Tips - Basic Stitches

Knit stitch and purl stitch are the two basic knitting stitches. Either one worked continuously in row forms Garter stitch pattern and worked alternately forms Stocking stitch pattern

Knit Stitch (K)

Knit Stitch 1

1. With the yarn at the back, insert your right-hand needle from front to back into the first stitch on your left hand needle.
Knit Stitch 2

2. Bring your working yarn under and over the point of your right hand needle.
Knit Stitch 3

3. Draw a loop through and slide the first stitch off your left hand needle while the new stitch is retained on your right hand needle. Continue in this way to the end of the row.

4. To knit the next row, turn the work around so that the back is facing you and the worked stitches are held on the needle in your left hand. Proceed to make stitches as above, with the initially empty needle held in your right hand.

Purl Stitch (P)

Purl Stitch 1

1. With the yarn at the front, insert your right hand needle from back to front into the first stitch on your left hand needle.
Purl Stitch 2

2. Bring your working yarn over and around the point of your right hand needle.
Purl Stitch 3

3. Draw a loop through and slide the first stitch off your left hand needle while the new stitch is retained on your right hand needle. Continue in this way to the end of the row.

4. To purl the next row, turn the work around so that the back is facing you and the worked stitches are held on the needle in your left hand. Proceed to make stitches as above, with the initially empty needle held in your right hand.