WHat do I get to start knitting?

Question

I want to take up knitting. Can anyone experienced tell me what I need to buy? I am planning to get a book but as far as needles and yarn, what should I start out with?

Thanks for your time in answering my ? :)

Answer 1

Hi:

For you the following:

Knitting needles, Colored Yarns, a knitting guage guide,a Basket or storage boxes to put it all in, My most favorite tool a copy machine to copy and mark on your patterns rather then marking your book, a small note book to write down where you stop at or to make correction in your pattern, a quite place, and time to do it. The following below will help as well.



The following websites and books might interest you:

Websites:

http://www.knitpicks.com/content/index.php/archive/weavers-knot/

http://knittingcrochet.suite101.com/article.cfm/beginningofaknitter

http://www.theknitstitch.com/charity.htm

http://www.knittinguniverse.com/xrx/community/KnitU_Detail.php?DigestNumber=1444

http://www.learntoknit.com/instructions_kn.php3

http://www.learn-to-knit.com/

http://www.squidoo.com/knitting

http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/knitting_the_net/26806/2

http://knitknitting.com/

http://knitting.about.com/

http://wendyknits.net/wendy/knitting.htm

http://www.thefamilyhomestead.com/crochetknit.htm

http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring05/FEATspr05TBP.html

http://hobbies.expertvillage.com/interviews/knitting.htm

http://www.knittingfool.com/

http://www.knittinghelp.com/

http://www.letsknit2gether.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knitting

Books :

The Ultimate Sourcebook of Knitting and Crochet Stiches: Over 900 Great Stitches Detailed for Needle Crafters of Every Level
by Reader's Digest Editors (Editor), Reader's Digest Editors-
A most execellent book on the subject { I own one and agree with it} get this book it nothing else-


Learn to Knit
by Shure

The Knitting Experience Book 1: The Knit Stitch: Inspiration and Instruction, Vol. 1
by Sally Melville, Elaine Rowley (Editor), Alexis Xenakis (Photographer), Alexis Xenakis (Photographer), Xrx Press (Manufactured by)

Beginner Basics (Vogue Knitting on the Go! Series)
by Trisha Malcolm (Editor)

Kids Knitting
by Melanie Falick, Kristin Nicholas (Illustrator), Chris Hartlove (Photographer)

Knitting For Dummies
by Pam Allen, Trisha Malcolm, Rich Tennant (Illustrator), Trisha Malcolm (Foreword by)

Teach Yourself VISUALLY Knitting
by Sharon Turner

Modular Knits: New Techniques for Today's Knitters
by Iris Schreier

Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Knitting
by Donna Kooler

Knitting School: A Complete Course
by Sterling Publishing, RCS LIBRI

Big Book of Knitting Stitch Patterns
by Staff of Sterling Publishing

Learning to Knit
by BarCharts, Kaaren Ashley

Learn to Knit
by Sue Whiting (Editor)

Learn To Knit
by Penny Hill, New Holland Publishers Ltd (Produced by)

The Learn to Knit a Sweater Book
by Jean Leinhauser

How to Knit
by Debbie Bliss

Knitter's Lib: Learn to Knit, Crochet, and Free Yourself from Pattern Dependency
by Lena Maikon

Teach Yourself Knitting
by Sally J. Walton

The Easy Learn to Knit in Just One Day
by Staff of the American School of Needlework

Start to Knit
by Alison Dupernex

Decorative Knitting: 100 Practical Techniques, 125 Inspirational Ideas: And over 18 Creative Projects
by Kate Haxell, Luise Roberts

Michaels Book of Needlecrafts: Knitting, Crochet and Embroidery
by Dawn Cusick (Editor), Megan Kirby (Editor), Megan Kirby (Editor), Lark Books (Manufactured by)

Perfectly Brilliant Knits
by Melissa Matthay, Sheryl Thies, Sheryl Thies

The Knitter's Handbook
by Eleanor Van Zandt

Beginner's Guide to Knitting
by Alison Dupernex

Complete Book of Knitting
by Barbara Abbey

Answer 2

Let me see if I can provide an answer somewhere between too little or too much information.

You will need a book. You can use things on the internet, but I would guess that you would rather have paper in front of you that can go anywhere with you over only electronic help. I used "I Taught Myself Knitting", which is a kit that is made by Boye. It comes with the book, 2 sets of needles, and a few other things that you will need right off, and somethings you may never need.

Then you will need some yarn. I would go with something inexpensive, but at least decent quality. I used, and still use, quite a bit of Red Heart Supersaver. It's a good quality yarn, inexpensive, washable, and comes in about 6 bajillion colors and patterns.

