Welcome to the Exciting World of Knitting

Knitting has firmly established itself as a popular hobby for people of all ages. If you are new to the world of knitting, we know initiating can sometimes feel daunting. But fear not, as this guide is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction for beginners on how to get started, knitting terminology, types of stitches, and so much more.

A good starting point in your knitting journey is at Victoria House Needlecraft, an excellent resource for knitting tools and materials. They also offer fantastic beginner’s workshops.

Understanding Knitting Tools

The first things you’ll need to get started are a pair of knitting needles and some yarn. These are the staple tools that you will handle in your knitting projects. Knitting needles vary in size, from slim needles (for finer work) to thicker needles (for bulkier projects). The size of your yarn should ideally match the thickness of your needles to ensure even, beautiful knitting.

At Victoria House Needlecraft, you can find a large choice of needle sizes and yarn types, perfect for supporting your knitting adventure. They can also guide you on the appropriate needles and yarn for your first project.

Knitting Terms to Know

Like any new activity, knitting comes with its jargon, which might seem a bit confusing at first. However, once you start knitting, these terms will gradually become second nature to you. Here are few terms that you are likely to come across:

• Knit: The primary stitch in knitting.
• Purl: The opposite of a knit stitch.
• Gauge: This refers to the number of stitches and rows in a specified measurement. It’s crucial for ensuring your knitted piece is the correct size.
• Cast on: This is the method of adding new stitches to your needle.
• Bind off: This term refers to finishing the edge so that the stitches don’t unravel.

Basic Knitting Stitches

Knitting essentially consists of two basic stitches – the knit stitch and the purl stitch. All other stitches are simply variations or combinations of these two.

• Knit Stitch: The knit stitch is one of the first stitches beginners learn. When you do only knit stitches, it’s called garter stitch.
• Purl Stitch: The purl stitch is like the mirror image of the knit stitch. When you alternate rows of knit stitches and purl stitches, it creates what is known as stockinette stitch, another common and versatile stitch.

Once you’ve mastered these basics, you’ll be able to branch out and learn different stitch patterns and techniques, increasing the variety and complexity of projects you can tackle.

Starting Your First Project

Now that you have the basics covered, it’s time to start your first knitting project. Begin with something simple, like a scarf. This involves knitting a flat piece and gives you ample opportunity to practice and perfect your stitches. For your first yarn, choose a medium-weight category to make it easier to see your stitches.

Remember, the journey of knitting is one of both patience and creativity. Don’t be disheartened if you don’t get it perfect at first, it’s all part of the learning process. Happy knitting and whether you’re searching for the perfect knitting pattern, the best knitting needles for beginners, or even guidance on the next steps once you’ve mastered the basics, remember the friendly team at Victoria House Needlecraft is always there to support you.