Learning to Knit

[OrchidMama]

I would love to learn how to knit, so that I can make stuff for my 6 week old baby. Where can I buy needles and yarn, and where is a good place to buy? What else do I need? Thanks.

[chickabiddy]

Do you have a yarn store in your area? They often have classes and can help you pick out an easy pattern and yarn. JoAnn's and Hobby Lobby also have patterns, yarn and knitting needles/notions. The employees are sometimes knowledgeable/helpful but not always. Yarn will be less expensive at a JoAnn's type place.

http://www.knittinghelp.com/ is a great online place to learn. http://www.ravelry.com/ is a good place to find patterns and yarn suggestions. You can also see other people's projects and read comments on a pattern.

[OrchidMama]

I'll try JoAnn's, thanks. Those are great websites, looks like a good place to start.

[OrchidMama]

DP

[Cdra]

I taught myself to knit by watching videos on knittinghelp.com and you tube. I bought a longies pattern and fumbled my way through it. It took me almost a month and a half to finish shorties. That pair is the ugliest and my favorite. I'm so much better now. I bought my first few needles and yarn at Joann's. then when I knew I was serious about it I bought an interchangeable set of circular needles online. I also started buying yarn on spots corner. I only used the fancy yarn until I felt confident enough to do so.

[OrchidMama]

Yes, I don't want to spend too much money until I know I'm serious about it. I often start projects without finishing them. However, I love making stuff, so I hope to stick to this.

[Cdra]

Originally Posted by OrchidMama Yes, I don't want to spend too much money until I know I'm serious about it. I often start projects without finishing them. However, I love making stuff, so I hope to stick to this.

I'm the same way. I have so many hobbies I never follow through with or never continue after the first batch. But I do love knitting.

[EuphoricDysphoria]

I will say the needles I use make a huge difference for me. When I started to knit I used cheapie needles and stopped knitting. When I decided to pick it up again a few years later I bought a more expensive brand because they had the size I needed and fell in love.

[MamaDawn]

I agree about the needles making a huge difference, so if you are finding the needles to not be quite right, maybe try just one of the more expensive ones (they still aren't that much) I love Knit Picks...

When I teach knitting I always have my students start with a pot holder. I teach to cast on with knitted cast on (it's the most like the knit stitch) then they learn the knit stitch and knit several rows. Then learn the purl stitch and purl until it's the size they need. Then they felt it. I do a felted project first because you don't have to worry about mistakes, they all get felted away. And it won't matter if you start off way loose and your gauge tightens up (which is common with new knitters). And you get a useful item out of it. And it starts you off using wool which I think is the easiest to knit with. (If you are getting some at Joann's Patron's Wool is a good one, but look at the ball wrap for one that's 100% Wool... as long as it's not superwash it will work

Hope that helps.

[mamarudy]

why not the superwash? i ask because i also am thinking about beginning knitting. the first project i have in mind (once i get the hang of things) is some wool longies. a couple people have recommended a superwash wool to me. what's the con to it?