Best learn-to-knit (or crochet) resources for a young preteen? (Making a theme/ passion basket)

[Breathless Wonder]

I have 10 yo girl on my Christmas shopping list that learned how to finger knit from a friend, and has mentioned to me a few times that she would like to learn to knit with needles. I would like to put together a knitting (or crocheting) theme/ passion basket as a gift, but I have NO idea what to put in it.

Also, which is easier to begin with- knitting or crocheting? Which delivers more instant gratification?

Can anyone help me out? I'm looking for books, videos, needle recommendations, yarn recommendations etc.

Thanks in advance!

[mommaduck]

They have kits, with beginner's book...I would get one of those, open it, and expound upon those items. Also, knitting vs crochet depends on the person. My grandmother tried to teach me to crochet for 15yrs. I'm a lefty. I finally taught myself how to knit a couple of years ago. After learning to knit, I was able to teach myself crochet. All using online videos.

HTH

[Breathless Wonder]

Thanks for the quick reply! Do you have any recommendations as to which specific kit?

Also, now I have another question for you lefties: was it easier to learn to knit or crochet, because the young lady in question is a lefty as well.

[Dakota's Mom]

I know Barnes & Noble has a kit that has beginning patterns, yarn, and needles all in one. My son recently took a class at A C Moore. But he couldn't figure it out at all. Hes only six though. He also cant figure out finger knitting. I thought it was just that he couldnt learn from me, but he couldn't learn in the class either. She started the kids out on size 19 needles and thicky Wool Ease yarn. Some of them picked it up very quickly and others couldn't get it at all.

As far as which is easier, my grandmother tried to teach e how to crochet. I could never figure it out. She was a lefty I'm a righty. I taught myself how to knit out of a book years ago. I still can't figure out crocheting.

As far as instant gratification, Ive heard from friends who do both that crocheting goes a lot faster. I am currently making washcloths for the holidays. I have one pattern that I can complete in under two hours. But since I cant crochet, I can't really compare. My daughter says crocheting is much faster.

Kathi

[Callimom]

Melanie Fallick's book Kids Knitting is wonderful! I used it to teach myself to knit long past the time I would be considered a kid.
The book includes project instructions for making your own knitting needles, dying yarn etc as well as knitting patterns for hats, sweaters, socks, bags and knapsacks, puppets or dolls. It's really a great first resource.

For the basket I would put in the book, a few balls of different yarn - maybe some plain wool for dying, a pair of needles - go with bamboo as they aren't as slippery as metal and they are cheap, a needle holder/case, some cute stitch markers or materials to make them, a few groovy buttons, a crochet hook, a small project bag, a yarn needle, a stitch holder, a measuring tape.
You can probably put it all together for under $30 - depending on the yarn you choose. If you luck out at the thrift store you can do it for a lot less.
hth
Karen

[moominmamma]

I was coming here to post what Karenwith4 already posted. I'm a passionate knitter and a mom to girls who are currently really into knitting. Falick's book is the ultimate. Bamboo needles for sure.

Miranda