Whether you have always wanted to knit but didn't know where to start, or have tried to learn in the past but just can't seem to get the hang of it, this compilation of the best knitting courses Craftsy has to offer will give you the techniques that you need to knit with confidence and ease. In Knitting 101, three experienced instructors lead you through 36 hands-on lessons across four modules, each centered on different methods and levels of experience. You will cover the basics and beyond, from understanding your needles and yarns to mastering various stitches and shapes, so you can create amazing hats, gloves, scarves, and much more.
Knitting 101
Whether you are just starting out or looking for a new challenge, the experienced instructors in this course will give you the skills you need to tackle any knitting project.
Rated 5 out of
5
by
kim kemal from
Learned Knit and Purl, Casting On and Binding Off
.... in ONE session - that's how good this instructor is! Careful step-by-step, closeups and every other good-teaching skill, it will bring you from zero to making a scarf so quickly you'll regret the years you spent not-knitting. [Full disclosure: I'm an expert crocheter, but the skills don't have much to do with each other. Like the north face and south face of Mt. Everest. The only crossover is that I came into the class with the conviction that I was going to learn this, and a love of the feel of yarn between my fingers.]
If you can tame your anxiety b4 you start, you can be working on your first scarf, hood, anything that looks like a rectangle on the first day! Great class.
Date published: 2023-06-16
Rated 5 out of
5
by
NewKnittingMom from
Expertise for Every Detail
I began knitting on my own with the help of YouTube. I continued to get tied up, unable to find answers to my specific AND general problems. This course has put everything into context for me. From the simplest placement of the needle, to the intense guidance for speed knitting in the continental style, I appreciate everything these women take the time to explain.
Date published: 2022-01-30
Rated 3 out of
5
by
Annieh from
The entire tutorial needs to be closed captioned.
The tutorials are well taught and visually easy to view. However, they are NOT CLOSED CAPTIONED for Deaf or hard of hearing individuals.
Date published: 2022-01-25
Rated 1 out of
5
by
Disappointed 101 from
Knitting 101
Your content is great, but your customer service is awful. I have not been able to
log into this course, even though it appears on my credit card bill. Every time
I try to sign in, I'm prevented from doing so. I've tried to change my password
but I'm given my original password. Very disappointing!!!!
Date published: 2021-12-31
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Kevler from
Great features for older knitters
I am looking forward to being able to knit with arthritis when I get older by learning that part of the content
Date published: 2021-11-14
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Kitwhit from
Perfect for a beginner like me!
I have just begun, working through the first 10 lessons and the project of the knitted mittens. It was so much fun and the instructor was marvelous. The video camera is placed so you can see her hands perfectly. She teaches both the English (throw method) and the continental style, and her descriptions are so clear.
Date published: 2021-11-13
Rated 3 out of
5
by
mont from
voice
Her voice does not match words which is a little distracting
Date published: 2021-05-29
Rated 1 out of
5
by
annie15 from
left handed knitters are left out!
It is unfortunate that there are not options for left handed knitters!
Date published: 2021-02-01
Trailer
01: Module 1 - Lesson 1: Intro to Knitting
Meet Susan B. Anderson and get a brief introduction to knitting. Then jump to the best part of knitting: the yarn! Learn about the different fibers and sizes to choose from, as well as the best types for beginners.
29 min
02: Module 1 - Lesson 2: What You Need
One of the best things about knitting is that it doesn't require a lot of supplies. In this lesson, Susan helps you choose what you need for your projects and shares a few additional tools to stock your knitting bag.
8 min
03: Module 1 - Lesson 3: Casting On
This is when the fun begins! Susan shares her tried-and-true method for getting your stitches onto your needles. Then cast on for your very first project: a pair of hand warmers.
8 min
04: Module 1 - Lesson 4: The Knit Stitch
Meet Lorilee Beltman and get started on learning the knit stitch, Continental-style. Whether you're a new knitter or a longtime English-style knitter, you'll appreciate Lorilee's clear instruction for tensioning and positioning the yarn in your hands and making knit stitches flow along your needles with maximum comfort and efficiency.
13 min
05: Module 1 - Lesson 5: The Purl Stitch, English
In this lesson, you'll learn the English-style purl stitch. Then, explore a new stitch pattern, the stockinette stitch, by alternating rows of knits and purls.
11 min
06: Module 1 - Lesson 6: Ribbing, English
Using the English style of knitting, complete your hand warmers by working the rib stitch pattern. By alternating knits and purls in the same row, you'll create a textured, stretchy finish. See how to manage your yarn as you switch between stitches.
