We’ll start with a review of what you learned in the Learn-to-Knit e-book – an easy cast-on, proper knit-stitch technique, and simple pattern reading.

We’ll then take a trip to the yarn store and learn about a fantastic online knitting resource that you will love. We’ll pick out some yarn for your first projects and get started! We’ll start knitting with a new, slightly more complicated but much nicer-looking cast-on, and the tricks that will help you do it well.

I’ll then teach you the flip side to the coin of knitting – the purl stitch. We’ll discuss and practice the different kinds of fabrics you can make when you combing the knit and purl stitches in different ways.

We’ll then start some projects! A ribbed scarf is a beautiful project and great practice for your purl stitches. We’ll take a trip to the yarn store together – I’ll help you pick out the right yarn and needles, as well as some other basic supplies that you’ll have to get sooner or later. While we work on the ribbed scarf, you’ll also be practicing “reading” your work – recognizing what knit and purl stitches look like, and why that’s helpful.

We’ll then take a break from scarves and swatches to learn two incredibly important techniques: increasing and decreasing. Yep – it’s time to break out of the rectangle! It’s easier than you think, and it’s crucial for advancing to projects like hats, mittens, and sweaters. I’ll teach you the easiest ways to add and take away stitches, and we’ll practice on a fantastic beginner pattern – the diamond dishcloth. At the same time, we’ll have another yarn lesson (and this trip to the yarn store will be very cheap!).

I’ll also give you a secret to counting your rows on garter stitch, which you’ll definitely want to know in the future. I’ll then introduce you to Stockinette stitch, the fabric at the foundation of almost every knitted item. As we knit a dishcloth with a cute image in “relief,” we’ll talk about the delights and challenges of Stockinette stitch and get familiar with how the fabric works, as well as how to fix any mistakes in your knitting.

I’ll also teach you how to count your stitches and rows easily (something that even many advanced knitters don’t have the hang of!), and how and when to use stitch markers to keep track of where you are. I’ll then walk you through some of my favorite stitch-combinations that work great as scarves – you’ll practice seed-stitch, learn how and when to slip stitches, and how to make my favorite stitch pattern: “man stitch” (more commonly known as mistake-rib). You’ll knit two gorgeous scarves and a challenge dishcloth in this module.

We’ll finish the e-book with a great project to tie together all of your knowledge of stitches – a stitch-sampler patchwork blanket. This makes a beautiful gift for a friend who’s expecting, or maybe someone who’s moving away. It’s also a great group project!

I’ll help you continue practicing and perfecting your knitting foundations by showing you my favorite resources for stitch-inspiration – the books and websites that can help you make up your own scarf, blanket, and dishcloth patterns, in new and engaging combinations of knit-and-purl. Ready? Let’s get started!