You need to learn the basics – cast on, knit stitch, purl stitch and cast off. I would recommend you start off with some videos online. This is a great and cheap way to dip your toe in the water and discover whether you really like it or not. All you need is a pair of knitting needles and a ball or two of yarn. Get yourself a pair of 4mm needles and DK (double knitting) weight yarn.
If you find yourself getting addicted, buy yourself a knitting book or join a class in your local yarn shop.
Let’s Knit magazine has a series of videos on their website. You need to register and log in to view the videos but it easy and free so it’s worth it. Click here to start.
Practice your newly found skills with a simple scarf. Sirdar Soft Bamboo is a new yarn that has a scarf pattern on the ball band. It’s a soft and cuddly chunky weight yarn so it knits up quickly. This scarf only uses the knit and purl stitches. You’ll need two balls of yarn and a pair of 10mm needles. Some of the ball bands have an error on them. The instruction should read cast on 13 stitches not 21.
