Learn to knit - that's how it works!
You have decided to learn to knit but are unsure how to start? We have good news for you, because you've come to the right place! With us you can take the first steps towards a knitting project. As a beginner, we will show you the most important basics of knitting, regardless of whether it is the first stitch or the "cast off to finish".
So you can get started with your project right away. If you still need a little inspiration, you will find a diverse selection of wool, gradient yarn
WHAT DO I ACTUALLY NEED TO KNIT?
Wool
In our shop you will find wool in many different materials, colors and thread sizes. For starters, you'd better choose a thicker wool or a gradient yarn with a smaller thread count. This one is a little easier to knit with.
knitting needles
Of course you also need special needles for knitting. You should always make sure that your knitting needles match the thickness of the yarn. You can usually find the most important information on the banderole of most wool. With our color gradient yarns, you are welcome to use our table as a guide.
A pair of scissors to cut the wool threads and a sewing needle are also very useful. A step-by-step guide can also be very useful for beginners.
gauge
Before you start your project according to the free instructions, you should definitely make a 10 cm square swatch. If you don't have any instructions written specifically for your wool, you will find all the answers to open questions in the stitch sample. It is important to work the gauge in the same pattern as will be used later in the knitted pattern.
If your swatch matches the instructions, you can start knitting. If the swatch has too many stitches, use half a needle size larger. If it doesn't have enough stitches, try half a needle size smaller.
How do I knit?
The beginning
When you knit for the first time, make sure you unwind enough yarn from your ball. The more stitches you want to cast on, the more thread you should unwind. For example, if you want to knit a scarf, the unwound thread must be sufficient to cast on the stitches in the first row, i.e. the width.
You can stick to the following rule of thumb: You need about 2 cm of thread for one stitch. It's better to end up unwinding a little too much thread than too little.
Wrap the end of the thread clockwise once around your thumb, then counterclockwise again around your index finger. The long end of the thread should fall off the thumb.
Now you close the remaining three fingers around the two threads so that they don't get in your way. Then take a knitting needle in your right hand and pierce the loop on your thumb from bottom to top and pull the working thread through the thumb loop with the needle.
Once you've pulled your thread down, you can pull your thumb out of the loop and a knot will form. You tighten this knot on the needle. The initial chain stitch is done!
You continue to hold the needle in your right hand. Wrap the working thread around your index finger again and hold it with the remaining fingers.
KNIT AND PURL STITCHES
Knit and purl stitches are the two most common types of stitches. This means that learning to knit is also suitable for children.
If you master these two stitches, you can already dare to try many knitting instructions
The knit stitch is the simplest stitch in knitting. You lay the working thread behind the needles. Then you insert the right needle into the first stitch on the left needle from the front left and pull the thread through the loop. You can slip the stitch from the left needle to the right knitting needle.
For purl stitches you have to place the working thread before the needles. You put the right needle through the next loop on the left needle from the right. Now make a yarn over with the thread around the right needle and pull the working thread through the loop. You can now slip the stitch from the left knitting needle to the right needle again.
These two types of stitches can be combined in different ways. This will give you different patterns
- If you knit the back and forth rows with right stitches, you get a garter stitch pattern
- If you alternate the back and forth row with right and left stitches, you get a stockinette stitch pattern
BOLT STITCHES
When you have reached the end of your knitting, you have to cast off the stitches. This will ensure that no threads unravel and that you have a clean finish.
First you have to knit two normal right stitches. Now lift the first stitch over the second stitch with the left needle, dropping the first stitch. Then you knit another right stitch and lift the first stitch over the second again. This is how you cast off the stitches to the end of the row.
Knitting isn't just for adults
Learning to knit, a scarf for example, is also suitable for children. A start is made with a knitting ring or a knitted hat. The children will be encouraged to continue practicing and can thus be slowly and playfully introduced to the manual work. Many children enjoy such activities because they make rapid progress in learning and thus have a rapid sense of achievement.
If you would like to introduce your child to knitting or crocheting, the last year of kindergarten is the perfect time to start with the Strickliesel. At primary school age, the children can then switch to knitting without tools.
You are welcome to give a lot of support at the beginning. Children may need help at first, especially when casting on or binding off. But later they can do it alone.
Especially at the beginning, quickly visible successes are particularly important. Children don't want to sit still for hours to complete a project. A little tip: Let your children knit with thick wool. It is easier to hold and the first rows are finished faster.
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