Knitting....any pointers?

Question

I am 22 years old and decided the other day that I wanted to take up knitting. Just something I can do to pass the time and pass on to my future children. I was just wondering if you knew of any books/websites that may help me learn faster. I already picked up the basics in a few hours but I'm still a ways away from being great at it. My knits aren't quite uniform yet but they are getting there. If you know of any easy beginners patterns or a book that might help I'd really appreciate it. THANKS!!!

Answer 1

It's a great hobby. The resource I found helps the most (other than my father who was the person who taught me how to knit) is http://knittinghelp.com

The website contains videos on basic to advanced techniques, from the knit and purl stitch to how to do the heel of a sock! It has helped me a lot when I've come across things I don't exactly know how to do in a pattern. The website also has a free patterns section with the patterns labeled by experience level. Beginners patterns in everything from scarves and afghans to hats, socks, and sweaters!

Other places to look for free patterns (though experience level is not given) are http://knittingpatterncentral.com and http://knitty.com

Hope that helps and you become as addicted to it as I am, haha.

Answer 2

I don't know any books (there's probably one out there called 'The beginners guide to knitting' or something) but found that the best way to get to grips with it is to buy a beginner's book (a good bookhop should point you in the right direction) and practice the various stitches until you're comfortable with them. It's best to start with square shapes in different colours so that by the time you're happy with the basics, you have a pile of squares that you can sew together either to make a scarf or a small blanket. It's a bit boring to have something so simple, but that's how I started and over the years I've become bolder and can knit quite detailed items. I'm now pregnant and have knitted baby clothes, which is not the easiest thing! Just remember to persevere, and learn how to pick up dropped stitches properly!!

Answer 3

Well, I am a 17 year old knitter and I have been knitting for two and a half years now, the first thing I have ever made was a beenie hat. And I am now making all sorts of things. Here is the pattern for the first hat I ever made and a pattern for a cute bag, since you are new at knitting you can just knit and don't add the embellishment. Happy knitting~!~
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/na_knitting/article/0,2025,DIY_14141_4116190,00.html

http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/na_knitting/article/0,2025,DIY_14141_4813531,00.html

Answer 4

Try knitting.about.com You can look up any abbreviation in a knitting pattern and it will show you pictures and animations of how to do them.

Also check out the Stitch 'N ***** books. They have instructions for rank beginners and start with really easy patterns and work up to harder ones. I taught myself how to crochet with the crochet book by the same author.

Answer 5

knitting.about.com has basic instructions and some patterns.
diynetwork.com see knitty gritty, has some good patterns and some video to demonstrate techniques.
lionbrandyarn.com has some easy knit patterns, and they have bulky yarns so you can have some instant gratification.
Just remember, whenever you make something and it comes out terrible, you will never make anything quite so bad again! knitting is very good for the soul, that way.

Answer 6

http://www.white-works.com/index.html...
http://www.e-patternscentral.com/?source...
http://www.knittingonthenet.com/index.ht...
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/shows_dkng...
http://www.woodsnwind.com/
http://www.coatsandclark.com/crafts/knit...
http://www.geocities.com/love2knit_dishcloths/

I hope these web pages show you a FREE pattern that you like.
Jenn

Answer 7

- be carful not to poke yourself
- try making a triangle or a circle