel passionately about using either acrylic or natural fiber yarn. I am more of a "knit what works for you" kind of person. I think, for the most part, it is a matter of personal preference, although there are some exceptions.  Generally speaking, natural fiber yarn is more expensive and you have to be more careful about how you care for the final project. Whereas, acrylics are often less expensive and can be tossed in the washing machine. So, make your decisions based on your budget, and how willing the person who will be using the finished project will be to hand wash the item. 

NOTE:  If you are knitting washcloths/discloths, you will want to use a cotton yarn. Cotton yarn is a bit "grippy" so you will want to consider using metal needles. 

The pattern will usually tell you how much yarn you will need but they base that on something called gauge. Gauge is essentially the number of stitches per inch. For some projects gauge is only important because it impacts how much yarn you need, for others it impacts size and fit. Although I knit pretty close to what the typical gauge is, I am paranoid about running out of yarn and often buy more than the pattern calls for. When starting out this may be a good idea because you will probably still be working out the tension that you are holding your yarn at which means you will not have a consistent gauge.

Needles come in many sizes, materials and types. Eventually, you will figure out your preference. The good news is that your pattern will tell you what size you need. Sizes can be noted in a US number (0-19) or as a metric number such as 3.5mm, many will be listed as both so that you know what you need no matter which way the pattern notes it.

Needles are often noted a straight or circular, although there are also double pointed needles (DPNs). Take a look at the needles section on the Purls of Wisdom page for more detailed information. For most people just starting out, many people recommend straight needles because you do not need to deal with the cord that connects circulars. 

Needles come in a variety of materials, including metal, wood, and plastic. I do not recommend plastic because they are more likely to break. I started out with wooden needles because they are a bit "grippier" than metal and it made it easier for my yarn to stay on my needles. I eventually moved to metal needles because I wanted the yarn to slide a bit easier. Ultimately it is a matter of preference. 

A common place for beginners to start to learn is through their local yarn store (LYS). Even if they are not currently offering classes, they are often more than happy to take a few moments to show you something, help you untangle something, help interpret a pattern, or just provide some needed encouragement. Something to always keep in mind, these folks are running a business and one that does not have a big profit margin. Although it is not required to purchase something from their store in order for them to help you, it is a good practice. You don't have to do it on every visit but it shows your appreciation for them and their time.

Also many local yarn stores have knit nights or open knit sessions where you can bring your current project and sit and knit with others. Often those others are willing to help out if you get stuck. 

If you have friends and/or family close by who knit, they can also be a great resource.

Once you get started, one of the best resources may be You Tube. There are thousands of videos just waiting for you to watch them to help you on your journey. Of course some are better than others but there are some great videos out there.  Here are some that I have found to be very useful.

• Very Pink Knits - Stacy at Very Pink Knits is one of your best places to start. She has an extensive series of videos available that cover basic through advanced techniques. 
• Good Knit Kisses - Kristen has a great series of videos for beginning knitters. She also does a lot of loom knitting and has many videos on that type of knitting if that interests you. Her beginning knit videos were my go to videos when I was getting started. Through her videos, she taught me how to cast on and bind off. 
• Sheep & Stitch - Although she may not have as many videos as Stacy and Kristen, I love that she has videos on how to make specific types of projects for beginners. 

Finally, if you search for something that you are trying to figure out how to do on You Tube, chances are there is a video to address it. Once you have decided on what knitting style you are using (typically continental or English, see more information on the Purls of Wisdom page), you may want to add the continental or English into your search criteria because the technique may be slightly different.