
Explore essential knitting setup with US size 6 needles, worsted weight yarn, notions like stitch markers and tapestry needles, and swatching to choose flat, circular, or DPN techniques.
Discover how to hold yarn and needles in English and continental styles, balance tension for consistent gauge, and compare throwing versus picking across needle types for comfort and speed.
Explore the fundamentals of knitting stitches, abbreviations, and terminology through building-block techniques and swatch practice, mastering knit and pearl stitches, yarn overs, and decreases like k2tog and kfb.
Master starting and finishing techniques in knitting by practicing long tail and knitted cast on methods, various bind offs, weaving in ends, swatches, and finishing steps for durable, well-fitting garments.
Learn to read modern knitting patterns, written or charted, using gauge swatches, needle size, abbreviations, and chart symbols, with tips for sizing and pattern sections.
Learn to knit in the round using double jointed needles DP's or circular needles, practice magic loop and traveling loop methods, and compare bamboo DP's with metal to prevent slipping.
Learn to knit a cotton dishcloth as a quick first project, mastering cast-on, yarn over, k2tog decreases, and a quick bind-off. Explore variations for durable, machine-washable gifts.
Learn to knit a scarf with stripes and color changes, starting from a dishcloth foundation, using slip-stitch edge technique, alternating colors, and finishing with a knitted bind-off.
Learn to knit a hat in the round with a forgiving fit, using long-tail cast on, magic loop or dpns, and a three-needle bind-off.
Master fingerless glove knitting with cable patterns, thumb gusset construction, and round-by-round techniques from cast on to bind-off, including magic loop options.
Learn to knit a round cowl using a Shale lace pattern, mastering long-tail cast-on, joining in the round, repeated lace sections, and a stretchy bind-off, with length and width adjustments.
Identify common knitting mistakes, diagnose issues, and apply fixes using a lifeline, a swatch, and a crochet hook for dropped stitches and dropped or forgotten increases, plus gauge.
Explore a wide range of knitting projects and techniques, from shawls and sweaters to color work and brioche, with tips on pattern use, gauge, and construction methods.
Learn through chapter 13’s frequently asked questions to master knitting basics, including decreases, blocking, yarn choices, sock knitting, and knitting for health and well-being.
Master common knitting questions and essential techniques from chapter 13, including reading patterns, executing decreases, blocking, types of yarn, and health benefits of knitting.
Explore the fan and feather lace pattern as a substitute for the old shell, using the same cast-on and bind-off methods for a tidy, stacked lace result.
Explore a concise glossary of knitting terms and techniques, including DPNs, magic loop, cast-ons, increases, decreases, and common abbreviations essential for knitting patterns.
Meet the expert, Gene Autry, near Baltimore, who has knitted over 200 projects since 2010 and shares her Ravelry profile and knitting journey.
If you want to learn how to knit, improve your knitting skills, and become a better knitter, then check out “HowExpert Guide to Knitting.”
Are you interested in learning to knit but are unsure of where to start? This book covers everything the beginning knitter needs to know and makes an excellent reference book for intermediate and experienced knitters alike. The techniques in this book are deconstructed and detailed in clear, easy-to-follow steps, along with instructions to create a swatch for practice. Five project patterns are included and cover the stitches and skills covered in the early chapters for maximum memorization and repetition. After working through this book, the knitter will know:
• Whether they prefer to use English or Continental style knitting
• How to hold the knitting needles and tension the yarn
• The differences between Straight Needles, Double Pointed Needles, and Circular Needles
• How to knit back and forth, or “flat” such as for scarves
• How to knit in circles, or “in the round” such as for hats
• How to use the Magic Loop and Traveling Loop methods in the round
• How to knit a swatch and determine proper gauge
• 2 Cast On methods to begin projects
• The Knit and Purl stitches
• 2 increase stitches, which add to the total stitch count
• 2 decreases stitches, which reduce the total stitch count
• 3 Bind Off methods to finish projects
Check out “HowExpert Guide to Knitting” and learn how to knit starting today!
About the Expert
Jeanne Torrey lives near Baltimore, Maryland, with her three kids, college BFF, and tuxedo cat. She has been knitting since 2010 and has knit more than 200 projects. You can find her on Ravelry under the username KnitsaTrap. When she’s not knitting, Jeanne enjoys sewing, writing, and video games. She also practices the martial arts of Tae-Kwon-Do (currently a 2nd-degree black belt), Eskrima (green sash, Cacoy Doces Pares), and has recently started building her own gaming PC. Honorable mentions go to Jeanne’s family for enabling her fiber habit, especially her mom, for providing proofreading support. This book is dedicated to Joey, Noah, and Leslie, who have appreciated every hand-knit gift Jeanne made them.