You should by now have your yarn ready to knit. It is easiest to start knitting by making a slip knot though there are cast on methods which will not start this way. However we will leave these for later, as I am going to show you a basic cast on method which will be suitable for most scarves, socks and sweaters.

Take the end of the yarn and unwind two to three yards from the ball. Hold it between your thumb and finger, so that the ball end of the yarn is going away from the thumb across the inside of your finger. Wind it round your finger crossing over as shown.

Insert your knitting needle point under the circle of yarn which goes round your finger, and over the yarn which crosses over. Tip the needle over lifting the crossing over strand back up through the loop. It will create a new loop which will form your first stitch. Carefully lift the yarn off your finger and draw up.

This excellent reference book has masses of information about knitting techniques. It illustrates all the basic techniques and has a huge range of different ways to cast on and off and increase and decrease. A must for any knitter's bookcase!

This is another very good book which contains reference information on all the basics of how to knit and finish off a garment or item.