How to Begin the First Stitch in Knitting

When I am out visiting people and I bring my knitting along someone always asks me, "how do you start the first stitch?" When someone asks me this question, I always love it! Since it usually starts someone on the path to creativity and exploration. That also means that there is a potential Artist ready to eventually knit their own corner of THEIR world and make it a better place! All they need is a little know how! With these steps you can learn to knit quite easy to begin to knit is easy as: 1-2-3!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Yarn (smooth feel to it with little to no texture)
• Knitting needles
• Patience
• The passion to learn!

1. Large Slipknot Make a slipknot on needle 12" from the end of the yarn.
2. Yarn between the fingers Hold needle in right hand. Notice how the yarn is held.
3. Notice what you do with your left hand.
4. Adjusting tension of yarn Loop yarn around left thumb.
5. Beginning to pick up the stitch Insert needle in loop on thumb.
6. Picking up the stitch Wind yarn over point of needle.
7. You are making you first stitch! Draw yarn thru loop on thumb. Pull yarn in left hand to tighten stitch, easing loop off of thumb.
8. Practice, Practice, Practice! Make 8 more stitches for practice.

Tips & Warnings

• The more that you knit the better your stitches and tension get. Most important key is to be patient with yourself because Rome was NOT built in a day and neither was learning to knit! HAVE FUN!