How long does it take to learn to knit well?

Answer 1

They say that knitting is the new yoga -- not just because it can relieve stress, but because you compare your work today to your previous work, not to anyone else's.

First you have to learn the movements of casting on, the knit stitch, and binding off. Then you have to learn to put them all together smoothly, with an even tension. Then you learn the purl stitch, increasing, decreasing, etc., etc. The learning never ends.

And "knitting well" is subjective. To me, once you're making your first garter stitch scarf, you're a knitter!

Answer 2

Usually by your third project you will find that your knitting is even and you are comfortable with the process. Your first project is always the worst, I think that is the most important project you can do, because you will NEVER make anything that badly again. Your second project will probably have a few mistakes in it, but will certainly be good enough to give as a gift, and if you felt it, no one will even see any errors.
After that, it is just a matter of courage, trying new patterns, and diving in. It is totally worth the time, because even if you never finish anything, the act of knitting is soothing and relaxing.

Answer 3

Depends on your skills, how often you do like things and how high your aim is.
But after learning to knit in an afternoon you can start making a nice sweater the same day, be sure to pick a pattern that says "beginners".

Some people however will do small projects for a few weeks or months, depending on how much time they want to spend on it.

Answer 4

It depends.

I depends on you (your method of instruction/learning), your access to instructors or instructional materials, access to materials and supplies. After that, it's a matter of *doing* to build confidence and competence.

There are *many* different methods of knitting that produce identical results. If fortune smiles, you'll find the right-for-you instructor/manual on the first try and you'll be well on your way in a few hours.

I consider stage 1 to be "cast on, knit or purl (just one, either one), knit (or purl) either back and forth or round and round, and eventually cast off." The same techniques as for a face cloth can be used for a scarf, and afghan or a sweater.

Stage 2 would include both knit *and* purl, and increasing and decreasing stitches. I've seen folk who've knit for decades, producing totally wear-worthy projects, who haven't *fully* mastered Stage 2 yet. Others immerse themselves, learn all that and look for more in a matter of months.

Answer 5

If you put time and patience into it, you'll catch on pretty quick. Take time to check your gauge and read the to directions to the pattern. If a beginner messes up in the pattern b/c of not reading or checking gauge, you'll get discouraged and give up.

It won't happen overnight but in time, you'll be knitting without looking and you'll wonder how you got so good. Good Luck.

Answer 6

Lots of practice. And if you are the visual/hands-on type, then having a good instructor helps you *catch on* faster. Of course, there are also lots who manage to self-teach by learning from books.

Contrary to belief, most of the ladies I taught started with full sized adult garments and then went on to whip up shapely pieces. No scarves as they are not needed in our climate.

Here's my blog chronicling some of their work.

Answer 7

for me i worked on it all day long all week so to knit perfectly it took me about 2 weeks. for me my third project was a sweater with decreases and such so i mastered stage 2 quick.

Answer 8

Not as long as you might think, if you are consistent with practicing, and patient!

Answer 9

It depends on how much you practice.