Learning to knit can be a wonderfully rewarding experience, offering a creative outlet and the satisfaction of creating beautiful handmade items. But for many beginners, the seemingly endless variations and techniques can feel overwhelming. This guide focuses on the English knitting style, often considered the more intuitive method for newcomers, providing a smart, streamlined approach to mastering the basics.
Understanding the English Knitting Style (also known as the "thrown" or "over" method)
The English knitting style, as opposed to the Continental style, involves holding the yarn in your right hand and using your right hand to manipulate the yarn for each stitch. This method is often preferred by beginners because it keeps the yarn consistently in one place, making it easier to manage and reducing the chance of dropped stitches.
Key Advantages of English Knitting:
- Easier to Learn: The single-handed yarn control makes it easier to focus on the mechanics of knitting without juggling the yarn between hands.
- Better for Beginners: The simpler hand movements make it more accessible for those new to knitting.
- Less Hand Strain: Some knitters find this method less strenuous on their hands and wrists, especially during longer knitting sessions.
- Ideal for Thick Yarns: The English style can be particularly helpful when working with bulky yarns.
Getting Started: Essential Materials and Techniques
Before diving into the specifics, you'll need a few key things:
- Knitting Needles: Choose a set of needles appropriate for your chosen yarn weight. Start with size 8 or 9 (US) needles for ease of learning.
- Yarn: Opt for a smooth, light-colored yarn for your first project. This will make it easier to see your stitches and progress.
- Scissors: A sharp pair of scissors for cutting your yarn.
- Yarn Needle (optional): A blunt-ended needle for weaving in loose ends.
The Basic Knit Stitch (English Style):
- Cast On: Learn a simple cast-on method like the long-tail cast-on. Numerous tutorials are available online (search for "long-tail cast-on English knitting").
- Knit Stitch: The knit stitch forms the foundation of most knitting projects. Here's a simplified breakdown:
- Insert the right needle into the first stitch on the left needle.
- Wrap the yarn around the right needle (from front to back).
- Draw the yarn through the stitch on the left needle using the right needle.
- Slip the finished stitch off the left needle. This completes one knit stitch. Repeat until you've knitted all stitches on the needle.
- Bind Off: Learn a simple bind-off method to secure your finished work. (search for "bind-off English knitting" for easy-to-follow tutorials)
Beyond the Basics: Taking Your Knitting to the Next Level
Once you've mastered the knit stitch, you can explore more advanced techniques:
- Purl Stitch: This creates a textured fabric and is essential for many patterns.
- Garter Stitch: A simple pattern created by knitting every row.
- Stockinette Stitch: A classic stitch pattern combining knit and purl rows.
- Different Yarn Weights and Needle Sizes: Experiment with various yarn weights and needle sizes to create different fabric weights and textures.
Resources for Continued Learning:
The internet is a treasure trove of knitting resources. Search for terms like:
- "English knitting for beginners"
- "Knitting tutorials English style"
- "Free knitting patterns for beginners"
- "Video tutorials English knitting"
Learning to knit takes patience and practice. Don't get discouraged if it doesn't click immediately. With consistent effort and the right resources, you'll soon be creating your own beautiful knitted creations using the English knitting style. Remember to start simple, practice regularly, and most importantly, have fun!
