Learning to Knit

[feral]

After seeing it recommended in so many magazines and by a lot of friends I'm thinking of taking up knitting. Does anyone here knit? How did you learn? Do you have any resources you'd recommend for beginners? Is it something a person can learn independently from a book or website, or do I need a class/teacher?

Also, how difficult it is to develop enough skill to, say, knit a scarf or sweater? Is this something I'll have to dedicate a long time to before I can accomplish a project or is it something that a person can pick up with ease?

 

[leytonstones]

I thnk it is great that you want to learn to knit. There are so many lovely yarns available now that you can make stunning projects quite simply, I think the easiest way to learn is to have someone show you. I expect you know of someone who can knit? There are plenty of books you can buy on knitting. My mother taught me, but I do still occassionally refer to books as well. As soon as you have mastered the basics like casting on and the plain and purl stitches you are away. I personally prefer the thumb method of casting on but is best that you have a go at different ways and find the one that suits you. There are lots of easy things you can make which will be completed in no time at all.

There are online knitting forums such as Caron and Lionbrand which send out regular newsletters and include free patterns. Just do an online search and see what comes up.

Have fun and please do share how you are getting on.

Blessings

 

[leytonstones]

I see you are not too far away from me...I am in Gloucestershire.

Blessings

 

[spinningwheelgirl]

Knitting is not too hard, but I would try to get someone to teach you the basics. You can pretty much start making a scarf as soon as you start to knit. Most people do one as their first project (or some people make a dish cloth). It will take practice before you will be able knit a sweater though.

 

[junezephyr]

I just taught myself how to knit a few days ago using the Reader's Digest Complete Guide To Needlework (1979 version but I'm sure there are newer ones). It's got some really helpful illustrations. I also used this book to self-teach myself crochet (just finished my first blanket )

 

[leytonstones]

I just taught myself how to knit a few days ago using the Reader's Digest Complete Guide To Needlework (1979 version but I'm sure there are newer ones). It's got some really helpful illustrations. I also used this book to self-teach myself crochet (just finished my first blanket )

Jbug, Congratulations. Well Done.

The book you recommended is available at amazon at a very reasonable price and I believe I also have a copy that my father found for me at a car boot sale!!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_ss...+Complete+Guide+To+Needlework+&Go.x=8&Go.y=13

 

[spinningwheelgirl]

I just taught myself how to knit a few days ago using the Reader's Digest Complete Guide To Needlework (1979 version but I'm sure there are newer ones). It's got some really helpful illustrations. I also used this book to self-teach myself crochet (just finished my first blanket )

That is the book my mom used to teach herself how to crochet; I am sure it is good for knitting, too.

 

[TealTuesday]

my sis in law taught me basics.
the fun fur is pretty but hard for me to work with so i am sticking with cotton.

 

[snbunch]

If you're still trying to learn, check out www.knittinghelp.com

She's got a lot of helpful videos of the basics, and even more complicated techniques.

Knitting a scarf is quite easy, but (at least to me) boring because it seems to go on forever. Do dishcloths or something for practice.

 

[sweetrattle]

There are lots of knitting websites. try out www.knitty.com they have lots of different patterns and discuss many knitting topics that are of great help.