You are here:About>Hobbies & Games>Knitting
About.comKnitting

Knitting: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Learn to Knit
If you're new to knitting, this guide will provide you all the information you need to learn to knit, pick your first project, deal with problems and more.
Quaker Rib Afghan
This Quaker Rib afghan is super easy to knit and makes a nice warm throw for cool spring evenings. In the summer, it's a great picnic blanket.
Child's Stash Afghan
A stash afghan is a fun way to use up a bunch of little bits of yarn. Knit one for a small friend or member of your family and it's sure to become his or her favorite blankie.
Casting On
The first step in all knitting is casting on. Here are two easy ways to cast on, allowing you to get started knitting quickly and easily.
Stash Afghan
A stash afghan is the perfect way to use up a bunch of odds and ends that are taking up space in your knitting storage. This basic recipe will show you how to knit a stash afghan no matter what size you want or what kind of yarn you're trying to use up.
Waving Rib
Waving rib stitch is a bit of an optical illusion because the knit stitches that form the rib look like they're undulating, but they're really not. This knitting stitch pattern is very easy to undertake and looks great.
Lap Afghan
This free knitting pattern for a moss stitch lap afghan is a quick and easy project for beginners, and you can make it as large as you want just by using more yarn.
Mother's Day Knits
If you're looking for something to knit your mom (or mother-in-law, or any other mom in your life) for Mother's Day, her birthday, or any other holiday, these free knitting patterns are sure to please.
Stockinette Stitch
Stockinette stitch is one of the most basic knitting stitches out there, and it is one of the first stitch patterns most people learn.
Party Wrap
If you're looking for a cute little knitted wrap for a holiday party or any other time you want to dress up, this quick and easy knitting pattern fits the bill.
Knit Stitch
The knit stitch is the basis of all other knitting. Once you've mastered the knit stitch you can make your first knitted project.
garter_stitch_scarf
Garter stitch scarf knitting pattern.
How to Felt
Felting your knitting is a fun way to transform a project into something completely different. Here's a tutorial on how to felt a knitting project.
Garter Stitch Scarf
This is a perfect first knitting project for any beginning knitter because all you have to do is knit. It's also a very quick project, which a beginner could complete in a weekend and a more advanced knitter could pull off in a few hours.
Circular Needles
Knitting with circular needles is a little mysterious for the beginning knitter. Patterns assume that you know how to knit with circular needles, but if you don't, this guide will help.
moss_stitch_afghan
Moss stitch lap afghan knitting pattern
Garter Stitch
Garter stitch is the most basic pattern stitch out there, but it is actually quite useful for scarves, washcloths and other utilitarian projects.
Purl Stitch
The second-most common stitch in the knitting world is the purl stitch, sort of the opposite of a knit. Once you know how to knit and purl, you can make all sorts of fun knitted items.
Sock Knitting Tips
These sock knitting tips from readers and others will help you knit socks more efficiently and with better results.
Moss Stitch Zigzag
Moss stitch zigzag is a textured zigzag panel that's perfect for the vertical edges of a piece of repeated across a whole fabric, such as a sweater or vest.
Roman Stitch Baby Blanket
Roman Stitch is an easy knitting stitch that gives a nice textured look to anything you knit in it. This alpaca baby blanket is the perfect way to use this quick-knitting stitch.
Washcloth Patterns
Everyone needs more washcloths and dishcloths, and these little projects are a great way to try out a new stitch pattern or decorate for the holidays. They make great gifts, too.
Seed Stitch
Seed stitch is a fun and simple stitch pattern that makes raised stitch areas that look like seeds.
Using Double-Pointed Needles
Double-pointed needles are the tool of choice when knitting a small circular object such as a sock. But they can be a little tricky to deal with. Here are some tips to help you use double-pointed needles.
easy_wrap
Easy party wrap free knitting pattern
Loopy Washcloth
Loop stitch is a fun way to make a loopy fabric sort of like you might see on bathmats, and it's a good way to embellish a washcloth to make it work more like a bath sponge.
