Master the Norwegian Knitting Style: Learn How to Knit Like a Pro
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Master Knitting: Step-by-Step Guide to Knit and Purl with the Norwegian Method
LET’S KNIT TOGETHER FRIEND!
If you’ve ever wondered about knitting but never taken the plunge, now it the time! In this 15+ minute tutorial, I’ll walk you through how to cast on, knit, purl, the stockinette stitch and bind off! Its the perfect little tutorial to get you familiar with the process and start practicing! Plus, its the BEST WAY FOR A CROCHETER TO LEARN HOW TO KNIT, in my humble opinion! Let’s jump into the video.
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TOOLS NEEDED:
+ yarn: worsted weight
+ tools: 5 mm knitting needles
+ scissors + yarn needle
CAST ON TO BIND OFF
In the video, I show you how to long tail cast on, how to knit/garter stitch, purl, stockinette stitch and bind off. The long tail cast on method is my preferred way to cast on and I use it nearly 100% of the time. It creates a nice firm, stretchy, edge making it just right for most knitting projects and it actually produces a knitted row.
The struggle with a long tail cast on is not leaving a long enough tail. A good rule of thumb is allow for a least 1” of yarn length per stitch that you are casting on. Plus, 4-6 inches for weaving in ends after you’re done the project. My fave thing to do though is to take the measurement of the project and multiple it by 3. So for example, if your project is 4” wide then your tail for cast on should be 12” plus 6” for the weave in end.
How to Cast On
Measure of the length of yarn you’ll need for the cast. Now, make a slip knot. Keep the tail end closest to you and the working yarn (ball end) furthest away.
With your left hand make a “sling shot” with your thumb and pointer finger. Both the thumb and pointer finger has different ends of yarn; the thumb gets the tail end and the pointer finger gets the ball end.
Then insert the right knitting needle under the yarn on the outside of the loop on your thumb
once your needle is in the loop on your thumb, wrap yarn from your pointer finger around the needle and pull through the loop on your thumb to make a stitch. Now, snug up your stitch
Complete process until you have the desired amount of stitches on your needle.
How to Knit the Knit/Garter Stitch
A plain stitch knit is also known as the garter stitch. Just an FYI, some stitches have multiple names! Yes, it can be confusing but you’ll get the hang of it, so don’t worry! Another thing you should note is: there are many styles of knitting including Continental, Russian and English— just to name a few. Even within these styles are are sub-styles like Norwegian. I knit Norwegian, so that is what I will teach here.
To knit the garter stitch:
Hold your needle with the cast-on stitches in your left hand, and insert the right-hand needle into the first stitch as if to knit.
Wrap the working yarn around the right-hand needle from back to front.
Use the right-hand needle to pull the wrapped yarn through the first stitch on the left-hand needle, forming a new stitch on the right-hand needle.
Slip the old stitch off the left-hand needle.
Repeat steps 2-5 for each stitch on the left-hand needle, until all stitches have been worked onto the right-hand needle.
Turn your work around so that the needle with the newly formed stitches is in your left hand and the empty needle is in your right hand.
Repeat steps 2-7, knitting every row until your fabric is the desired length.
How to Knit the Norwegian Purl Stitch
The Norwegian purl stitch allows you to purl stitches while holding the yarn in the back of the work. Here's how you can do the Norwegian purl stitch:
Hold the yarn in the back of the work, insert your RH needle into the LH needle as if to purl making sure that the working yarn in draped over the RH needle before inserting the needle in the stitch.
Twist the RH needle around to the back and wrap yarn clockwise around the right-hand needle.
Now twist RH needle back to the front of the work, draw it through the stitch and pull it through on the left-hand needle, creating a new stitch.
Slide the original stitch off the left-hand needle.
Repeat these steps for each stitch you want to purl.
How to Stockinette Stitch
This basic stitch is by far my fave to do! And its also the easiest. To complete the stockinette stitch in flat knitting, all you need to do is alternative rows of knitting and purling. If knitting in the round, you simply knit every stitch.
Bind Off
To bind off, you will knit the first two stitches as usual, then use the left-hand needle to lift the first stitch over the second and off the right-hand needle. Continue in this way, knitting the next stitch and passing the previous stitch over it until only one stitch remains on the right-hand needle. Cut the yarn, leaving a tail of about 6 inches, and pull the tail through the last stitch to secure it.
Weaving in Your Ends
Cut the yarn, leaving a tail of about 6 inches.
