What is Russian knitting, and what is so special about it?

In a few words - Russian knitting is a way to knit fast without putting much strain on knitter's wrists. 

That makes it one of the most efficient knitting styles out there.

If you are curious about how and why this way to knit became so fast and efficient, watch "The Story":


They say that knitting, in general, appeared because people were looking for ways to make clothing, most likely, socks.

Russian knitting appeared out of the need to keep everyone in the family warm during the winter months that could be extremely cold in Eastern Europe.

Having or not having woollen hats, scarves, socks and sweaters was literally a matter of life and death. And when the stakes are that high, people get creative and find ways to make clothing faster.

Fortunately, our great-grandmothers did that job for us, and we can now use the knitting style that allows us to get from the cast on to the bind off as quickly as possible, without diminishing the quality of our knits.

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Course Curriculum

  • 1

    Welcome to the Russian Knitting

    • The Story

  • 2

    Unit 1 - Getting Started

    • Materials

    • Cast on

    • Holding the Yarn and the Needles

    • Knit Stitch

    • Purl Stitch

    • Bind off

    • The Basics - step by step photo instructions

    • Getting Started - Quiz (Optional)

  • 3

    Unit 2 - Special Considerations

    • Garter Stitch

    • Twisted Stitches

    • Increases

    • Decreases

    • The Particulars - step by step photo instructions

    • Working in the Round

    • The Differences - a summary of differences between stitches worked using the classic and the Russian way of knitting

    • Special Considerations - Quiz (Optional)

  • 4

    Unit 3 - Improving

    • Selvedges and Seaming

    • Fixing the Gap Between Rows

    • Five Tips for Faster Knitting

    • How to Read Knitting Charts

    • Switching Between Classic and Russian Style in the Same Project

    • Improving - Quiz (Optional)

  • 5

    Bonus Material - Knitting Without Turning Your Work

    • Knitting Back and Forth Without Turning your Work

  • 6

    Ibiza Shawlette Knit Along

    • Welcome to the Knit Along :-)

    • Ibiza Shawlette Pattern

    • Knit Along - Part 1

    • Decreases - Step by Step Photo Instructions

    • Knit Along - Part 2

    • Knit Along - Part 3

Maryna Shevchenko

Hello! I'm Maryna, a knitting instructor, designer and a lifelong knitter.After trying a dozen of different knitting techniques, testing hundreds of knitting tips and making all sorts of knit items, I realized that the best and most efficient solutions that do bring great results are the simplest ones. That's when I started my quest to show the best ways to knit in the simplest step-by-step form to make that information easy to understand.

Questions and Answers

When does the course start?

It's a self-paced course. You can start at any time and work on the course at your own pace.

You can finish it in one day, or take your time and learn to knit the Russian way bit by bit.

I don't have time for it now. Can I finish it later?

Of course. Once you enroll, you'll get a lifetime access to all course materials. Feel free to learn a new tip (or five) whenever you have time.

Is it possible to work on the course from a smartphone or a tablet?

Sure. You can access the course from any device - smartphone, tablet, laptop or a desktop computer.

The layout of the course is fully responsive and will adjust automatically to the size of your device's screen.

What if I have questions?

You can ask them on the course discussion board. I get a notification any time someone posts a question, so I'll do my best to answer it as soon as possible.

Besides, the discussion board is a great place to chat with other students and to show photos of your "work in progress" and finished knits.

Do I need to buy supplies for the course?

Yes and no. Yes, you will need a ball of yarn and a set of needles to make test swatches while you learn to knit the Russian way. But chances are, you already have some yarn and needles in your stash and you won't need to buy anything else.

Russian knitting is a frugal way to knit. It's more about making do with the supplies you have, than buying all sorts of tools and notions. If you watched "The Story" video at the top of this page, you probably understand why.

I am an experienced knitter. Will I learn something new from this course?

If you've never tried Russian knitting before, then yes, you will learn a new way to knit, purl, make increases, decreases and bind off stitches. As well as ways to knit faster, be more efficient and even knit back and forth without turning your work.

I am new to knitting. Will this course be too difficult for me?

The whole idea behind Russian knitting is to make knitting as easy as it can be. The course starts with covering the very basics of knitting - cast on, knit, purl and bind off.

Then we'll move on to increases, decreases and stitch patterns that are slightly different in Russian knitting than they are in classic knitting.

Eventually, we'll get to improving our knitting, making it faster and more efficient.

With a set up like this, you will learn how to knit the Russian way even if you've never knit before.

Learn this centuries-old knitting style to knit faster and more efficient.

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5 star rating

Brilliant course

Norma pitcher

The instructor is wonderful. Very clear and concise. The material is presented in a logical sequence which makes it very easy to follow. For me an English st...

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The instructor is wonderful. Very clear and concise. The material is presented in a logical sequence which makes it very easy to follow. For me an English style knitter it took a few goes to get the hang of holding the yarn. Once I got that there was no holding me back..