Loop Stitch
Loop stitch is an interesting knitting stitch pattern that is a fun way to work a fringe-like element into a knitting project, or it can be used to make loops all over a piece of knitted fabric.
Basketweave Scarf
This free knitting pattern for a basketweave scarf is easy for beginners, quick to knit and super warm.
Feather and Fan
Feather and Fan is a classic knitting stitch pattern that makes a scalloped edge and rows of lacy fans.
Graceful Shawl
The grace note stitch is a beautiful lace stitch pattern that makes a simple rectangular something really special.
Binding Off
So you've learned to cast on, knit and purl, but how do you finish a project? That's where binding off comes in.
Stockinette Washcloth
Washcloths and dish towels are a lot of fun to make. They are quick projects and completely useful. This stockinette stitch washcloth has a seed stitch border to keep it from curling.
Fingerless Gloves
Fingerless gloves are a wonderful, quick knitting project that you'll want to wear all the time when working on the computer or doing other tasks that require use of your fingers.
Bamboo Stitch
Bamboo stitch is an interesting but relatively easy knitting stitch that involves slipping a yarn over over two knit stitches, making an interesting texture.
Linen Stitch
Linen stitch is a nice, firm knitting stitch pattern that looks similar to the woven fabric called linen. It's a great reversible pattern perfect for bags, scarves and just about anything else you can think of.
Block Knitting
Blocking knitting is a great way to smooth out imperfections in your knitting, to make pieces uniform in size and to make garments look and fit better. Learn how to block your knitting and enjoy better looking projects.
stockinette_washcloth
Stockinette stitch washcloth knitting pattern
Andalusian Stitch
Andalusian stitch is a very easy knitting stitch pattern than is mostly stockinette stitch with a row of knits and purls thrown in. This gives the knit fabric a textured, tweedy look that is nice.
Yarn Over
Yarn over, abbreviated YO, is an easy way to increase your stitches by making a hole in your knitting.
fuzzy_boa
Stockinette stitch scarf knitting pattern
Quaker Rib
There are many different variations of what is called Quaker rib, which involves stripes of varying widths in stockinette stitch and reverse stockinette stitch.
Knitting Abbreviations
Knitting Abbreviations Don't Get Lost in Translation One of the most frustrating things for beginning
Broken_rib_washcloth
Broken rib washcloth free knitting pattern
Garter Stitch Bib
This garter stitch bib is really easy to knit, and quite durable. Knit a bunch of these for a mom-to-be and she will be grateful.
Rice Stitch
Rice stitch is a fun and interesting knitting stitch pattern that makes a cool raised pattern that looks somewhat like kernels of rice.
Triple Rib Baby Blanket
The triple rib makes a lovely baby blanket for a modern-looking baby room. This pattern is easy and quick to knit.
Learn to Knit a Sock
This super easy pattern takes you through the basics of sock knitting on a small scale with large needles. It aims to get you comfortable with all the techniques needed to knit socks without having to worry about knitting on tiny needles or if the finished sock will actually fit on a foot.
Moss Stitch
Moss Stitch is a fun little pattern that makes little bunches of raised stitches that have a look reminiscent of moss. It's a cute pattern that is very simple to complete.
Garter Eyelet Lace
This simple knitting stitch pattern makes a row of lacy eyelets in between rows of garter stitch. The only things you need to know to make this work are how to knit, yarn over and knit two together.
Women's Stockinette Sock
A Stockinette Stitch sock is as easy as sock knitting gets, and is a great way for new sock knitters to focus on the instructions without getting distracted by a complex pattern stitch.
Garter Stitch Baby Blanket
This large and wooly garter stitch baby blanket is easy enough for beginners, will keep babies warm in even the coldest of winters, and is big enough to be used for a long time.
