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Let's face it. The first time you knit something, you probably won't want to brag about it to anyone. But there are better reasons for taking up knitting than making something lovely for a family member or friend. Are you trying to quit smoking? Aha! Knitting is a great way to keep your hands occupied and kill some time. Eventually you will become proficient enough to show your work and be proud of it. Also, you'll look like a multitasker while you're watching TV or gabbing on the phone with friends.

Since we are talking basics, the first thing you need to have are knitting needles. For a beginner, the bigger, the better. You will be able to achieve more faster and, thus, receive instant gratification. Next, chose a user friendly yarn. Cotton and synthetic yarns are easy to work with and are less expensive than wool. At first, just try to learn the basic skills of making a slip knot and casting on. I suggest you get a book from the library or purchase a beginners' knitting book which has some good illustrations or pictures showing how to do this. You might also ask a salesperson at the yarn shop if she could give you a demonstration. Sans illustrations, here's how you do it.

The slip knot is made by forming a loop of yarn around your left index finger. Remove your index finger from the loop and superimpose it over the dangling tail so it looks somewhat like a pretzel. Then insert the pointed tip of a knitting needle in the space between the loop and the tail, and bringing the needle up in the center hole. Now tighten the yarn by pulling gently on the tail end. Voila, you have your first stitch. Push this stitch gently down the knitting needle about a half inch so you have room to cast on the next stitches.

To cast on, loop the yarn attached to your big skein of yarn over your left thumb while holding the knitting needle in your right hand. The yarn should be held somewhat tautly. Your left index finger and thumb should look like the letter L and your other fingers should be holding the distal yarn thread to the palm of your hand. By tightening your grasp on the yarn or loosening it, you will be able to guide the yarn as you cast on stitches to the knitting needle. Now, with your right thumb and forefinger, lightly grasp the knitting needle and insert it under the yarn at the base of the left thumb. Then just slip the yarn off your thumb and gently pull on the long strand to tighten it on the needle. Continue this process until you have the number of stitches. This will give you the width of your project.

When you begin knitting, you will have the needle with the cast-on stitches in your left hand, if you are right handed. The yarn will be in a neutral position between the needles in your lap or slightly to the side. You should free up a lengthly strand so you won't have to stop too soon once you get in the groove of this. Hold the needles loosing in your hands and let your index fingers direct the needles and push the yarn along. Insert the needle into the last loop cast on and direct the needle behind the needle in your left hand forming an X. With your right index finger,pull the yarn behind the needles, around, and between the tips. Then lift the loop off the left needle onto the right, sort of flipping it onto the other needle. Be careful not to pull off any other cast on stitches or your project will begin to unravel. Continue until this row is finished. Switch the needles from left to right so to start the process again. Good luck. This is just the beginning of great things.

Learn more about this author, Elizabeth Wordsmith.
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