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5 star rating

Best Knitting Course on the Internet!

LINDA ROSS

This course is very well organized, with a mix of videos and pdf instructions as follow-up. Maryna's instructions are clear, concise, and the videos demonstr...

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This course is very well organized, with a mix of videos and pdf instructions as follow-up. Maryna's instructions are clear, concise, and the videos demonstrate very well the instructions. All the basics are covered, and I'm hoping she offers similar courses at the next level....if you are seriously considering taking an on-line course, this one should be at the top of your list. Absolutely superb instruction!

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5 star rating

So pleased I bought this.

Kiran Gujral

I really wanted to try Russian knitting as I had seen scraps of information online about it but no proper instructions. This course has made my year! I love ...

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I really wanted to try Russian knitting as I had seen scraps of information online about it but no proper instructions. This course has made my year! I love everything about it, the lessons are perfect. Thanks to Maryna for such a high-quality product.

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5 star rating

Full of value!

Kaethe Pittman

I ventured into this course looking for a way to reduce the strain on my right wrist and arm caused by the "wrapping" style of knitting. Given more practice,...

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I ventured into this course looking for a way to reduce the strain on my right wrist and arm caused by the "wrapping" style of knitting. Given more practice, I think I've found that, but Maryna's instructions go far beyond a new way to manage needles and yarn. She fills each short video with bonus information, so much of which applies to whatever style of knitting you do. Even if you don't want to change your method, watch this course: it offers so many good tips! The videos themselves are very well-done: good lighting, clear contrast between background and samples, easy pacing, and an excellent point of view of the stitches being worked. Maryna's voice-overs are delivered in a friendly, conversational style without being chatty. It really is the next-best thing to being there in person. I'm planning to work my way through the lessons again to get good at Russian knitting and be ready for whatever course this engaging instructor develops next!

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5 star rating

Russian Knitting Simplified

Deedee Winters

Wonderful! Easy to follow, fun to do, I was enchanted from the beginning. I have uniform stitches throughout my swatch. And now the adventure begins! I a...

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Wonderful! Easy to follow, fun to do, I was enchanted from the beginning. I have uniform stitches throughout my swatch. And now the adventure begins! I also learned a few new things that I never knew although I have been knitting for over 35 years. Good job!

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5 star rating

Excellent course

Christopher Kniss

I have enjoyed the materials presented in this course. The videos are clear, concise, and easy to understand. The step by step instructions are easy to fol...

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I have enjoyed the materials presented in this course. The videos are clear, concise, and easy to understand. The step by step instructions are easy to follow, and the photos are very helpful when learning a new technique. This course is well worth the investment. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a new method for your knitting repertoire!

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5 star rating

Great teacher!

Laurie M. Hack

Maryna provides clear, to-the-point instruction, on this fascinating technique. And she adds with lots of good advice to improve knitting of all types.

Maryna provides clear, to-the-point instruction, on this fascinating technique. And she adds with lots of good advice to improve knitting of all types.

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5 star rating

Highly Recommended for all skill levels. As a beginning ...

Debra Coleman

I started knitting just a month ago. They lady I bought some yarn from showed me casting on and the classic knit stitch. She told me it would take me a yea...

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I started knitting just a month ago. They lady I bought some yarn from showed me casting on and the classic knit stitch. She told me it would take me a year before I could do anything beyond basic knitting stiches.. Lucky for me, I found this course and I was so impressed with the instruction and how easy it is to learn to knit the Russian way. I have learned so many valuable stitches and I did it in a month. I took extra time to practice each type of stitch, so that the stitches looked neat and consistent before I went on to the next lesson. However, you could go through the course much quicker. My family has been so surprised at how quickly I learned to knit. Three of them tried traditional lessons from a craft store or yarn stores. All 3 of them gave up because they could not remember the stitches when they got home, they did not have a way to easily refresh their memory, and the class went too fast through the lessons.. Maryna has a real gift for teaching. She explains how too, demonstrates the stitch, and gives information regarding the use of this stitch. This is particularly valuable. Also, the ability to go back to the lessons or knit along, increases the ability to absorb the information. The course really boosted my confidence in knitting. The price of the course is very reasonable. I love the 24 hour access, so that I can take the course or replay the course when it fits my schedule. Lastly, I would highly recommend this course to beginners, as it is much easier than classic knitting. I would also recommend this class to Classic intermediate or advanced skill levels to increase the variety and look of your stitches, as well as your speed of knitting. I look forward to taking additional classes with Maryna. Thank you so very much, Debbie from Arizona, USA

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5 star rating

Enjoyable Knitting

Candace Assaf

I have been crocheting for some time but have struggled with learning to knit. With this method, I am able to knit without stress and really enjoy it. This...

