Stitches

How do I start a garter stitch after I have completed my cast on row?

I am soooo new at this. Actually I only started 1 hour ago. I made my cast on stitches and now it says to knit 36 rows of the garter stitch. How do I begin a garter stitch? How do I do a garter stitch? What happens to the cast on row? Does it stay on the needle until I finish the first garter stitch row? OBVIOUSLY ... I need some major help!!

Public Comments

1. Garter stitch is every row knit. Knit 36 rows, do not purl do not pass go do not collect $200. Your cast on row will become the bottom edge of your work, and all rows will be knit on the top edge. Here's a site with good pics www.learntoknit.com
2. Yep! Garter stitch is knit every row. Since you are new, when you read "stockinette stitch" it means knit one row and purl the next row. It will be flat on one side and bumpy on the other. Garter is bumpy on both sides. Have fun!
3. You got it right. The cast on row stays on your needle until you finish your first knit row. Keep knitting every row and your cast on row (and subsequent rows) move down as your piece gets longer. Someone gave you some advice regarding stockinette stitch. If you're making a scarf, garter stitch will stay flat and stockinette stitch will curl. There are things you can do to minimize the curling of a stockinette st scarf, but if you stay with garter stitch for this project you won't have to worry about it. When you're ready to learn more knitting techniques, this web site has a lot of good instructional videos.