How to Knit a Sweater for Beginners (with Pictures)

To knit a sweater, you’ll need between 3 and 5 skeins of yarn, size 10 knitting needles, size 8 knitting needles, scissors, and a yarn needle. Start by casting the number of stitches for the size of your sweater using the size 8 needles. For example, you’ll need 63 stitches for a small sweater, 70 for a medium, and 77 for a large. Once you’ve casted your stitches, begin working in the garter stitch, which will form the bottom border of your sweater. After you finish your 6th row, start working with your size 10 needles and switch to the stockinette stitch. To do this stitch, alternate between knitting and purling your rows. Once the sweater is the length you want, bind off the stitches. Repeat this process twice, so you have both a front and back piece for the sweater. To make the sleeves, cast 32 stitches for a small, 34 for a medium, or 35 for a large. Knit 6 rows using size 8 needles and the garter stitch. Then, switch to size 10 needles and the stockinette stitch. When your sleeve is at 30 rows, work in an increase into the edge stitch every 4 rows to make room for the shoulder. Once your sleeve is long enough, bind off the stitches. Finally, use your knitting needle and yarn to assemble all your pieces together. For more advice, like how to shape the neckline of your sweater, read on!