Learn to knit and crochet

The easiest cardigans to knit are worked top down or bottom up in one piece, in stockinette or garter stitch, on medium to chunky yarn. Our five favorites right now are the Ballerina Cardigan, ScandiCardi, Colorfluff Cardigan, Summer Cardigan and Bliss Cardi. All five live in the Knit&Note app with step by step guidance.

Good first knitting projects use simple stitches, chunky or doubled yarn, and no seaming. Start with a headband or scarf, move to a beanie, then take on a chunky sweater or cardigan. The six below are ordered by difficulty, and all of them live in the Knit&Note app with guidance built in.

Mohair is a fluffy, lightweight fiber from the angora goat, usually spun around a silk or synthetic core and held together with another yarn. It adds warmth, softness and a soft halo without weight. It is harder to rip out than smooth yarn, so count as you go and it will treat you well.

German short rows shape knitting by turning mid row and pulling the working yarn over the needle to make a double stitch. When you come back, you knit the two legs of the double stitch together as one, which closes the gap invisibly. Patterns use them to raise necklines, slope shoulders and turn sock heels.

Twisted 1x1 rib is ordinary knit one, purl one ribbing where every knit stitch is worked through the back loop (ktbl). Twisting the stitch tightens it, so the knit columns stand up crisp and defined instead of soft and rounded. It is our favorite rib for necklines, cuffs and beanie brims.

To start knitting you need exactly two things: a pair of needles around 5 mm (US 8) and one ball of medium or chunky wool yarn. Learn to cast on, knit, and bind off, in that order, and your first rows will become a headband or scarf you actually wear. Everything else, patterns, counters and help with the words, lives in the Knit&Note app.