Scarf Hat
The scarf hat (or hat scarf) is a combination hat and scarf where the scarf is attached to the hat like ear flaps. This is the ultimate cold-weather accessory because there is no way for the wind to get to your ears or neck since there's no space between the hat and scarf.
Chevron Stitch
The Chevron is a nice, relatively easy knitting stitch pattern that makes knit zig-zags on a field of purls. The back side is just as good looking as the front.
Inverness Diamonds
Inverness diamond is a beautiful knitting stitch pattern made up of stacked Xs. It is somewhat masculine and would be great to use of scarves or winter accessories.
Broken Rib Washcloth
Broken rib is an easy and lovely knitting stitch pattern that makes a quick-to-knit, easy knitted washcloth pattern.
Bed and Blanket Sizes
Did you know bed sizes are different in different countries? If you want to design your own knitted blankets, here are some guidelines for blanket sizes to help you know how big to make your blankets.
Read a Pattern
Knitting patterns often seem like they are written in code. Here are some tips for reading your first knitting patterns.
Box Stitch
Box stitch is an easy knitting stitch pattern involving a four-row repeat that makes boxes of knits and purls on the fabric.
Special Date Baby Blanket
A striped blanket that incorporates the baby's birthday is a wonderful gift for any new baby. This pattern is more of a method than an actual pattern.
Knit Through Back
Knitting through the back of a stitch produces a twisted stitch, which is a very cool look if you're doing it on purpose.
Slouchy Hat
This is a very easy hat pattern that makes a slouchy, fun hat for teens or adults. Three sizes are given, so you can knit it big or small.
3x3 Ribbing
3x3 rib is an easy ribbing pattern with a little more character than the narrower ribs.
Gifts for Knitters
If you're a knitter trying to provide shopping ideas to your family and friends or you're looking for a great gift for a fellow crafter, this list should give you some good ideas.
Bamboo Yarn
Bamboo yarn is a lot of fun to work with and produces beautiful knitted items that are also antibacterial. Here's more information on pros, cons and tips for knitting with bamboo yarn.
Picking up Stitches
Some patterns say you should pick up stitches, while some say to pick up and knit. This is what they mean
Felted Bowl
This quick knitting, spring-colored felted bowl is an easy first felting project and a perfect little bowl to hold yarn or give as a gift.
Yarn Weights
Different yarns are said to have different weights, or thicknesses, and different weights of yarns are used for different types of projects. Learn what the different weights are and how to use them.
Classic Knits at Home
Classic Knits at Home provides 15 lovely patterns for the home, with an emphasis on throws and pillows. The patterns are beautiful, some of them are quite easy and all of them are classics you'll love having in your home for years to come.
Basketweave
Basketweave stitch is a fun knitting stitch pattern that comes in several different variations that look like woven fabric.
Double Basket
Double Basket is a really cool knitting stitch pattern that is full of texture. The undulating ribs make this stitch really interesting to knit and to look at on finished projects.
Sock Basics
Many knitters are afraid of knitting socks, but there's nothing to be worried about. Just trust the pattern and read this pep talk to get started.
KFB
Once you've knitted in the front of the stitch, you also need to knit in the back of the stitch to complete the increase.
Ribbed Baby Hat
This adorable ribbed baby hat is really quick to knit and super cute on any little head. Sizes from preemie to age 4.
Making Pom-Poms
Pom-poms are a fun finishing touch to hats, scarves, and other knitting projects. Here's a quick and easy way to make your own pom-poms.
Knit Stripes
Knitting with different colors is easier than you might think. This quick tutorial will show you how to knit with color and make stripes.
Needle Sizes
Knitting needles come in many different sizes, and those sizes can be labeled in several different ways. Here are the basics you need to know about sizing knitting needles.
Loom Knitted Hat
This loom knitted hat is a great way to learn the technique of loom knitting while showing your support for breast cancer awareness.
Blanket Rib
Blanket rib makes a very dense, ribbed looking fabric by increasing on one row and decreasing on the next.
