I think when people try to learn to knit they choose the wrong pattern and the wrong supplies. The process of knitting has three basic tasks: (1) the active (unsecured) stitches must be held so they don't drop; (2) these stitches must be released sometime after they are secured; and (3) new bights of yarn must be passed through the fabric, usually through active stitches, thus securing them.
Even though knitting machines have advanced greatly in the last 500 years or so, however, hand knitting is still very much alive, as a very popular hobby. Lace knitting is the relatively a new, hardly two hundred years old. Once a person has mastered the art of knitting, then they should plan on making a wool blanket.
In securing the previous stitch in a wale, the next stitch can pass through the previous loop either from below or above. Catch the knitting yarn on the end on the right knitting needle and pull it through the first stitch to the front of the work. In knitting, there is the concept of gauge and it means the number of stitches in a given length.
Take your time and understand the information on this site and you will be able to knit anything you want. Be sure to try using other available resources, such as local craft and hobby stores.