I want to knit!

[C-Momma]

I desperately want to learn how to knit...I've always been interested in learning but I have no one to help teach me. There are no classes around here and I've even posted on my Freecycle group in search of anyone willing to teach me in exchange for some meals and companionship (it didn't sound creepy when I posted it. I was sort of hoping to appeal to someone with a grandparent who could use friendship and a willing apprentice)...nothing.

Is it possible at all to teach myself? Does anyone have any GREAT beginner books or materials you'd recommend to a total, complete newbie?

[Stayseeliz]

I'm completely self taught. I bought cheapo needles and yarn and sat up on the computer watching how-to videos online until I got the hang of it. Teach yourself to cast on, knit and cast-off and you can make a scarf. Then learn how to purl and you can knit lots of things!! It's totally possible to teach yourself. Here are some of the sites I used:

http://www.knittinghelp.com/
http://www.knittingatknoon.com/demos.html
http://www.helloknitty.com/videoinstr.htm
http://www.knitnet.com/common/support/caston.htm
http://www.woolfestival.com/articles...nstruction.htm
http://www.knittinghelp.com/videos/learn-to-knit
http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/how-tos.html

[JennP]

I second knittinghelp.com

[boricuaqueen327]

i wanted the same thing. Went to joAnne ready to spend $60 for the knitting class and the cashier told me that she taught herself by going to youtube and knittinghelp.com. Knittinghelp.com is AMAZING. I learned how to cast on, knit stitch, purl, and bind off. I am working on my first real project (wristlets) after I did three practice swatches. Just make sure you get easy to use yarn, I tried boucle because I thought it was pretty but it is a pain. Much harder than the worsted wool/nylon blend I used to learn the stitches on. I am still a very very new beginner to knitting but the website and knitting how to books really help. There two that I refer to alot Stitch n B*itch and Teach Yourself Visually Knitting. The latter has really good color photos.

[MamaWolfe]

I taught myself, too. Mostly via knittinghelp.com. A great place to look for help, so I hear, are retirement homes. They love to knit and they love the company. It's very overwhelming and daunting at first, but I stuck with it and within a month was already knitting garments for my not yet born baby!

[~*max*~]

I've been teaching myself also. From my own experience I recommend using bigger needles, size 10 and up, and thicker yarn that is straight & even, not crinkly (you can tell I'm a beginner bc I don't know the correct terms!). Come on over to the "Learning to Knit Support & ChatThread". We're all working on this together there. http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=1065149

[Samhain Hunter]

Originally Posted by C-Momma

I desperately want to learn how to knit...I've always been interested in learning but I have no one to help teach me. There are no classes around here and I've even posted on my Freecycle group in search of anyone willing to teach me in exchange for some meals and companionship (it didn't sound creepy when I posted it. I was sort of hoping to appeal to someone with a grandparent who could use friendship and a willing apprentice)...nothing.

Is it possible at all to teach myself? Does anyone have any GREAT beginner books or materials you'd recommend to a total, complete newbie?

I too, am self-taught. I just wanted to say that I *love* your freecycle ad, and would have totally answered it!.

[bandyr]

Ooo! I taught myself, too. And then found a place to take some classes later on. Maybe if you get started and knit in public at the bookstore or something, someone will come up and introduce themselves as a knitter. Or you could join Ravelry and find locals there? Or check the local co-ops or homeschool groups? Good luck! You can do it!


SAHM to 2 nurslings

[C-Momma]

Thanks everyone! I'm going to give it a try!

Now...My only local supply option is Wal Mart which I avoid. Does anyone have a link for a good source? Since I am SO new, would anyone kindly point out some good needles and yarn to work with? (I understand a size 10 would be good to start out with...I just have no clue what the difference or advantages are to using bigger or smaller needles).

Thank you SO much for the links they look so helpful. I'm excited to get started!