Weaving Ends
Weaving in ends is a necessary part of any knitting project. A lot of knitters don't like these finishing tasks, but they are necessary if you want a knitted item that looks good and is going to last.
Roman Stitch
Roman Stitch is a striking knitting stitch that combines Stockinette Stitch and Seed Stitch. It is an easy and pretty pattern that even new knitters can easily master.
Broken Rib
Broken rib is a fun, easy, slightly feminine knitting stitch pattern that is perfect for beginners.
Flat Hat
Knitting a hat flat is an easy way for beginners to learn to make hats, and it's also a quick way for established knitters to finish a project on the double. Knit with Ozark Handspun, this hat looks much fancier than it is.
Cotton Baby Hat
This easy cotton baby hat is super comfortable and slightly stretchy, so it will fit your favorite little one for a lot longer than it takes to knit.
Seed-Pearl Stitch
This knitting stitch patterns looks a bit like little pearls (of purls) on a background of stockinette stitch in a square or grid pattern.
Fun Fur Scarf
Eyelash yarn or fun fur is a great product that is like nothing else you've worked with. A quick and easy scarf made of this fun yarn is reminiscent of a feather boa and brings a bit of pizzazz to your everyday wardrobe.
Mistake Rib Dishcloth
Mistake rib is an easy and attractive knitting stitch pattern that looks great on simple home knits like this dish cloth.
Farrow Rib Scarf
This free knitting pattern is for an easy-to-knit farrow rib scarf.
I-Cord
I-cord seems difficult until you know how to do it, and once you learn how to make an I-cord, you'll come up with tons of reasons to use them.
Knitting Mistakes
Knitting mistakes happen, whether they're a single knit where you should have purled or a problem with a pattern. Here are some tips on how to fix them.
Pumpkin Hat
A tiny pumpkin hat is a cute gift for a newborn and makes a perfect Halloween costume with the addition of an orange onesie.
Soap Sack
This soap sack knitting pattern is a fun housewarming gift or part of a spa set for a friend who needs a pick-me-up (or for yourself).
Felted Place Mat
Felting is a perfect addition to knitting for fall accessories. This felted placemat is generously sized and (if knit with the same yarn I used) is reminiscent of fall leaves or an autumn sunset.
Mistake Rib
Mistake rib is an interesting knitting stitch pattern that produces columns of knit stitches.
Cast On Methods
There are so many different ways to cast on, and all of those ways seem to have multiple names. This list aims to clear up some of the confusion in vocabulary and direct you to tutorials where you can learn the different cast on methods.
Knitting Gauge
Nearly every knitting pattern warns you to be sure to check your gauge. Learn why it is important to check your gauge.
Shadow Rib
Shadow rib is an interesting knitting stitch pattern that looks interesting on both sides. It has wide columns of knits on the knit side and a collection of purls with twisted knit stitch columns on the purl side.
Felting Tips
Felting is a lot of fun, but it can be a little intimidating. Here are some felting tips that will help you felt with ease.
Dot Stitch
Dot stitch is an easy four-row repeat knitting stitch pattern in which two of the rows are straight knitting. It makes a nice pebbled surface "dotted" with purls.
Felted Hot Pad
Hot pads are incredibly useful items to have in the kitchen, whether you're pulling something out of the oven or serving something hot on the table. Using a felted hot pad means you've got something nice, thick and heat resistant that you can knit up in no time.
Farrow Rib
Farrow rib is a fun, easy knitting stitch pattern that makes a manly looking ribbing perfect for a scarf.
Beginner FAQs
Beginning knitters have a lot of questions about how to learn to knit, developing knitting skills and more. Here are the top questions beginning knitters have, along with their answers.
Woven Scarf
This free knitting pattern is a quick and easy knitting pattern for a woven pattern scarf.
Two Circulars
Most knitters learn to knit small projects in the round using double-pointed needles, but many prefer to knit in the round using two circular needles instead. This tutorial will show you how to knit in the round with two circular needles.
