The Badge Archive

Knitting – Beginner Projects

Activity Description: Using two needles to stitch yarn into flat or shaped fabric pieces

  • Can fulfill Step 2 of GSUSA Daisy Craft and Tinker badge requirements.
  • Can fulfill Steps 2, 3, and 4 of GSUSA Brownie Craft and Tinker badge requirements.
  • Can fulfill Steps 2, 3, and 4 of GSUSA Junior Craft and Tinker badge requirements.

IF you also focus on color:

  • Fulfills Step 2 of GSUSA Brownie Art and Design badge requirements.
  • Fulfills Step 3 of GSUSA Junior Art and Design badge requirements.
  • Leaders – please be aware of double dipping and make your own informed choice.

Knitting is a creative process of making fabric by looping yarn with two needles. Artists and crafters use knitting to create items like scarves, bookmarks, toys, and decorations. Scouts learn basic stitches like knit and purl, then combine them to build patterns, textures, and shapes.

One of the easiest ways for kids to learn knitting is by starting with garter stitch projects using chunky yarn and large needles.

Items Needed:

  • Yarn (medium or chunky weight is easiest to handle)
  • Knitting needles (size US 10 or larger recommended)
  • Scissors
  • (Optional) Yarn needle for finishing ends
  • (Optional) Stitch marker or safety pin to hold place

Instructions:

  1. Cast On Stitches: Use the long-tail or backward loop method to add stitches to one needle. Start with 10–20 stitches depending on the project.
  2. Knit Rows: Hold one needle in each hand and use the right needle to pull loops through the stitches. Repeat across the row.
  3. Practice Garter Stitch: Knit every row to create a bumpy, stretchy fabric. This is called garter stitch and is great for beginners.
  4. Try a Simple Project:
    • Make a bookmark by knitting a short rectangle.
    • Make a bracelet by knitting a narrow strip and tying the ends.
    • (Optional) Use three yarn colors to make stripes or patterns.
  5. Bind Off and Finish: Knit two stitches, lift the first over the second, and repeat to remove stitches from the needle.
    • (Optional) Use a yarn needle to tuck in loose ends.

Step-by-Step Tutorials:

Video: How to Knit for Kids

Free Beginner Crochet Patterns

Tia Kennard