How long did it take you to catch on to knitting?

Question

I'm trying to learn how to knit. I want to make a Christmas present for someone by knitting it for them.
I've got the continental cast-on down pat.....but after that....I just can't seem to get it to work, just yet.

How long did it take you to perfect this?
Was it tricky? Or was it pretty easy - and I'm just not lucky in knitting? =)

Answer 1

Oh, honey, I'm still learning . But it takes practice and patience. Don't try to learn this where it's loud and noisy or a lot is going on, take yourself to a quiet place, say all the nasty words you need to (to yourself, not out loud), and try to relax. Sit in a comfortable chair, not on the bed, not on the floor, don't prop your elbows up on the arms (bad habit, can cause tendonitis), and relax. You have to train a new pathway in your brain for this to become easy and automatic and that takes time. Your gift may not be ready for Christmas, at least not this year, but that's a whole 'nuther philosophy. If you're having trouble see if you can find someone to help you learn. And yes, if you continue to knit you will continue to perfect your technique and learn new ones, I do too.

Answer 2

When I taught myself to knit, I decided to give myself a month to learn,and if I didn't catch on by then, I figured it wasn't for me. I practised a little every day.The first 3 weeks, I wasn't too sure. I could do the stitches, but I had to go pretty slowly or I dropped stitches or made other mistakes. Then the last week, my persistance paid off and it seemed to come together. I found the cast on the most difficult, for some reason, so maybe the worst is past for you?
I learned from books and watching videos.
A good first thing to knit is a scarf in garter stitch; you don't have to worry about gauge.

Answer 3

Well everyone is deifferent knitting back and forth was pretty easy for me and I have taught many. If you are a visual person as I am looking at pictures does me no good, but what has helped me was going out to utube and putting in keywords and watching videos over and over.

Good Luck and it really is really realxing I was knitting a hat on circulars last night in the car on the way home in the dark, so it can be pretty easy once you catch on, and you will with practice.

Answer 4

If you are good at looking at pictures and following the instructions it should not take you more time than reading it. Remember that you will be making mistakes so get on here with further questions. Depending on the project you plan on making make sure it is not too large as Christmas will be here before you realize. If it comes to that give your friend a card mentioning that you are making something for them by hand and it is not complete and they will receive it when you have completed it. If I can help you any further contact me.

Answer 5

Well it took me about a day to get into the rhythm of knitting the garter stitch. Never be afraid to start over if you messed up. Good luck!

Answer 6

I was doing ok on my first day, but I was doing super by the end of the first week. It really helps to have someone show you how, and to look over your mistakes. The best way to learn is to make mistakes. Be thankful that in this day and age, you can snap some photos and ask someone online what you did wrong and what you did right! ;)

Answer 7

Usually the first row is annoying for me, it usually doesn't feel right on any project. If you've just begun knitting, give it some time, but be sure to practice. It'll come, don't worry!