Thread the tail onto a tapestry needle.
Turn your knitted piece over so that the wrong side is facing up.
Insert the needle into the base of the first stitch on the wrong side, from front to back.
Weave the needle back and forth through the stitches for about an inch, following the path of the yarn.
Change direction and weave the needle back through the same stitches, but in a different direction. This will help to secure the yarn in place.
Repeat steps 4-6 for the second tail of yarn, if there is one.
Trim any excess yarn, making sure not to cut the woven-in ends.
Turn your knitted piece over so that the right side is facing up, and admire your finished project!
By weaving in your ends, your knitted project will look more polished and professional, and you'll have peace of mind knowing that it won't unravel over time.
Here are some tips for learning Norwegian-style knitting as a beginner:
1. Yarn Selection:
- Look for yarns labeled "worsted weight" or "aran weight" (medium thickness)
- Wool is ideal because it has natural grip and "memory" that helps stitches hold their shape
- Good starter brands include Cascade 220 or Lion Brand Wool-Ease
- Choose light colors like cream, light gray, or pale blue to see stitch definition clearly
2. Left Hand Yarn Hold (Norwegian Style):
- Drape the working yarn over your left index finger
- Thread it through your other fingers like you're making a "peace sign"
- The yarn should flow smoothly but with slight resistance
- Keep your palm facing downward, not sideways like in English-style knitting
3. The "Picking" Motion:
- Your right needle tip should go under the yarn from front to back
- Think of it like a little hook scooping up the yarn
- Keep your right hand relaxed - no need to grip tightly
- The movement is minimal - just a small dip of the needle tip
4. First Project Tips:
- Cast on 20-30 stitches for a practice swatch or scarf
- Work only knit stitches (garter stitch) for at least 4-6 inches
- Focus on making your stitches consistent rather than perfect
- Count your stitches each row to ensure you're not accidentally adding or dropping any
5. Tension Control:
- Wrap the yarn around your finger once for light tension
- Stitches should slide on the needle with gentle resistance
- You should be able to easily insert your needle into each stitch
- If your knitting feels stiff or your hands hurt, you're pulling too tight
6. Needle Selection:
- Start with US size 8 (5mm) or 9 (5.5mm) needles
- Choose needles around 10 inches long (not too short or long)
- Bamboo needles have a slightly grippy surface that's perfect for beginners
- Avoid metal needles until you're more confident in your tension control
7. Thumb and Hand Position:
- Keep your right thumb near the tip of the right needle
- Use it to guide the needle into stitches
- Your left thumb should hold the work steady
- Maintain relaxed wrists to prevent strain
Common Problems & Solutions:
1. Accidentally Adding Stitches
Problem: Your knitting gets wider after each row- Cause: Usually from yarn wrapping over the needle accidentally
Fix: * Always start each stitch with your yarn behind your work
* Make sure you're only wrapping the yarn once per stitch
* Count your stitches at the end of each row
2. Dropped Stitches
Problem: You notice a ladder of loose yarn running down your workFix:* Don't panic! You can fix this with a crochet hook
* Insert hook through the loose loop at the bottom
* Catch each rung of the "ladder" and pull it through the loop above
* Once you reach the top, place the stitch back on your left needle
3. Stitches Too Tight
Problem: Can barely insert needle into stitchesFix:* Make your wraps looser around the needle
* Keep about 1/4 inch space between stitches
* Try holding your hands farther apart for more slack
* Practice making your yarn tension more relaxed
4. Uneven Stitches
Problem: Some stitches are larger than othersFix:* Keep yarn consistently tensioned on your left index finger
* Make sure each stitch is pushed all the way up on the needle before working it
* Don't pull some stitches tighter than others
* Give each stitch a gentle tug after completing it
5. Tangled Working Yarn
Problem: Yarn gets twisted and knottedFix:* Let your work hang occasionally to untwist
* Keep yarn ball in a bowl or yarn holder
* Don't wrap yarn around fingers more than once
* Periodically check for knots forming
REMEMBER…
Everyone starts somewhere, so don’t judge your work harshly. It may look wonky with holes but who cares because you’re learning and practicing. Once you feel comfortable with the process of knitting and your tension is balanced and even, move on to your first pattern. I would start with something easy like a potholder. Stay tuned, I’ll have a tutorial and free pattern for this as well! Until then, enjoy a free knitting pattern on me! Subscribe to my email list below for instant access.
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