Beginner Tools
There are so many knitting tools out there, it's hard to know what you really need in order to get started. This quick guide should help.
Purse Stitch
Purse stitch is one of the faggoting lace stitches that involves one row--this time largely of purl stitches--repeated over and over to make a lacy pattern.
Bodywarmer
This free knitting pattern is for what I call a bodywarmer: part scarf, part shrug and part head wrap, it's all warm and lots of fun to knit.
Cable Cast On
Cable cast on is a handy cast on method that makes a firm edge that looks a bit like a cable when completed. It's a little tricky because the stitches must be kept very loose. Here's how to complete a cable cast on.
Men's Woven Rib Sock
This Woven Rib men's sock is easy to knit but a little more entertaining than a basic Stockinette Stitch or ribbed sock. Despite the size it's still pretty quick to knit and you'll be surprised how that one little row of purling keeps you entertained.
Horizontal Dash
Horizontal dash stitch is made by purling a series of stitches periodically on a field of stockinette stitch. It is a very easy and striking knitting stitch pattern.
Baby Blanket Yardage
Sometimes you have your own idea for a design for a baby blanket and you might not know how much yarn to buy. This quick estimate will give you an idea of the yardage requirements for a basic baby blanket.
Substituting Yarns
Substituting yarns is something every knitter has to do from time to time. Learn how to substitute yarns with ease and confidence.
Mock Cable
There are many different ways to make mock cables. This is one of the easiest of all, involving knitting two stitches together and then knitting into one stitch again to make a twist.
Reading a Chart
Reading a knitting chart is a basic of multi-colored knitting, but it can be a little intimidating for new knitters. Here are some basics on how to read a knitting chart.
Diamond Brocade
Diamond Brocade is a very popular knitting stitch pattern that involves raised purl diamond shapes on a field of stockinette. There are many variations to this easy and pretty stitch.
King Charles Brocade
King Charles Brocade is a famous diamond-shaped knitting stitch pattern that is beautifully masculine and relatively easy to make.
German Twisted Cast On
German twisted cast on, sometimes referred to as Old Norwegian cast on, is a great, stretchy cast on method that is perfect for socks. It's a little tricky at first but you will love to use it.
Knit on Plane
All knitters who travel wonder if they can take their knitting on a plane. The answer is yes, but there are some guidelines to make knitting on a plane safer and easier.
Eyelet Washcloth
This free knitting pattern for a garter stitch eyelet washcloth is a great addition to a luxurious spa gift or a wonderful bathtime accessory for you and your family.
Choosing a Knitting Bag
Choosing a knitting bag is a very personal thing, but it's something every knitter will have to do at some point if she or he wants to transport a knitting project or knit in public. What to look for in a bag and where to find it.
Feather and Fan Dishcloth
This Feather and Fan dishcloth is super-easy to knit and a great first lace project because it's knit on rather large needles.
Slip-Stitch Rib
The slip-stitch rib is one of the easiest slip stitch patterns, which gets its texture from slipping stitches with the yarn in front and knitting the next stitch.
Ribbon Yarn
Ribbon yarn is a fun, novelty yarn that is great to use in accessories.
Knit Snake
This knit snake is super easy to knit on three double-pointed needles, and can be made as large or as small as you like.
Capelet
This free knitting pattern for a cozy capelet is easy and quick to knit from one skein of Trendsetter Yosemite.
Cabled Headband
This free knitting pattern for a cabled headband and earwarmer is an easy way to learn how to knit cables and a perfect addition to your winter wardrobe.
Heel Stitch
Heel stitch is most commonly used on the heels of socks, but used elsewhere it is a durable and very warm stitch pattern.
Crossed Stockinette
Crossed stockinette stitch is a slightly jazzed-up version of regular stockinette stitch in which the knit stitches are knit through the back loop, making a crossed stitch.
OXO Cable
The OXO cable is an adorable cable pattern that makes a series of Xs and Os that are cute on a sweater, scarf or any cabled project.