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I have been crocheting for some time but have struggled with learning to knit. With this method, I am able to knit without stress and really enjoy it. This is a well-designed course, and the instruction is excellent — paced well, explained well, and the presentation background and photography make it easy to view. I also appreciated the reviews at the end of the lessons, which revealed where I had missed or forgotten a process. I found it easy to go back and review any lesson and appreciated the inclusion of the PDF files to download as well. Thanks for this thorough and inspiring instruction.

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5 star rating

One of the best investments you’ll make!

Sue Nemesh

Are you interested in learning how to knit efficiently, increase your knitting speed and understand how stitches are formed? Have you ever wondered if there ...

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Are you interested in learning how to knit efficiently, increase your knitting speed and understand how stitches are formed? Have you ever wondered if there is an alternative to “Classic” Knitting or if you could combine diifferent styles in one piece? If so, this is the course for you! “Russian Knitting Simplified“ clearly demonstrates how to knit in the Russian method by providing closeup videos, easy to understand explanations, and slow motion replays. It’s almost like having a “friend” teaching you! I highly recommend this course and believe you’ll find it a valuable resource.

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5 star rating

Great course

lely abud

Thank you for all the tips and clear instructions.

Thank you for all the tips and clear instructions.

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5 star rating

Good Concise Title

Edie Di Pede

The videos are clear and well presented. I like the idea of having PDF reviews so one can find what needs review quickly or even when not online. The quizzes...

Read More

The videos are clear and well presented. I like the idea of having PDF reviews so one can find what needs review quickly or even when not online. The quizzes are fun.

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5 star rating

Russian Knitting Simplified

Karen Baker

I have been knitting continental-style for many, years but in flat stockinette my purl & knit stitches are often not the same tension. I discovered that ...

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I have been knitting continental-style for many, years but in flat stockinette my purl & knit stitches are often not the same tension. I discovered that with stockinette Russian Knitting my tension is more consistent even without the other recommended modifications. Plain stockinette is boring and I always dreaded being bogged down by the purl row. Purling in Russian knitting is now like the knit stitch as far as ease and speed which I find as the biggest advantage to this knitting style. There are almost always tips to pick up from an instructor no matter your experience level and this course is no exception. A few of the tips would apply to any knitting style but I especially like garter stitch in Russian Knitting. It reminds me a bit of seed stitch which I find very slow moving so I can see just substituting this for some garment bands (swatch gauge required of course). The downloaded PDF pages can be referenced as quick reminders of the techniques but if more help is needed go back to the videos which are well-organized and easily identified.

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5 star rating

First knitting experience

Bob Parry

While I had followed one or two YouTube videos previously, I came across your course within a few weeks of thinking about knitting as a hobby. I really love...

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While I had followed one or two YouTube videos previously, I came across your course within a few weeks of thinking about knitting as a hobby. I really loved having you lead me into the world of knitting. I have completed the course and my very first knitting project, other than random swatches, was the Ibiza Shawlette. I made it using a worsted wool on #11 needles as I found I was still too clumsy to handle the DK silk with proper tension. The shawlette, therefore, is a bit heavy and doesn't drape like the silk, but I was super proud to complete it. Thank you for teaching me as your aunt did for you. I can't tell you how excited I am to continue on!

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5 star rating

This is an excellent course and for me Russian knitting i...

sue celmer

Pictures and explanation are well done.

Pictures and explanation are well done.

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5 star rating

Learned many new things in this course

KAREN ULTIS

This is a great course. Although I have been a knitter for most of my life, I still learned many new things and more efficient ways for other techniques. Cle...

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This is a great course. Although I have been a knitter for most of my life, I still learned many new things and more efficient ways for other techniques. Clearly explained and illustrated. Especially like the practice given with the KAL project at the end of the course, the Ibiza Shawlette.

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5 star rating

Love this course :)

Charlotte Osborne

As always, this course provided detailed instructions to make learning easy as possible! I was so happy to find this course, as this was how I originally was...

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As always, this course provided detailed instructions to make learning easy as possible! I was so happy to find this course, as this was how I originally was taught to knit by my grandmother but had only got as far as knitting and purling. And of course here in Canada everyone knits the classic way so it became easier to switch, I am so glad to use this style again. I also love the shawl pattern that is included, I can't wait to start knitting that, and other projects using this style! I do hope you share more Russian knitting patterns in the future (perhaps a nice warm pair of mittens). Thank you for sharing your knowledge :)

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5 star rating

Shaw

Elaine McNamee

Loved the course ! Love the fact you can go back to review parts might what to see how hands worked, thread was thrown or not and reviewing stitches that ar...

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Loved the course ! Love the fact you can go back to review parts might what to see how hands worked, thread was thrown or not and reviewing stitches that are open for attaching fringe. Thank you so much.

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5 star rating

Russian Knitting

Robert Ayllón

Excellent teacher, excellent course. Really worth the money!

Excellent teacher, excellent course. Really worth the money!

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