There are hundreds (if not thousands) of different knitting stitches! In this article, we have hand-picked the following seven easy to learn knitting stitches for beginners.
Learning these seven stitches will give you a flying start in the world of knitting and allow you to very quickly create different textures and styles for your projects. In fact, you could create beautiful hats, scarves, cardigans and blankets from just these seven stitches and never learn another stitch in your life. But, where would the fun in that be?
Once you have mastered these seven, why don’t you head over and try out some Cable and Twist stitches or how about some delicate Eyelet and Lace?
Mastered these seven? If you still need inspiration or want to mix up the variety of your yarn and projects, try out Knit Crate? It is a monthly subscription service with curated yarns and patterns for crocheters and knitters. Don’t worry, if you’re not too adventurous, you can select a color range or limit the projects just to socks. Either way, we will bet you learn something new and discover some beautiful yarn!
7 Easy to Learn Knitting Stitches for Beginners
The following seven stitches are all comprised of two techniques or stitches, the Knit & the Purl. If you haven’t come across these techniques yet or you want to brush up, then we recommended you first head over to our beginner’s guide.
1. Garter Stitch
The Garter Stitch is the first step into the world of knitting for the majority of people. When starting out, it is one of the easiest and (possibly as a result) the most common stitch patterns used in knitting projects.
The Garter stitch is achieved by knitting every stitch in every row to create a simple, textured fabric that is perfect for scarves, dishcloths and blankets. This stitch can give a rugged look, comprised of a series of horizontal ridges which will feel bumpy to the touch. These ridges are formed from the tops of knitted loops on every row.
2. Stockinette Stitch
The Stockinette Stitch (also known as the Stocking Stitch in the UK/NZ/Aus) uses both the knit and the purl techniques.
The stitch is created by alternating rows of knit and purl stitches. The first row is knit, then the second row is purl and so on. The result is a fabric that gives a smooth row of stacked “V”s on one side (the knit side) and resembles the bumpy texture of the garter stitch on the other side (the purl side).
3. 1×1 Rib Stitch
The 1×1 Rib Stitch (or ribbing) is the simplest of the Rib Stitches! Again, the stitch is a combination of the two simplest techniques, the knit and the purl.
Combining the knit and purl stitches in a repeating pattern gives a raised vertical rib texture. This is achieved by casting on an even number of stitches. Then, you will alternate every stitch between a knit and a purl. This pattern creates an elastic, stretchy fabric ideal for cuffs, edges, and collars.
4. Seed Stitch
This wonderous knit and purl repeat stitch is a great reversible stitch that works well in combination with other stitches to make more complex patterns and textures. Alternating between knit and purl stitches within the same row creates a textured, reversible fabric resembling scattered seeds.
To add a little confusion, the Seed Stitch is called the Moss Stitch across the pond in the UK. Which brings us to our next knitting stitch for beginners!
5. Moss Stitch
The Moss Stitch (US) is closely related to the Seed Stitch above. In the United Kingdom, this stitch is also commonly called the Double Seed Stitch or the Double Moss Stitch.
It is similar to the seed stitch but with staggered rows of knit and purl stitches, creating a more pronounced textured pattern. Additionally, it is another great example of combining the knit and the purl techniques together to create beautiful texture.
6. Basketweave Stitch
The Basketweave Stitch may look like it should be complicated stitch! However, if you are now proficient with both the knit and the purl techniques, this great stitch should be a dawdle!
The stitch gives a very distinctive texture and one can readily guess how it got its name! This a simple 4×4 version of the basketweave stitch, and there are many variations of it. It is a combination of knit and purl stitches arranged in blocks or “baskets,” producing a woven-like texture.
7. Purl Ridge Stitch
The Purl Ridge Stitch is a simple variation on the Stockinette Stitch feature above. By simply adding an extra row of knitted stitches, you create these beautiful rows of purl bumps.
This knitting stitch for beginners is another great example of combining the knit and the purl techniques together to create beautiful texture.
Tried all of the above knitting stitches for beginners?
In addition to the collection of knitting stitches for beginners that we have compiled, there are some others that may be considered for beginners as well. If you are looking for a little bit more variety, why not check out the full stitch dictionary?
Or head over to Lion Brand; they have different kits based on skill, craft, project type, yarn weight and more.
Even better, they give you the supply list and provide the digital pattern after purchase! My first kit was the Level 1 Armor Scarf. When I ordered it, I substituted one of the darker greys for a raisin just in time for fall! Reach out and let us know what you try!