Knitting Basics

What is Knitting?

At its core, knitting is a simple process of mounting a series of loops onto a pointed stick made of metal, wood, bone or plastic and then, successively pulling yarn through those loops and onto another needle, shedding the old loops as you progress across the row.

This ancient craft was likely developed in ancient Egypt in a different form that involved using a needle and yarn rather than making stitches on a stick. The ancient technique still exists under the nordic name “Nålbinding/Naalbinding.” The innovation to regulate the size of the stitches as well as speed up the work by using smooth, even sticks is likely what created an explosion in its popularity.

Today, knitting is practiced around the world as both a leisure craft and profession. In the knitting basics section of this site, you will learn to mount your stitches (cast on) and work them in various ways to achieve a knit fabric that offers warmth, love and joy.