Knitting is one of the easiest needle crafts to learn. It is based on two stitches, the knit stitch and the purl stitch. All patterns–even the complicated ones are based on variations of these two stitches.
The Knit Stitch
When first learning to knit, beginners make simple items using just the knit stitch. Row upon row of knit is called the garter stitch. It makes ridges on both sides of the work. When used for borders, garter stitch prevents the edges from rolling. To make the knit stitch, insert the needle from the front to back of each stitch.
The Purl Stitch
The purl stitch is the second of the two main knitting stitches. Many stitchers consider the purl stitch a sort of backward knit stitch. It’s a little bit more awkward and for the most part is done on the wrong side of the work. To make the purl stitch, insert the needle from the back to the front of each stitch.
Stockinette Stitch
A row of knit on the right side of your work followed by a row of purl on the wrong side form the stockinette stitch. Although the two sides look different, the finished work is smooth on the right side. The knit side will look like little hearts or V’s and the purl side will look bumpy or ridged like a string of pearls.