7 min
07: Module 1 - Lesson 7: The Purl Stitch, Continental
In this lesson, you'll work the Continental-style purl stitch, holding the yarn in your left hand. Then explore a new stitch pattern, the stockinette stitch, by alternating rows of knits and purls.
13 min
08: Module 1 - Lesson 8: Ribbing, Continental
Complete your hand warmers by working the Continental-style rib stitch pattern. By alternating knits and purls in the same row, you'll create a textured, stretchy finish. Learn how to manage your yarn as you switch between stitches.
8 min
09: Module 1 - Lesson 9: Binding Off
Whether you’re knitting English- or Continental-style, you'll need a way to get your stitches off the needles and keep them secure. In this lesson, Susan explains what binding off is as you practice on your hand warmers.
7 min
10: Module 1 - Lesson 10: Finishing
Once you've finished knitting your hand warmers, seam them and weave in any loose yarn ends. Afterwards, uncover the magic of blocking as you learn to block your own knits.
21 min
11: Module 1 - Lesson 11: Reading a Pattern
In order to tackle your favorite knitting projects, you'll need to know your way around the pattern. In this lesson, Susan walks you through each part of a knitting pattern and helps you understand how written instructions translate to actual knitting.
35 min
12: Module 1 - Lesson 12: Knitting in the Round
Take your knitting from flat to round by knitting in the round! Discover the best way to cast on and start your round, plus tips for keeping track of where you are and which direction you should be knitting.
10 min
13: Module 1 - Lesson 13: Waffle Stitch Cowl
Practice knitting in the round by working the Waffle Stitch Cowl pattern included in your class materials. And, while you're at it, try a new stitch pattern!
20 min
14: Module 1 - Lesson 14: Shaping
Shaping opens up a whole new world of creative possibilities for your knitting. In this lesson, you'll practice basic increase and decrease stitches to make your knitting wider or narrower.
10 min
15: Module 1 - Lesson 15: Changing Colors
Have fun with your knitting by playing with color! Susan shows you how to knit stripes, both flat and in the round, and shares tips and tricks for changing colors with different stitch patterns.
10 min
16: Module 1 - Lesson 16: Striped Hat
Build on your skills by working your next project: a striped pom-pom hat. Practice working in the round, knitting stripes, and using decreases to shape the top of your hat.
34 min
17: Module 1 - Lesson 17: Fixing Common Mistakes
Remember, no one knits perfectly the first time around. In this final lesson, Susan helps you fix some common beginner mistakes, and identify what went wrong in the first place!
21 min
18: Module 2 - Lesson 1: Getting Started With Cables
Meet Allyson Dykhuizen and begin class by going over everything you'll need to get started. Then dive into your first project, a bulky cabled headband!
11 min
19: Module 2 - Lesson 2: Cabled Headband
Get started on your cabled headband. Allyson walks you through the simple cable pattern and how to knit it. You'll practice changing colors and working from written instructions to complete your project.
27 min
20: Module 2 - Lesson 3: Cabled Hat Setup
Tackle a slightly more challenging cable pattern as you work your second project, a hat. Allyson reviews the yarn and tools you'll need to get started. Then cast on and start working the bottom of the hat.
8 min
21: Module 2 - Lesson 4: Cable Charts
Explore a variety of different cable stitches as you work the pattern repeat for your hat. Find out how to work from a chart and written instructions, and use stitch markers to keep track of your pattern.
30 min
22: Module 2 - Lesson 5: Finishing the Hat
Once your cables are done, it's time to finish your hat. Allyson shows you how to decrease for the crown and work on double-pointed needles as your hat gets smaller. After that, weave in the ends and, if you'd like, add a pom-pom!
21 min
23: Module 2 - Lesson 6: Troubleshooting
Allyson ends class by troubleshooting common mistakes. Plus, see how to work a cable without a cable needle, a handy trick for those of us that always seem to lose it!
10 min
24: Module 3 - Lesson 1: The Knit Stitch
Knit Faster with Continental Knitting
22 min
25: Module 3 - Lesson 2: The Purl Stitch
Get a handle on the purl stitch as Lorilee shows how to hold your yarn and move it into place for your needle to grab quickly and easily. You'll see how to keep awkward movements at a minimum and make sure your stitches are correctly oriented on your needles.
16 min
26: Module 3 - Lesson 3: Sizing Stitches for Even Knitting
Depending on how you make your stitches, your knitting might end up too loose or too tight. Lorilee shows how this happens and explains how to make your stitch size just right.
