Knitting & Crocheting Kits

[revecca]

I have two girls who are interested in learning to knit and crochet. I was wondering since many of you actually knit & crochet if you had any suggestions or ideas for me? (I had someone tell me not to buy regular needles, to get the circular ones instead). I was looking at purchasing this, Klutz Knitting Activity Book Ages 10+. Not sure how helpful that is. Thanks!

[justineybean]

I think straight needles would be fine for learning, especially for kids. If they're really into it, you could get circular needles later because they are really more versatile.

[sarahsjhs]

I'm not sure about a kit, but I'd start with crochet because I think it's easier than knitting. I'm sure you could find a crochet for dummies type book at the craft store, some cheap yarn and whatever size hook the yarn recommends, and learn from the book and youtube. Good luck!

[MamaDawn]

I don't know about the kit either... it might be good I just haven't seen it.

But I teach knitting to kids at our homeschool coop... So here's what I do
One get wool yarn, not superwash though (you are going to felt it)... I start off with worsted (or medium) weight yarn and size 7 needles
Next is learn the knitted cast on... you can use videos on knittinghelp.com or youtube for all the actual techniques....
Then for a week they just cast on and rip it off, they practice 15 per day for a week
Then they learn knit stitch... they do this for at least a week, when they feel comfortable with it they learn the purl stitch.

When they are working on the knit stitch they knit every row. Then same with the purl stitch, purl every row. Until they have something bigger than what you would want a pot holder to be. Then they put it in the wash on hot and then in the dryer to felt it.