Top Techniques to Know Before You Knit

Class Preview

Your best knitting starts here! Join seven all-star Craftsy instructors for essentials that take every project to the next level.

Choosing a Good Pattern

Author and knitwear designer Kate Atherley helps you decipher patterns so you can choose the perfect one! She shows you reliable sources for knitters and teaches you how to check the pattern for quality. Kate also provides tricks for identifying a difficult pattern.

Measuring for a Flattering Fit

Designer Amy Herzog teaches you how to properly measure your torso for a flattering knit fit. First you’ll learn how to measure a basic fit for any shape and how to measure for bust and hip darts. Then you’ll measure for the perfect neckline depth and multiple sleeve lengths for any style.

Yarn in the Wild

Pattern designer Clara Parkes helps you learn techniques to identify yarn in the store. Then she’ll discuss tricks you can use to figure out that mystery yarn in your stash by using bleach or a lighter. Finally, she’ll demonstrate how to evaluate yarn confidently for any project.

Getting Gauge

Designer and author Sally Melville teaches you the importance of gauge in a pattern. First, she’ll discuss how to make an accurate yarn substitution. Then you’ll learn why steam pressing or washing your swatch is vital before knitting your pattern. Finally you’ll learn how to re-gauge a pattern.

Identifying Stitches & Reading Charts

Learn to identify stitches with designer Ann Budd! First, learn the importance of stitch mount and understand how to read chart symbols. Then Ann demonstrates how to identify stitch types and how to knit a stitch identification swatch. Finally you’ll learn how to work increases and decreases.

Basic Cast-Ons

Join Aurora Sisneros to learn multiple techniques to get started knitting! You’ll learn the long-tail cast-on, knitted cast-on, purled cast-on and cable cast-on. As an added bonus, Aurora will also teach you the left-hand version of all these techniques.

Provisional Cast-Ons

In this lesson, Carol Feller teaches you how to knit a provisional cast-on. With her easy-to-follow techniques you can quickly learn many provisional cast-on options, including the knitted and crocheted versions. She’ll also teach you an easy way to remove a provisional cast-on for a clean look.