There are various books or kits on the market which can show you the basic stitches and techniques of knitting, but these can be difficult to follow. They are helpful if you are a person who can readily understand diagrams, but if not then you are probably better to try and find someone who can knit and get them to teach you.
The benefit of a 'teacher' is that you are able to learn how to hold the needles by copying someone else, you can also learn about tension, correcting mistakes and various styles of knitting which would take a long time from a book.
Most people who knit are keen to pass on the skill and so it is likely that you would only have to pay a small fee to your knitting tutor or if she is a friend/relative, then she may teach you for free. If you know other people who want to learn how to knit perhaps you could form a small cluba nd then all learn together, having fun as well as learning a new skill !

 For starters, you must refer to some more intricate knitting guides in order to learn as it is a tedious and complicated job and can only be done well if practiced regularly. You will be slow and produce considerably bad items at first before you get a hang of it. Basic knitting includes 3 steps: making a slip knot; casting on and making a knit stitch. The items you will require are a Worsted-weight yarn of the colour of your choice, knitting needles size 8, 14” long, yarn needle with big eyes and small scissors. I can suggest a few sites that you can visit where you will be able to find a detailed procedure along with a pictorial guide which you can refer to and learn along. You will also be able to find some interesting project ideas to get started. Visit www.learntoknit.com. or www.theyarnco.com.