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Rib stitch (k2, p2) is another fabulous stitch for beginners as it is a building block for many patterns from beginner scarf to advanced sweater. It is also the mother of all knitting abbreviations. You didn't think you would simultaneously be learning a foreign language, but knit-speak' is tongue all to itself! Simply put, k2, p2 means knit two stitches, purl two stitches.

Binding off is the last knitting skill needed to complete any project. The bind off is used so that your hours of blood, sweat and stitches do not unravel before your very eyes. To bind off knit stitches, knit two stitches. Then, with the left needle, pick up the first stitch you have knit, pull it over the second stitch and over the tip of the right needle. Knit another and continue pulling the previous stitch and off the needle. Binding off purl stitches works the same way. Instead of knitting, (you guessed it) you will be purling. Keep in mind, you will only have a maximum of two stitches on the right needle at any time.

Gauge and Reading Patterns
Gauge is important when you start taking on more complex patterns. Gauge is simply the number of stitches per inch and varies from knitter to knitter. Many beginners are likely to knit tightly, but your stitches will loosen up with time and practice. As your skills develop, you will establish your own unique style, almost like a knitter's fingerprint. Take time to check your gauge when starting a new project. The pattern will instruct you to knit a swatch and approximately how large the swatch should be. Measure the swatch and if it is too small, then you should move up to the next size of needles. Similarly, if the swatch is too big, knit it again with a smaller pair of needles.

Reading patterns is a challenge in itself. Do you remember what I was saying about learning knit-speak'? Well, now is the time to break out the phrase book. Most knitting websites and publications offer a list of the most common abbreviations in knitting (see Resources). Before starting a pattern, read through it completely and make sure you understand it before you get up knit creek without a paddle!

Resources
If you are lucky, you still have a knitting maven (Grandma, Aunt, Mother, Best Friend) in your life. My advice: over a cup of your favorite hot beverage, have her or him show you the ropes. Nothing is better than getting a private lesson. For those of you solo knitters, all is not lost. Your LYS (local yarn shop) is a cornucopia of information. Or check out a knitting or social networking website for local knitting groups or "Stitch'n Bitches". It also never hurts to have a reference book handy. Below are some great resources for any knitter:

Stoller, Debbie. Stitch'n bitch: the knitter's handbook. New York: Workman Publishing Company, Inc., 2003. This is truly a knitter's handbook and it includes some funky patterns for all skill levels.

www.knittinghelp.com This website offers free knitting video tutorials from basic to the most advance techniques.

www.knitty.com is a website offering free patterns at all skill levels and loads of inspiration.

www.craftster.org is an online assemblage of crafters with a special section for knitting projects and message boards. When in doubt, post for help.

Lots of luck and happy knitting!

Learn more about this author, Britt Breu.
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