YouTube has thousands of knitting channels, but the best ones depend on what you already know and what you want to make

If you are looking for knitting instruction on YouTube, you will find videos ranging from absolute beginner basics to advanced techniques. The challenge is not finding videos — it is finding the right teacher for your pace and style. Some channels move slowly and repeat steps; others assume you know how to hold needles. Some focus on speed and finished projects; others break down every motion frame by frame.

The most useful approach is to watch a short sample video from a channel before committing to a full tutorial. Look for a creator whose voice pace and teaching style match how you learn. If someone talks too fast or assumes knowledge you do not have, another channel will work better for you.

Key Takeaways

  • YouTube knitting channels vary widely in teaching speed and style, so watch a sample video before starting a full tutorial series.
  • Beginners should search for "knitting cast on" or "knitting cast on for beginners" rather than general knitting videos, because cast-on methods are the hardest first step.
  • Channels that film hands close-up and from above are easier to follow than those that film from the side or at a distance.
  • Pausing and rewinding is normal — knitting videos are designed to be watched in pieces, not straight through.

Where to start if you have never knitted

Search for "knitting cast on for beginners" rather than just "how to knit." The cast-on is the hardest part of learning, and a video that focuses only on that step will teach it more thoroughly than a video that rushes through it to get to the actual knitting.

Popular beginner-focused channels include VeryPink Knits, Nimble Needles, and Wool and the Gang. Each teaches cast-on differently — some use long-tail cast-on, others use cable cast-on — so if one method does not click, try another channel. The method does not matter; what matters is that you can do it consistently.

Once you can cast on, search for "garter stitch knitting" or "knit stitch tutorial." Garter stitch is the simplest actual knitting and is what most beginners practice first. After you can do garter stitch without thinking, you are ready to look for straightforward projects like dishcloths or scarves.

How to find videos for the specific thing you want to make

YouTube search works best when you name the exact project. Search "knit a baby blanket" or "knit a straightforward scarf" rather than "knitting projects." The more specific you are, the fewer videos you have to sort through.

When you find a video that looks right, check the comments section. Readers often ask questions about steps that confused them, and the creator usually answers. If the comments are full of people saying "this is too fast" or "I do not understand step 3," that is a signal to try a different video.

Look at the video length. A 45-minute tutorial on a straightforward scarf is usually a good sign — the creator is taking time to explain. A 10-minute video on the same project may skip steps or move too fast.

What to look for in a knitting video

The camera angle matters more than you might think. The best knitting videos film the hands from directly above or slightly in front, so you see exactly what the needles and yarn are doing. Videos filmed from the side or at a distance are much harder to follow because you cannot see the needle positions clearly.

Good lighting is also important. If the yarn is dark and the background is dark, you will not be able to see the stitches forming. Channels like Nimble Needles and VeryPink Knits use bright, clear lighting that makes every stitch visible.

Listen for whether the creator explains why you are doing each step, not just what you are doing. A creator who says "now you are going to wrap the yarn around the needle to create a new stitch" is more helpful than one who just says "wrap the yarn."

Using YouTube playlists to learn in order

Many knitting channels organize their videos into playlists by skill level or project type. Look for a playlist labeled "Beginner Knitting" or "Knitting Basics" rather than watching random individual videos. A playlist is designed so that each video builds on the last one.

Channels like Sheep & Stitch and Nimble Needles have well-organized playlists that take you from cast-on through basic stitches to your first finished project. Following a playlist in order is faster than searching for individual videos because you do not have to decide what to learn next.

How to practice between videos

Do not watch a full knitting video and then try to do the whole project from memory. Instead, watch one small section — maybe just the cast-on or just the knit stitch — pause the video, and practice that one thing until you can do it without looking. Then watch the next section.

Keep the video playing while you practice. Pause it whenever you need to, rewind to see a step again, and pause again to try it yourself. This is the normal way people learn from YouTube knitting videos. You are not supposed to watch it once and remember everything.

If you get stuck on a step, search for a different video on just that step. For example, if you cannot figure out how to bind off, search "knitting bind off tutorial" and watch three or four different versions. One creator's explanation will click for you.

Finding videos for techniques beyond the basics

Once you can knit garter stitch and stockinette stitch, you can move to videos about specific techniques: decreasing, increasing, changing colors, reading patterns, or knitting in the round. Search for the exact technique name — "knitting decreases" or "knitting color changes" — rather than browsing general knitting videos.

Channels like Wool and the Gang and VeryPink Knits have separate videos for each technique, so you can learn one thing at a time without sitting through a long project tutorial. This is much faster than trying to learn a new technique while also following a pattern.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if a YouTube video is too fast or too slow for me?

YouTube videos have a playback speed control in the bottom right corner. You can slow a video down to 0.75x or 0.5x speed if the creator is talking or moving too fast. You can also speed it up to 1.25x or 1.5x if you want to move faster. Experiment with different speeds until the video feels right.

Do I need to buy anything before I start watching knitting videos?

You need needles and yarn, but you do not need expensive supplies to learn. Most beginners start with medium-weight yarn (labeled "worsted weight" or "weight 4") and size 8 or 9 needles. These cost a few dollars at any craft store. Many videos recommend specific supplies, but the basics are the same across all brands.

Can I learn to knit from YouTube without any in-person help?

Yes. Thousands of people learn to knit entirely from YouTube. The key is patience — expect to rewind videos many times and to practice the same step for several days before it feels natural. If you get frustrated with one video, try another creator. The right teacher for you is out there.

What should I do if I make a mistake in my knitting?

Search "how to fix knitting mistakes" or "how to drop a stitch." YouTube has videos for every common mistake. For your first projects, do not worry about perfection — mistakes are how you learn. Many beginners frog (rip out) their first project and start over once they understand the basics better, and that is completely normal.

Are there knitting channels that teach patterns from books?

Yes. Many channels work through published knitting patterns and explain each step. Search the pattern name plus "YouTube" — for example, "Flax sweater YouTube" — and you will often find creators who have made that project and filmed it. This is helpful if a pattern uses words you do not understand.