Beginning Knitting...?

Question

I want to start knitting, because it looks like a really fun hobbie (plus you can make cute stuff with it!), and I'd like something to do with my free time instead of just browse the internet or read. Anyway, can somebody tell me what I'm going to need to buy, and point me to some user-friendly how-to guides (or give me some pointers themselves)?

Answer 1

All you need to start knitting is some yarn and a pair of knitting needles. Wool yarn (or a wool/acrylic blend) has some give & won't slip off the needles quite so easily. Never start with fun fur, eyelash, or any kind of novelty yarn -- it's impossible to see your stitches. Chunky yarn & big needles make projects work up quickly.

There are free online learn-to-knit videos at http://www.knittinghelp.com/knitting/getting_started/index.php

A garter stitch scarf is a great first project. All you need to know is:
Single Cast-On aka Backward-Loop Cast-On http://www.knittinghelp.com/knitting/basic_technique
The Knit Stitch http://www.knittinghelp.com/knitting/basic_techniques/knit.php
Basic Knit Bind-Off http://www.knittinghelp.com/knitting/basic_techniques/bind-off.php


Go to your local library and check out some knitting books that are meant for children. The explanations are very clear and they usually have lots of pictures. (Some libraries host knitting groups -- why not ask while you're there?)

I belong to a local S'nB group whose members love teaching "newbies." (After all, we all started with the garter stitch scarf!) Find a group near you at:
http://stitchnbitch.org
http://www.bust.com/snbforum/index.php#5
http://knitting.meetup.com
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php#14
http://www.knittyboard.com/viewforum.php?f=7
http://knittersreview.com/forum/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=35
http://forum.getstitchy.com/viewforum.php?f=12
http://www.knittinghelp.com/knitting/forum/viewforum.php?f=11


It may seem hard at first, but as you keep at it your work will get better & better. Just concentrate on getting used to the hand movements -- eventually, you'll develop a rhythm. Knitting is the new yoga! Be sure to loosen up -- most newbies clench the needles & knit really tightly, which can hurt. Have fun!

Answer 2

Best place to look for books would be your Library. They should have everything from beginner knitting to advanced and pattern books as well.
Some craft shops offer knitting courses. Check with your community center to see if they offer any knitting classes or groups.
My suggestion for a beginner project would be to buy a big ball of knitting worsted yarn(WalMart) and needles as recommended on yarn wrap. Then take your book and start your stitches. You'll enjoy it. It's relaxing... You can still do other things while knitting(once you get the hang of it). Have fun

Answer 3

I'd highly recommend starting with a simple yarn (like Red Heart Classic or Super Saver) that isn't expensive and can be easily un-knitted when you make a mistake. You're going to make them, so you may as well plan for it. Use a lighter-colored yarn to start with, just for learning, so you can actually see what you're doing. (Learning to knit with black or dark purple just because you like is really making things much more difficult than they need to be. The same is true of learning to knit with a fuzzy yarn.) Check the yarn package to see what size needles to buy. Ask a clerk to help you decipher the package if you don't understand it. Tell her or him that you're a brand new beginner; there's no need to be embarrassed to ask for help when you're starting. Then go to the knitting site and have fun.

Answer 4

If you go to the yarn section in a store (i.e. Wal-Mart), and just scan the aisle you'll find they have a great selection of knitting books. But, I also recommend the book Learn to Knit by Sue Whiting. It's all colour photos (which I found very helpful). Also, start out with larger needles (say a size #8), and work loosely... Or you could also go to knitty.com

Answer 5

Go to learntoknit.com. They tell you everything you need to know to get started including whether to knit or crochet, how to get started on either...or both, what you need, and beginners instructions. I have crocheted for years and really enjoy it. You can pick it up and put it down...and go back to it again and again easily. It's really relaxing and a great pass time for me. And I get great finished projects out of it to give away or keep! I learned to knit more recently, and I'm really enjoying that too. You can make really pretty, and useful things, with both. Good luck with it! I hope you find you get as much enjoyment working with yarns as I do!

Answer 6

I suggest the Stitch n' ***** books. You can find them at your local library or buy them at a bookstore. I found them the most helpful. Them and Knitting for Dummies.