Interested in Knitting?

Question

I am very interested in taking up knitting. But I'm not sure how I'll learn or where to buy supplies. Does anyone know of any books, websites, or even places that would teach me how to knit? And could you suggest a store that sells knitting supplies?
Thank you!

Thanks for all of your advice!!! :-)

Answer 1

Knittinghelp.com is one of the best sites for learning the basics. They have videos to show you how the stitches are created. Once you learn the basic knit, purl, yarn over, knit 2 together & purl 2 together, along with cast on & bind off, you can handle just about any pattern out there. Most areas have a Local Yarn Shop or LYS, but many craft chains like Michael's & Joanne's carry everything you need. Then there are all the on line stores like KnitPicks. There are hundreds of free patterns out of the web - Elann & Lion Brand sites have the most, but put [knit pattern free] into Google and prepare to spend a few hours browsing.

Answer 2

Hurray for you! what an awesome thing to do.
There are many places to go for supplies. You have already been told the ususal places, such as the local crafts stores, Walmart, etc. All are good sources.
However, you can also check out the local recycling stores - thrift shops, etc. You can also take old sweaters apart and reuse the yarn.
Check the Knitting Guild and see if they have someone in your area to help you. Our knitting guild has fairs from time to time, with people there to teach you if you are interested.
Our local library has a knitting class weekly - for free. Check your library.
Get yourself the Teach Yourself How booklets.
Check out the Paperback swap group - you might find oodles of books for free from them.
Also - check out Knitting Today which is a great website - and has a forum of crafters that are extremely helpful and friendly.

Answer 3

There are some very good websites that have instructions you can download. I really like lionbrand.com, which has a good library of free patterns grouped by skill level. Also, youtube has some quick videos on casting on, knit and purl stitch you can watch repeatedly to get the technique down..

Michaels offers knitting classes. You probably should start with a very simple yarn (not fuzzy or eyelash) and some wooden needles. It is easier to see how the stitches should look with worsted weight yarn and stitches don't slide off as easily on wooden needles.

I've been a knitter for over 30 years and teach some of my coworkers during our lunch break.

Answer 4

I learned to knit 100% from the internet and books. Here are the websites & books I used:
~http://www.angelyarns.com/instructions/g...
~http://www.anniesattic.com/knitting/cont...
~http://www.learn-to-knit.com/

~Teach Yourself Visually Knitting
~VOGUE KNITTING Beginner Basics On the Go!
~Knitting School: A Complete Course

If I can do it, ANYONE can do it! Good luck! =0)

Answer 5

I think, by far, the best knitting tutorial website is Knittinghelp.com. It is full of videos to demonstrate specific techniques and also demonstrating small projects so you can see how those different techniques connect. I never had much luck learning from a book. It's much easier for me to see it than try to take the book pictures and make them 3-dimensional.

Yarnmarket.com and Knitpicks.com both have good prices on yarn. To start, you should use something that is a worsted or bulky weight and size 8,9 or 10 needles.

Good Luck!

Answer 6

Welcome to one of the oldest crafts in the world!

I am a self taught knitter but there are places you can go to learn. Jo-Anns and Michaels craft stores regualry have beginner learn to knit classes. You can pick up inexpensive Knitting needles an yarn at these stores as well. I myself used the Lion brand website when I was learning. They have good step by step instructions.



But I strongly reccomend finding a local Needlework shop in your area and signing up for classes there. At these shops you will be instructed by a person who takes pride in teaching people thius craft. These classes are usually held on a ONE on ONE level. Go here, to find you local yarn store: http://localyarnstore.com/Knitty/Knitty1.htm

Answer 7

for a first time knitter, i would suggest going to the library and checking out a book or two on beginner's level of knitting. they won't cost you anything... and then go to a place like Wal-mart and get some nice little yarn and needles... start practicing like they show you in the book, and BAM! you'll have a cool little scarf or hat or even a shirt! :) that's how i learned it.

GOOD LUCK!

Answer 8

Just go to Yahoo or Google and type in:
http://www.woolworks.org/stores/ ; after the last forward slash, type in the abbreviation of your state (WI, GA, etc) and there will be a listing of knitting stores in your state which you can visit.

Answer 9

if you have an ac moore, jo anns, michaels, or even walmart in your area they sell all the supplies, needles, patterns, wool etc.
books can be found at the library... try to find one with really detailed instructions and lots of pictures...
check in your local paper for community happenings... there are often knitting groups listed. check with your community center too. don't knock em but senior centers have alot of those sorts of things and the lil ol ladies are always eager to teach others.
also check with churches and even vocational colleges/schools might have classes or groups

Answer 10

buy wool or yarn & knitting needles from michales or walmart.
thicker the yarn, better it is for you to learn knitting.
buy #10 or more numbered needles - this helps in easing the learning process
buy wooden knitting needles - if you are planning on knitting in flight.
watch this video - this gives some basic idea
http://www.michaels.com/art/online/static?page=ihts_knitting