Increase
What does it mean when a knitting pattern says you should increase? How do you increase in knitting? Here's a basic definition.
Mercerized Cotton
Mercerized cotton is a special kind of yarn that you might want to use for knitting projects. Here's a quick overview of what it is, how it's made and where it got its strange name.
Knitting
The knit stitch is the basis of all knitted items. Knit as a verb is the action of knitting.
Favorite Color Scarf
Knit with huge needles, the Favorite Color Scarf combine several different strands of thread to make a warm but airy scarf. This scarf knits up in no time and your friends will all want you to make one for them.
Hand Felting
Felting with the use of a washing machine is the preferred method because it is quick and easy, but if you don't have access to a machine, you can felt by hand with these tips.
Checkerboard Stitch
Checkerboard stitch is a combination of two colors of squares alternated to make a checkerboard pattern.
Organ Pipes
Organ pipes is an easy knitting stitch pattern that consists of smaller and larger rectangles of knit stitches stacked on each other on a field of purls.
Knitted Helmet Liner
Helmet liners are a wonderful charity knitting project for soldiers serving in colder climates. Here are the instructions for a knitted helmet liner being collected and sent to the troops.
Long-Tail Cast On
The long-tail cast on method is one of the most popular cast on methods in knitting. While it takes a little fancy fingerwork, it's quick and easy once you know how to do it.
Wrap Cast On
The wrap cast on is probably the easiest cast on method to master, but it isn't easy to get the tension even with this method. Still, it's a good one for beginners and it gets stitches on the needle quickly.
Slip Stitch Honeycomb Stitch
Slip stitch honeycomb, also known as loop stitch, is an easy pattern using slipped stitches to make texture on the other side of the work that looks like a honeycomb of diagonal lines.
How to Make Tassels
Making tassels for knitting projects is a fun and easy way to embellish projects, making them a little more special and interesting than they might be otherwise. Here's a really quick way to make tassels for any project.
Box Stitch Scarf
The box stitch is an easy knitting stitch that makes a fabric with a lot of texture. This scarf uses the stitch to make a chenille yarn a little more interesting.
Bias Knit Washcloth
This super-easy Christmas-colored washcloth makes a cheerful addition to any kitchen or bathroom. Or knit up a couple in different colors and add them to a holiday gift of bath items.
Felted House Scarf
Everyone who has read a Harry Potter book or seen one of the movies knows about the house scarves, and knitters the world over have been making their own interpretations of them for years. This is mine; a felted striped scarf with a classic, masculine look.
Small Gift Bag
A small gift bag is a very quick knitting project that becomes part of the gift. Knit this up from a scrap of bulky yarn in less than an hour and you've got the perfect container for a "just thinking of you" gift.
Grafting/Kitchener Stitch
Grafting, also known as Kitchener Stitch, is a popular way to close up sock toes and other pieces of knitting that are live on two needles. It can be a little intimidating, but with practice and a mantra in your head, it gets easier.
Feather Faggoting
Feather faggoting is an easy lace knitting pattern that makes a nice open fabric after blocking.
Drop Stitch
Drop stitch or dropped stitch is more of a method than an actual pattern. It involves making elongated stitches that give your work an airy, stretchy quality.
Wristwarmers
The free knitting pattern for Valentine's Day inspired wristwarmers is a fun and festive project for knitters of all skill levels.
Favorie Color Scarf
Knitting a scarf with a bunch of different yarns on huge needles is a quick and easy way to finish a project. Choosing yarns that are all in the same color makes for an interesting look and the perfect gift for someone when you knit them a scarf in their favorite color.
Ripple Stitch
Ripple stitch is a really fun and easy knitting stitch pattern that is created with undulating purl stitches that make a zig-zag pattern across a field of knit stitches.
 All Topics | Email Article | | |
Advertising Info | News & Events | Work at About | SiteMap | Reprints | HelpOur Story | Be a Guide
User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy©2008 About, Inc., A part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.