I will be honest, learning the techniques was difficult. I did not take any formal training or knitting classes so my source was YouTube. I did not want to take any classes until I knew I could get the hang of it.
In the picture above, I have included some of my first projects. This is a perfect time to learn how to do this to make many beautiful and simple stocking stuffers or office gifts.
For first-time knitters and low-budgeters, I have decided to create my list of things to do when you start so you are not completely in the dark. I am still learning myself but I think it is helpful to learn from a person who started from no knowledge when you are in the same place as well.
Step One: Choosing Beginner Yarn
need at least one ball of yarn to begin.
2. There is so much yarn to choose from but it is necessary to consider the weight and the thickness. Beginner yarn should be worsted or 10-ply yarn.
3. You want to make sure your first yarn is very simple and not very sparkly or multicolored so that you can see the stitches well. Plus, you want the yarn not to have multiple strands or bumpy textures. I recommend wool-ease or cotton-ease for first time projects. From the picture above, my first yarn was the blue one. I then moved onto the wool textures and loved it since it was quicker and softer to make.
Step Two: Choosing Beginner Needles
1. When working with something simple like a scarf, you will need single-pointed needles. These needles are sold in a pack and have one end that is pointed and the other end with a knob attached. There are also double-pointed needles, cable needles, and circular needles available for making things like hats, gloves, sweaters, etc. I have no experience with double-pointed or cable needles yet, but I did try circular needles when making a hat. They look like this:
2. In the picture above, I also have included a small needle big enough for the yarn thread to come through. These are found in the knitting aisle as well and are very important as a beginning purchase. They help you finish of the scarf in the last steps. Some people prefer a crochet hook for this job and you can buy that as well.
3. It is also very important to consider the diameter of the needle. Basically, the thinner the needle, the tighter and less flexible the stitch. I recommend that a first-time knitter should buy a diameter around 5 mm to 8 mm. The standard size is 5 mm. This will be easier to handle and allow more flexibility without very loose stitches. One thing to understand, each needle has a number on them and that is not the millimeter size. It is the American measurement and is not usually what I follow. However, just to let you know, a size 8 needle is 5 mm and it will usually say that under the number. My first needle pair was 3.75 mm and that was probably what added to my frustration on getting the technique. In the picture below, I have 3.75 mm, and an 8 mm. I liked the 8 mm much better.
4. There is also the length of the needle to consider. The length should not be to big or to small to allow maximum comfort. I recommend anywhere from 10-16 inches, which is the standard size.
5. Since no one told me about the different needle materials, I went with metal and I really like it. However there are four different materials to choose from; wood, plastic, metal, and bamboo. There are plenty of pros and cons on each so I just say do your research and pick one. I heard good reviews on bamboo because the yarn does not slip and is lighter than metal but they can break if the circumference is to small.
Step Three: Starting the Projects
1. Like I said earlier, my sources of learning was YouTube. I have included some links that I used to make it easier for you to find the proper techniques.
How to knit (These are a series of different ones) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9hv44QwQ-A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tff3ng-djtk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONVQCK_-rKc
How to circular needle knit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LB__4WhGY4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_hl7HGMDy0
2. Local crafting stores hold knitting classes often. They are only one day usually and you can grasp the techniques very fast and effectively. Look into Jo-Ann's or Michael's Store Websites.
3. Know of any friends who knit? Get a group started. Everyone can bring their knowledge to the table and you will build and strengthen in learning together.
Encouraging Closing Statements
Knitting is soo easy once you get the hang of it. It is just one continuous repetition after another. As you get better, you can learn new techniques and use them interchangeably to create pattern on your material. I admit, starting it was hard. I had to rewind videos over and over again because they were going to fast for me to understand it! If you get to frustrated, put it down and try it the next day. I promise as soon as you get the technique down, you will be able to do it with your eyes closed (though I do not recommend it :)).
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