Learning how to knit can be a bit of a challenge if you don't have someone to show you in person. Reading instructions is great, but seeing how to hold a knitting needle and creating a purl stitch all helps to get you started. Luckily, there are plenty of free videos to teach you. We've searched through many of them (there are a lot) and want to offer you the best.

If you have suggestions for more videos we should include, please add them in the comments!

Chandi from Expression Fiber Arts didn't learn to knit until she was in her 20s, and now owns a store dedicated to knitting and yarn. In this video she shows you how to work a slip knot, cast on, work the knit stitch and bind off. Chandi makes you feel like you're learning from a friend rather than taking a class.

Want to have another look at how to purl, cast on and get started knitting? Sheep and Stitch's "How to Knit" video is very clean (no voiceover, just a catchy, jangly soundtrack), and has nice, simple shots of two hands, wooden knitting needs and yarn. If you missed something, you can always rewind!

Do you finally have enough knitting done that you're ready to learn how to cast off (aka bind off)? Kristen McDonnell from Studio Knit splits the screen to show you written instructions and a live demonstration of all of the steps she's taking in binding off. It's a nice combination that adds to the clarity.

Ready to try a simple knitting project? Stephanie Japel from Craftsy show you how to knit boot toppers in an hour (or maybe even less if you're a fast learner). The instructions are on the screen so you may need to pause the video and write them down. We also copied them below.

Learn more about knitting techniques and projects at Craftsy!

Stephanie Japel's Boot Toppers:
-- Using US 9, cast on 42 stitches
-- K3 (P2 K2) to last 2 sts, P3
-- Work in Ribbing until we have 4 rows total
-- begin first cross: (P2 2ILPC, 2IRPC, p2, K2) 3 times p3
(refer to the video to see demonstrations of these stitches)
-- Next row: knit knit and purl purls
-- K3 (p3 C4L p3 K2) 3 times p3
-- Next row: knit knit and purl purls
-- K3 (P2 2ILPC, 2IRPC, p2, K2) 3 times, p3
-- Next row: knit knit and purl purls
-- rib 6 rows
-- repeat cable cross as before
-- rib 5 rows
-- bind off loosely
-- sew side seam
-- turn right side out
-- Finished