Learn To Knit: 5 Tips for All Beginner Knitters

So, you've decided to pick up a pair of knitting needles and a ball of yarn and learn to knit—welcome to the wonderful world of knitting! 

Whether you're looking for a creative outlet, a relaxing hobby, or a way to make thoughtful handmade gifts, learning to knit can be incredibly rewarding. The rhythmic motion of the needles is known to reduce stress, while the sense of accomplishment from creating something with your own hands is hard to beat.

But like any new skill, learning to knit can feel a little overwhelming at first. With so many techniques, tools, and terms to navigate, where do you even begin? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. 

Here are five essential tips to set you on the path to knitting success.

As a beginner, the type of yarn and needles you use can make a big difference. Opt for a medium-weight yarn (often labelled as "worsted weight") in a light colour, so you can clearly see your stitches (dark yarn makes it harder to see). Pair it with smooth, medium-sized needles, such as 4mm or 5mm. Wooden or bamboo needles are great for beginners because they offer more grip and control compared to slippery metal ones.

Avoid overly textured or fine yarns when starting out, as they can make learning trickier. Keep it simple and focus on building confidence with your tools.

Every knitter has dropped a stitch or ended up with a wonky row at some point—it’s all part of the process! Mistakes are a valuable part of learning, so don’t let them discourage you. Instead, use them as an opportunity to practice fixing errors, like picking up dropped stitches. Over time, these skills will become second nature.

Remember, every project has its quirks, and the imperfections often add character to handmade items. Celebrate your progress, not just the final product.

When you are learning to knit work on a project you truly love, you’re more likely to feel motivated to see it through. Whether it’s a pattern that excites you or a special yarn you’ve been wanting to try, let your passion guide you. Even if the project includes some trickier techniques, you can always turn to your "Frankenswatch" to build confidence before trying it in on the actual project.

The same goes for materials—if there’s a yarn that makes you smile every time you touch it, use that! Knitting is meant to be joyful, and working with things you love will make the process even more rewarding.

Knitting might seem like a solo activity, but there’s a vibrant and welcoming community out there ready to help you along the way. Join a local knitting group, or connect with fellow knitters online through forums, social media, or YouTube tutorials like ours!

If you don't know anyone that knits or don't even know where to begin, some common places to find knitting groups are community colleges, libraries and Local yarn stores. 

Learning to knit is a journey filled with creativity, relaxation, and the joy of making something with your own hands. By starting with these simple tips and seeking out supportive resources like our Learn to Knit course, you’ll be well on your way to creating beautiful projects in no time. Happy knitting!

We've put together a small collection of yarns, tools, accessories and books that are ideal for beginners. We hope it helps! And remember, if want to learn how to knit and need help getting started we are ust one click away!