by Leola Washington

Created on: July 30, 2008

Learning how to knit might seem like a daunting task, reserved only for crazy, nimble-fingered grannies but fear not: this short guide is sure to have you working the needles like a pro in no time. Because some people might find it helpful to see the various techniques described here, I am including a link to this helpful how-to video from Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uw-nUvGrBY.

Materials :
Of the three types of knitting needles (Straight, double-pointed and circular), straight needles are best for beginners to learn with. You should start with two straight needles sized 10 US (6)mm and one skein of worsted weight yarn in your favorite color. A small crochet hook is also optional.

FYI
Before deciding what kind of project you want to make, you should consider these helpful tips. Most knitters work with two basic stitches (knitting and purling) and knitted pieces remain rectangular until the number of stitches on the needle is increased or decreased. Always keep the yarn attached to the skein unless finished with a project or switching colors. If you accidentally break the yarn thread from the skein ( or if switching colors) you can easily tie the yarn thread back to the skein with a knot, just be sure to leave long ends which can be hidden later. Knitting is usually worked in a pattern of one knitted row- which is the right side of the piece- and one purled row- which is the wrong side (the unfinished side) of the piece. Beginners like to knit every row, but some prefer the more finished look of the knit-purl pattern. It's your project so do what looks best to you. Most beginners start with rectangular projects like scarves or wash clothes but once you master the steps, you can make anything your imagination can dream up.

Time to Knit: Casting on Stitches

The first stitch you will make is called a slip knot. Take your thumb and index finger and make a pincher shape with your fingers. Loop your yarn around these fingers so that the ends cross and "pinch" the long end of the yarn with your fingers, drawing the free end through the loop. You should now have a little loop that will be come smaller as you pull the thread. Go ahead and put this loop on the needle in your left hand. (To see how to make a slip knot check out this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvST5H-zxyg).

To cast on the remainder of your stitches, hold the needle with the slip knot on it in your left hand and grab strand of yarn with your right hand. Point your index finger like you're

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