You MUST learn the basics first. You first project should be as simple as it gets. A coaster, a scarf, something like that. You could make a set of 4 coasters. You could go with a scarf, which is what I did. There are a lot of people where I work with scarfs I made learning to knit.

I would HIGHLY suggest that your first project, do it in nothing but one stitch. I did a lot of things in only knit stitch for a while, then later I did things in knit and purl.

Answer 3

usually you would start with bigger needles and single yarn just until you get the hang of casting on and off. I am useless at knitting but I hope this is helpful. You could always talk to someone in the shop that you are going to buy the yarn etc from as they are probably the experts.

Answer 4

I would start with really big needles (wooden if you can find them....about a size 11 or 13 )....and some big puffy yarn and knit yourself a Poor Boy Sweater .......it is just two long rectangles stitched up the sides, made wide enough for your body, attached at the shoulders about 3" in towards the neck from the top of your arm/shoulder area (it gives what they call a "bateau" neckline, which is just straight across, like a boat).....and then knit two long tubes (which are rectangles stitched into tubes) for sleeves......the stitch: just knit, both sides of the work ....

they look really (dreadful) but are very chic and amusing ...wear them over your jeans or if you make one of yarn with glitter, they would do for an evening sweater at Christmas time ..wear one with your prettiest jewels ....and maybe a piece of velvet ribbon to tie around your neck ....

get someone in the yarn store to make you up a diagram / pattern and have fun; see if you can get her to help you with two gussets for under your arms so the sleeves will not tear out....I'd make one of 100% wool, it will last better and always pull back into shape when it is laundered .....
I love big needles ....the work goes very quickly and the piece is done and ready to wear in no time flat

lotsa xxxx

Answer 5

When I found out I was pregnant I have this silly notion that I was going to knit a cardigan (lol)

I went to the department store - got a simple pattern and it told me the needles I needed and the type of wool... that was the easy part

I had tried knitting before and had my auntie on hand to help me... which I think is the best way to learn she visited once a week so it gave me time to try it on my own but if I got stuck then I knew she would be coming on Sunday

No I didn't finish the baby thing - my auntie leaves too far now and I never did learn how to cast off

Answer 6

Pick a simple-looking project, like a scarf. You can look through the books they have if you like, but what I did my first time was look at all the yarns! Go for the thicker yarns; they require less patience to work with and it's more rewarding for beginners. You will have to stretch some of them through your fingers to make sure it's not going to be thin when you start (like eyelash and "fur" yarns look big, but they're not!)
On the labels of 90% of the yarns there will be a cool project, along with what size needles you will need and how much of that yarn. After that it's pretty straight forward, and if you do get stuck and you're at somewhere nice like Michaels or JoAnn Fabrics they will be happy to help. = )
Edit: Oh, and if you do find yourself getting frustrated still, both those stores do offer classes (all stores everywhere) for about $15 a course plus supplies.

Answer 7

Start out with a plain yarn, so you can see your stitches. Also, I found when I started that it's easier with bigger needles (higher the number, the bigger they are). I tried to learn from books, but had trouble. A lot of knitters would be more than happy to get you started. Ask people you know, or look for a knitting group in your area.

Answer 8

I learned how to knit using the "Stitch n B****" book. by Debbie stoller. I really like it because, it will teach you the steps and then give you first projects graded in difficulty to get you started. Everyone starts with a scarf. Buy some bulky yarn and large needles so you can see your knitting clearer. Maybe try needles size 13 or above. My first scarf was on size 17 needles using Lion Brand Homespun Yarn. Plus you'll finish quicker. You can buy cheaper yarn from michaels, joann fabrics, or wallmart.
Your easiest learning expierience would come from your local yarn store (google yarn stores and your town to see if you have one within a reasonable driving distance). Go in and they will be delighted to teach you how, (it gives them more customers they will teach you).

Heres a link for the SNB book on amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Stitch-N-*****-Knitters-Handbook/dp/0761128182/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-0058480-1239023?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193920897&sr=1-1

Answer 9

knittinghelp.com taught me how to knit in one day and that was last week! now I'm making all sorts of things! Get a heavier type yarn like some wool-ease by lionbrand and a set of larger needles like 10.5 US Sorry but books did not help me to start out until after I learned the stitches. That's basically all you need to start!

Answer 10

Here's a link to give you an idea of what you need to start. I learned to knit from library books but they have DVD's now that you can buy at places that sell yarn, like Walmart.


http://www.knittinghelp.com/