13 min
27: Module 3 - Lesson 4: Time Savers: Using Knit & Purl Together
Knitting Continental really comes in handy when you have to alternate frequently between knits and purls, such as in ribbing or seed stitch. Getting the working yarn to the front or back of your knitting is simply a matter of shifting your right hand. Lorilee shows you how to achieve this efficiency and how to keep the transition smooth.
14 min
28: Module 3 - Lesson 5: Increases, Decreases & Other Maneuvers
Lorilee walks you through using Continental knitting with all of the common increases, decreases and other stitch maneuvers. With the yarn in your left hand, you'll find you're able to tackle elaborate patterns with ease!
44 min
29: Module 3 - Lesson 6: Using Continental for Your Favorite Fabrics
Whether your favorite fabric includes lace, cables, linen stitch or even two-handed colorwork, Lorilee's got you covered. She shares her tips for tackling each with Continental knitting, including how to cable without a cable needle. Linen stitch and colorwork, especially, will be so much easier if you know how to hold the yarn with your left hand.
18 min
30: Module 3 - Lesson 7: Troubleshooting & Practice
The way you hold your knitting might be causing you some pain. Lorilee shows some common pitfalls to avoid so that you can continue to enjoy your knitting. Similarly, you might find yourself struggling with keeping your tension and your stitches even. Lorilee shares troubleshooting strategies. Finally, learn about some small, fun projects you can work on as you practice your newfound Continental knitting skills!
20 min
31: Module 4 - Lesson 1: Starting Out: Cast-On & Transitional Bands
Meet popular instructor Lorilee Beltman and start by reviewing the yarn and tools that work best for Continental projects. Then, tackle the provisional cast-on, pick up tips for transitioning between differing stitch counts and find out how to use yarn markers to keep track in your work.
14 min
32: Module 4 - Lesson 2: Slipping Stitches: Tunisian & Linen
The beautiful Tunisian knit stitch is loaded with yarn overs and slip stitches -- and Continental style lets you streamline all the steps! Find out how, before Lorilee demonstrates a classic Tunisian pattern: the three-color linen stitch. To work this gorgeous pattern, you'll move the yarn from back to front and back again.
21 min
33: Module 4 - Lesson 3: Mosaic Knitting
Make mosaic stitch faster and easier with Continental knitting! This classic colorwork style only knits one color at a time, slipping stitches after the yarn is brought forward or back. Lorilee will show you how to work it in Continental and help you troubleshoot along the way.
15 min
34: Module 4 - Lesson 4: Textured Solids: Cables & More
Explore rich textures such as cables to make your knitting pop! Lorilee guides you through cabling without a cable needle or ever having to let go of your yarn. Then, discover some Gansey-style stitch patterns that are achieved by simply switching back and forth between knits and purls. When knit in Continental style these patterns work up faster than ever!
22 min
35: Module 4 - Lesson 5: Vertically Stranded Colorwork & Lace
Find out how Continental knitting makes vertically stranded colorwork and even colorwork lace easier. Lorilee shows you how to work your main color entirely by picking, throwing in the occasional contrast stitch as you go. Then, get some practice with your cowl's colorwork lace motif to hone your yarn overs, increases and decreases.
19 min
36: Module 4 - Lesson 6: Stranded Colorwork & Finishing
In the standard style, stranded colorwork requires both of your hands to work together. But in the Continental style, your free hand provides added control for faster, more approachable stranding. Follow along for a step-by-step breakdown before Lorilee walks you through grafting the ends of your cozy new cowl together.
25 min
Overview Course No. 4044
About
Allyson Dykhuizen is a knitwear designer, author and knitting instructor based in Chicago. She served as the editor of the online magazine Holla Knits, and her patterns have been featured in a number of publications including Interweave Knits, Knitscene, knit.wear and knit.purl magazines. Allyson is author of the book Midwestern Knits.
Susan B. Anderson, is the author of six knitting books, including the best-selling Kids' Knitting Workshop. In 2016, Susan and her son started a yarn and pattern company, Barrett Wool Co. Susan's favorite part of being a knitting teacher is traveling the country, teaching, and meeting knitters from all over the world.
Lorilee Beltman is a Craft Yarn Council certified instructor and a TNNA designer and teacher who has taught at national events around the country since 2009. It was once Lorilee opened her own knitting business, City Knitting, that she realized her passion for spreading knowledge and helping knitters past their roadblocks. You can find some of her articles in respected magazines such as Twist Collective and Interweave Knits.
