How to knit : with 100 techniques and 20 easy projects

The complete beginners' guide to knitting with 20 exclusive step-by-step projects. The team behind Mollie Makes magazine have brought together all their favourite knit designers to share their tips, stories and beautiful projects.

Knitting may seem complicated, but in fact there are just two stitches you need to learn.

Once you have mastered knit and purl, you can knit pretty much anything. The beginner’s section starts with a run-through of the basic tools and equipment you’ll need, as well as a handy guide to choosing yarn. Once you’re ready to start, learn the best way to hold your needles, and tackle the different cast-on methods to work out which works best for you.

Once you’ve cast on, you are ready to make those all-important first stitches and choose your first project. Make a gift for a loved one with patterns for a baby blanket, bouquet of woolly flowers or a cute bulldog puppy.

Bring your home up to date by making an on-trend footstool, plant pot or neon rug. Or wear your makes with pride – whether you go for a classic pair of socks, or a more daring pompom headband or loopy poncho.