Teaching a 5yo to knit or crochet?

[Stayseeliz]

My 5yo really wants to learn to knit! I pulled out some of my stuff yesterday and tried to teach her but I don't think she quite has the dexterity for it! She couldn't get the needle through the yarn correctly. Would it be easier with bigger needles and yarn? Should I try something else? Or would it be easier for her to learn to crochet? I've been wanting to learn to crochet myself so I thought that might be good to learn together. Thanks for any suggestions!

[MaryJaneLouise]

I think crocheting would be easier for a LO.

[zebrachick83]

somebody on an earlier thread recommended finger knitting for little ones. i don't have the exact link but there's a video on youtube that shows how to do it. i showed it to my dd4 and she picked it up pretty quickly!

[4evermom]

Originally Posted by MaryJaneLouise

I think crocheting would be easier for a LO.

I agree. Only one thing to hold. You can't drop a stitch like with knitting.

[vegasgrl]

I learned to crochet at a very young age by crocheting around the ring from a jam jar. It was good because it was easier to hold than just a line of stitches is.

[JennP]

dd 5 can knit but can't get the crocheting. She does her best, makes rectangles and one day we will sew them together. the rectangles are out of any yarn and are not uniform but we will make it work when the time comes to sew.

[PaulaJoAnne]

I learned to knit when I was 6. In the Shetland Isles, knitting is taught at a very early age.
Fat kneedles (size 10-12) are best, along with a smooth higher ply yarn in a lighter color.
I say go for it! Just go easy though, and make it fun.

[Indigo73]

My grandma taught me to knit, crochet and embroider when I was 4. So it's possible.

I agree, chunkier needles with "good" yarn will help. Also encourage her to try different ways to hold the yarn & needles. Even though Granma knit English, I ended up knitting Continental.

[~Megan~]

I think knitting is easier as it's less to remember. Smaller needles would be better for a young child. I'd recommend size 7 and worsted yarn.

[Buddhamom]

I tought my 4 year old to knit with help and size 9 needles that are only 6 inches long. My Dad makes wood knitting needles and made a set for her. Then she learned the little knitting poem about the sheep and she just says it as she knits. She still is a bit wobbly with the needles, but she knows how to do it so when the dexterity gets better she will be sucessfull.

[pamelamama]

I've taught a five year old - a really bright and capable little girl - and it was fantastic. I always ask a kid who wants to learn: Can you tie your shoes yet?

I teach my entire kindergarten class to finger knit. There's a tutorial on knitty that's pretty cute and that's the technique I use. But one-on-one, I think true knitting is possible!

[boricuaqueen327]

I dont know how to crochet and I have barely started learning how to knit myself but dd (5) has been wanting to learn so I cast on about 10 stitches today and am teaching her the knit stitch. She knows the motions but her stitches are really loose so I go behind her and tighten them a bit. We are using short size 8 needles and worsted weight Red Heart yarn in her favorite color- purple! We tried size 10 and 11 needles but they were too bulky for her hands and she got frustrated, she seems to be able to hold the size 8 better.