Introduction to Creative Knitting Techniques

Meet your teachers Barbara and Elisabetta, founders of the DIY knitwear brand Bettaknit. They tell you a bit about their work, their sources of inspiration, and some of the designers and artists they collaborate with to create their knitting kits.

Begin with an introduction to the tools and materials you need for the final project. Get to know the different varieties of yarn, based on their size and intended use, and several types of knitting needles.

Next, learn the fundamentals for any knitting project: casting on, the knit stitch, and the purl stitch. By mastering these techniques, you open up a world of possibilities for making unique knitwear.

Once you're comfortable with the basics, learn three more important stitches for your project: the stockinette stitch, rib stitch, and seed stitch. Take your stitches one step further and see how to knit groups of them into cables.

Now it's time to make your poncho. Barbara and Elisabetta teach you how to start it from a gauge, calculating the number of stitches you need based on your measurements.

They also give you some tips on how to adapt your design for a wide variety of other uses, such as a scarf, a blanket, and other accessories.

To tie everything together, see how to add a touch of personal style to your poncho by decorating it with simple fringe, macramé, or tassels.