Knitting for Beginners
Knitting for Beginners
It often happens that people attending my knitting or crochet classes tell me:
Photo Haley Parson by Unsplash
“I’d like to learn how to properly shape armholes and necklines, increase and decrease stitches, and sew and finish all garments perfectly.”
Of course, it’s an ambitious and wonderful goal, but it takes time to achieve. Theory alone isn’t enough: you need to work a lot, experiment, and learn from your mistakes. Every garment created with knitting needles or a crochet hook is a step forward towards this goal.
But what should beginners who have just learned to hold knitting needles do? What can they create to gain some satisfaction without having to wait months? And what can those who don't have the opportunity to attend live lessons with a teacher do?
Here’s a solution for all of you! 
I propose a simple style, accessible to anyone: creating garments starting from basic shapes like rectangles and squares. Yes, it’s really possible to create sweaters, scarves, ponchos, and even dresses using only these simple geometric shapes. This approach has many advantages:
Ease: No advanced techniques are needed, you just need to know how to cast on, knit or purl, and bind off.
Creativity: You can focus on choosing colors, stitches, and yarns, exploring combinations you like.
Immediate satisfaction: Seeing your work transform into something wearable is a great encouragement!
I suggest you start with a gilet without armholes:
Just knit two rectangles and partially sew the sides, leaving space for the arms and head.
You can easily customize this project, for example by creating longer rectangles that reach the knees or mid-thigh. You can also use different colors, knitting in stripes. The possibilities for customization are truly endless! One of these is choosing fine yarns like cashmere or cashmere blend, wool alpaca and others.
Every garment made with these yarns becomes truly precious, not to mention the pleasure one experiences during the crafting process.
Here are some video tutorials to guide you step-by-step. You’ll find practical tips, clear explanations, and creative ideas to customize your projects. Don’t forget to experiment with yarns and colors that inspire you!
In this video tutorial you will find a summer top or a vest (it's up to you how you wear this garment), made in two rectangular pieces, with garter stitch and eyelet patterns.
In this video tutorial, you will see how to make a vest in two rectangular pieces with garter stitch and the stitch called rice grain or seed stitch.
In this video tutorial you will see a vest made in one piece, with garter stitch and stockinette stitch, without seams.
And finally, again, a vest or a top (depending on how you wear this garment) made with a beautiful, but slightly more difficult stitch: the Astrakan stitch with 1:1 rib.
Start creating now: it's a journey that will bring you great satisfaction, one garment at a time.
Happy crafting and have fun!
for Hircus Filati
