If you're looking to start your crafting journey, a scarf is the perfect project. You'll find everything you'll need to learn the basics of knitting right here!
Firstly, why make a swatch?
Even though we’re all knitting and purling in the same way, some people’s stitches are tighter and others’ are looser. This can affect the size of the item you’re making. A swatch is a square piece of knitting used to work out whether you’re knitting as tightly - or as loosely! - as a pattern describes.
Follow the videos to learn how to make a scarf with whatever yarn you choose. Don't have any yarn yet? Why not try our The Chunky Wool paired with our 8mm Bamboo Needles. We suggest watching the videos a couple of times, and remember, practice makes perfect!
What you will need to knit your own scarf
Yarn, knitting needles and a sewing needle to weave in the ends.
How to create a slip knot
A slip knot is the first step in casting on for most knitting projects. In this video we will show you how to create a slip knot.
Two needle cast on
The two needle cast on emulates a knit stitch and is a popular beginner method of casting on. In this video we will show you how to cast on using the two needle method.
How to create a knit stitch
The knit stitch is the first basic stitch to learn and used in all patterns. A stitch that has been knitted will have a ‘V’ at its base. In this video we will show you how to create a knit stitch.
Tip: Ensure when working knit stitches, working yarn is always at the back of your work.
How to create a Purl stitch
The purl stitch is the second basic stitch to learn. Combined with knit stitches it creates various stitch patterns. A stitch that is purled will have a bump as its base. In this video we will show you how to create a purl stitch.
Tip: Ensure when knitting purl stitches, working yarn is always at the front of your work.
How to knit and purl continuously
Stocking stitch is created by alternating rows of knit and purl stitches. The right side of the fabric has a ‘V’ pattern and the wrong side has a bar pattern. In this video we will show you how to create stocking stitch.
How to join yarns
Most knitting projects require adding additional balls of yarn and there are many ways to do it. In this video we will show you how to change a ball of yarn by tying a knot and weaving in ends.
How to cast off / bind off
Cast off, or bind off, is an essential part of finishing any knitting project. In this video we will show you how to cast off using the standard method.
How To Weave In Loose Ends
Weaving in is an important part of finishing any knitting project. In this video we will show you how to weave in ends by threading the sewing needle over and under the bars on the wrong side of stocking stitch fabric.
How To Block And Finish Your Work
Blocking keeps your knitted piece from losing shape and smooths out any lumps and bumps. In this video we show you how to block your work using a damp sheet and an iron.
What you will need to knit your own scarf
Yarn, knitting needles and a sewing needle to weave in the ends.
How to create a slip knot
A slip knot is the first step in casting on for most knitting projects. In this video we will show you how to create a slip knot.
Two needle cast on
The two needle cast on emulates a knit stitch and is a popular beginner method of casting on. In this video we will show you how to cast on using the two needle method.
How to create a knit stitch
The knit stitch is the first basic stitch to learn and used in all patterns. A stitch that has been knitted will have a ‘V’ at its base. In this video we will show you how to create a knit stitch.
Tip: Ensure when working knit stitches, working yarn is always at the back of your work.
How to create a Purl stitch
The purl stitch is the second basic stitch to learn. Combined with knit stitches it creates various stitch patterns. A stitch that is purled will have a bump as its base. In this video we will show you how to create a purl stitch.
Tip: Ensure when knitting purl stitches, working yarn is always at the front of your work.
How to knit and purl continuously
Stocking stitch is created by alternating rows of knit and purl stitches. The right side of the fabric has a ‘V’ pattern and the wrong side has a bar pattern. In this video we will show you how to create stocking stitch.
How to join yarns
Most knitting projects require adding additional balls of yarn and there are many ways to do it. In this video we will show you how to change a ball of yarn by tying a knot and weaving in ends.
How to cast off
Cast off, or bind off, is an essential part of finishing any knitting project. In this video we will show you how to cast off using the standard method.
How To Weave In Loose Ends
Weaving in is an important part of finishing any knitting project. In this video we will show you how to weave in ends by threading the sewing needle over and under the bars on the wrong side of stocking stitch fabric.
How To Block And Finish Your Work
Blocking keeps your knitted piece from losing shape and smooths out any lumps and bumps. In this video we show you how to block your work using a damp sheet and an iron.
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Join a whole community of crafters by following @stitchandstoryand share your creations with us using #StitchAndStory - we bet they look awesome.
