Are we all excited! Now we have our yarn and needles we can learn to knit.
The first steps in knitting is learning how to CAST ON. This is the foundation on which you will build. Row after row of loops will create the fabric for our finished garment. These rows of loops are created by one or a combination of two types of loops. One is called KNIT and the other is called PURL. Everything else is a combination or variation of these two.
Then when you are finished with your project, you will learn to CAST OFF to secure your stitches.
CASTING ON
Here is a video to step you through the CAST ON process. I have checked several spots on the internet and found this young man the easiest to follow.
Let’s Get Started
I knitted some samples for you to see.
First, I took Sugar ‘n ‘Cream by Lily , this is a 100% cotton yarn. It makes a really nice face and dishcloths. These are nice little projects CASTING ON, KNITTING or PURLING and CASTING OFF. This yarn is available in in our store. It is also available in solid colours.
GARTER STITCH
In this sample, the first few rows are all one stitch, this is called GARTER STITCH. You could do the whole piece by just practicing your KNIT stitch.
STOCKINETTE STITCH
The next few rows are one row KNIT the next row PURL. This is an example of Stockinette stitch. The knit side will always be the correct side.
MOSS or SEED STITCH
The next rows are KNIT 1 PURL 1 to the end of the row the stitch you end with will be the one you begin the next row with. For example, if you end the row with a PURL stitch, you will begin the next row with a PURL stitch. This is called Moss Stitch or Seed Stitch.
BASKET WEAVE
Row (1) KNIT 2 PURL 2 repeat to the end of the row.
Row (2) PURL 2 KNIT 2 repeat to end of row.
Repeat rows 1thru 2
Row (5) PURL 2 KNIT 2 repeat to end of the row.
Row (6) KNIT 2 PURL 2 repeat to end of row.
Repeat rows 5 thru 6
These 8 rows are called BASKET WEAVE. You can just keep repeating till you finish your project.
As you can see, we have created 4 different patterns with just KNIT and PURL. Leave any questions you might have in the comments below.