Knitting Stitches for Beginners

Use basic, beginner knitting stitches to create a whole world of amazing textures, patterns, and shapes!

The key to finding easy knitting stitches for beginners is to look for patterns that have only a few steps and use basic techniques.

First you’ll learn the simplest, basic knitting stitches: knitting and purling. Next, we’ll show you how to combine these two stitches together to create all sorts of fun patterns!


Knit Stitch vs. Stich Pattern

One of the most important things to understand when learning how to knit is the difference between a knit stitch and a stitch pattern. A knit stitch is the basic building block of knitting, while a stitch pattern is a combination of knit, purl, and other stitch techniques to create a unique design.

Basic Knitting
Stitches: 
PURL & KNIT

The knit stitch and purl stitch are the first basic knitting stitches to learn!

Just getting started knitting? The first place to start are the two basic knitting stitches: knitting and purling. Learning how to knit and purl immediately unlocks a whole library of stitch patterns. 

Mix-and-match these two beginer knitting stitches to create a range of textures in your knit projects. Trying different combinations of knitting and purling to create a whole range of textures ranging from squishy and elastic, to smooth and flowy. 

Once you’re good to go with these beginner knitting stitches you’ll be ready to tackle the most common stitch patterns! 

knitting stitches for beginners

Beginner Knitting
Stitch Patterns

Level up your skills with these simple, easy-to-learn basic knitting stitches!

All of these patterns combine basic purl and knit stitches to create texture and structure to knitted fabric. Mix-and-match with different yarns and project types to create one-of-a-kind hand knits. The key to these patterns is the word “combination”. Stitch patterns use more than one technique to create texture in knitted fabric. 

Beginner-Friendly Garter Stitch

Garter stitch is the place to start! Say hello to the most basic knitting stitch pattern in all of knitting! Squishy and bouncy, this fabric doesn’t curl at the edges making it the perfect choice for cozy scarves and baby blankets

Level Up With Stockinette Stitch

Stockinette stitch is made by alternating rows of knit and purl stitches back and forth flat. This fabric has a smooth side (knit) and a bumpy side (purl) with fabric that flows and drapes. We love this  stitch for classic sweaters, simple hats, and cozy accessories!

Stretchy Ribbing for Cuffs and Brims

This elastic stitch is used to create fabric that can stretch to fit a variety of sizes comfortably. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced knitter, mastering 1×1 and 2×2 ribbing opens up endless possibilities for creating cuffs, collars, hems, and more.

Seed Stitch: Single Stack Stitches

Seed stitch alternates knit and purl stitches across a row to create super textured knit fabric. It’s reversible and doesn’t curl which makes this a great choice for baby blankets, scarves, and dishtowels!

Moss Stitch: Double Stack Stitches

Moss Stitch uses just four rows and two stitches (knits and purls) to create easy texture for any project. The edges won’t curl and you’ll get some practice memorizing a simple pattern.

Beginner KnitTing Stitches:
Learn with VideoS!

Learn the basic knitting stitches with our series of video tutorials.

Our growing library of knitting stitches makes it easy to add texture and details to any hand knit project. Get started with our beginner videos for knitting and purling before adding more complex combinations like stockinette or seed stitch!

Beginner Basics

6 Videos

Going Beyond 
the Basic 
Knitting Stitches

Learn about more complex knit stitch patterns!

One of the best things about learning how to knit is discovering new stitch patterns. Each one adds texture and an interesting design to basic knitting projects. While still beginner-friendly, these stitches use techniques that go beyond the basic knit and purl knitting stitches.

Adding and Removing Stitches

Time to learn how to change the number of stitches in a row! There are several ways to increase or decrease stitches in knitting. Learn the pros and cons of each method so that you can get the perfect fit with every project.

Add Eyelets With Yarn Overs

Ready to level up? A yarn over adds a new stitch to a row of knitting and also creates a decorative eyelet in the fabric below. Yarn overs are handy to know and easy to do!

Duplicate Stitch for Knitting

This is a great way to add designs to finished fabric using just a yarn needle and contrast colored yarn! You can also use this trick to mend holes too!

How to Knit I-Cord

Whip up simple and easy drawstrings, ties for hats and bonnets or knit necklaces with the simple knit I-cord.

Lace knitting is a whole category of stitch patterns that feature open areas for a loose, flowy fabric. Yarn overs, increases and decreases are used to create beautiful motifs that can include everything from modern geometric designs to traditional floral patterns. This category of stitch patterns typically relies on knitting charts to lay out the design in sections, also known as “repeats”. Explore free lace knitting patterns here!

Cable knitting involves rearranging the order of stitches on your needles (similar to braiding) to create twists in the material. Cables are typically dense with a lot of dramatic texture. You’ll find cables in a range of patterns and project types. This technique relies heavily on knitting charts to lay out the placement of cables in a given stitch pattern. Explore free cable knitting patterns here!

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