Basic Stitches of Knitting
Have you ever been captivated by the rhythmic clicking of needles and the transformation of yarn into cozy scarves or intricate sweaters?
Knitting, with its simple tools and endless possibilities, can be a source of relaxation, creativity, and even a touch of magic. The first step on a knitting journey is mastering the fundamental stitches! These stitches, though simple, are the building blocks for countless beautiful creations.
Now, Let's Learn the Stitches!
1. Knit Stitch (k):
The knit stitch is the most fundamental stitch in knitting. It forms the basis for many other stitches and patterns.
Instructions:
Hold the needle with the cast-on stitches in your left hand, with the yarn leading behind your work and off to the right. The needles should be positioned like bicycle handlebars.
Take the empty needle in your right hand and insert it from left to right into the front loop of the first stitch on the left needle.
Wrap the yarn clockwise around the right needle from back to front, creating a loop around the needle.
Pull the yarn through the loop on the left needle, creating a new loop on the right needle.
Slide the old stitch on the left needle off the needle completely. You've now completed a knit stitch!
Repeat steps 2-5 for each stitch across the entire row.
2. Purl Stitch (p):
The purl stitch creates a flat texture compared to the knit stitch's bumpy texture. It's essential for creating stockinette stitch and other patterns.
Instructions:
Similar to the knit stitch, hold the needle with stitches in your left hand and the empty needle in your right hand.
In contrast to the knit stitch, hold the yarn in front of the working needle (the needle in your right hand).
Insert the right needle from right to left into the front loop of the first stitch on the left needle.
Wrap the yarn counter-clockwise around the right needle from back to front, creating a loop around the needle.
Pull the yarn through the loop on the left needle, creating a new loop on the right needle.
Slide the old stitch on the left needle off the needle completely. You've now completed a purl stitch!
Repeat steps 3-6 for each stitch across the entire row.
By combining these stitches in different ways, you can create a variety of textures and patterns in your knitting. Here are some additional basic stitches that you might come across:
3. Stockinette Stitch
Stockinette stitch, also known as stocking stitch, is the most popular stitch pattern in knitting. It creates a smooth fabric with a distinct difference between the right side (where the V-shaped stitches appear) and the wrong side (where the bumpy purl stitches are visible).
Instructions:
Choose a cast-on method you're comfortable with, like the long-tail cast-on.
Insert your right needle into the front loop of the first stitch on your left needle, wrap the yarn around the right needle from back to front, pull the yarn through the loop on the left needle, and slide the old stitch off. Repeat this for every stitch across the entire row.
Insert your right needle into the front loop of the first stitch on your left needle, but hold the yarn in front of the needle this time. Pull the yarn through the loop on the left needle, creating a new loop on your right needle, and slide the old stitch off. Repeat this for every stitch across the entire row.
This is the heart of stockinette stitch. Alternate between a knit row (knit every stitch) and a purl row (purl every stitch) until you reach your desired length.
When finished, use your preferred bind-off method and weave in any loose ends.
4. Garter Stitch
Garter stitch is a simple and versatile stitch pattern that creates a fabric with a bumpy texture on both sides. It's achieved by knitting every single row.
Instructions:
Choose a cast-on method you're comfortable with, like the long-tail cast-on.
Insert your right needle into the front loop of the first stitch on your left needle. Wrap the yarn around the right needle from back to front, pull the yarn through the loop on the left needle, and slide the old stitch off. Repeat this for every stitch across the entire row.
Simply repeat step 2 for every subsequent row. You don't need to turn your work at the end of each row.
When you've reached the desired length, use your preferred bind-off method, such as the basic bind-off. Weave in any loose ends with a tapestry needle.
With these basic stitches and a little practice, you'll be well on your way to knitting amazing projects! There's a whole world of stitch patterns waiting to be explored. Happy knitting!
