First Stitches: An Introduction to Knitting

Finally unravel the mysteries of yarn and needles! Knitting 101 is designed to take you from absolutely no experience to confident beginner. Over four hands-on weeks, you will master the foundational mechanics of knitting—casting on, the knit stitch, the purl stitch, and casting off—while working on a wearable cowl. You’ll learn how to read yarn labels, fix simple mistakes, and choose the right tools for future projects. By the end of class, you’ll walk away with your very first completed handmade accessory and all the skills required to tackle beginner patterns on your own. Supplies Needed: Yarn: 1–2 skeins/balls (approx. 150–200 yards) of Medium/Worsted Weight (#4) or Bulky (#5) yarn in a light, solid color. (Note: Avoid dark colors, textured/bouclé yarn, or splitting yarns like cotton). Needles: US Size 8 or 9 (5.0mm–5.5mm) for worsted weight OR US Size 10.5 (6.5mm) for bulky weight. Single-pointed needles (10″ length) or 24″ circular needles work best. Notions: Tapestry / Darning needle (large eye, blunt tip). Small crochet hook (Size G/4.0mm or H/5.0mm) for fixing dropped stitches. Measuring tape. Small scissors. A notebook and pen for notes.