I want to make socks and mittens

[Porcelain Interior]

I can't find any classes locally and I've been very interested in socks and mittens for years now. I look at directions including double pointed needles and my brain just hurts.

Is there a definitive how to guide out there that's CLEAR and concise that would help me make these things?

[DeerMother]

I can't say enough good things about Ann Budd's book, "getting started knitting socks". Your library might have it, I ended up buying it.

For dpns, I had someone show me. If you're on rav, you can go to "people" and enter your area to meet up w/ other knitters. Or forget classes and ask someone at your lys. I have a tough time learning new techniques by watching videos, I totally understand. Try to pretend the other needles aren't there, just focus on the working needles.

I believe Kate Gilbert has a mitten pattern worked flat and seamed, it is on rav. If you can't find it, lmk, I'll find the title.

[zech13_9_goforgold]

good advice, I concure.


before getting out the dpn, I would practice knitting flat with the size that you will be knitting with, because it's difficult to learn to work with a small needle size and dpns at the same time.

find a time where you can be alone and are fairly relaxed. I found that beginning to work with dpns can be stressful, so you want to start out relaxed. once you learn it, you can stick the dpns in your purse and go anywhere. I think that you'll like it once you learn, but I know that you can also knit socks with either two circular needles or one really long one (look up videos for those techniques).

[Porcelain Interior]

Thank you I will try to find that book and use these awesome tips! I have learned everything I know from books, but this one thing has me intimidated!

[Rhiannon Feimorgan]

Finding someone who can show you in person is probably the best way. I found this video and the rest in the series very helpful when I was getting started with socks and dnps.

I would start out just knitting a tube on dnps without any shaping at all. You can sew up the bottom when your done and make it into a bag or just work with scrap yarn with no results in mind just getting used to the needles.

Once you get the hang of it, you'll understand that they're not as scary as they look. You might have a bunch of needles in your project but your still only working with two of them at a time. The trick is to find a comfortable way to hold it so the resting needles aren't in your way.

[DeerMother]

Also, my first projects on dpns were all felted. There are several small bowl patterns on rav. That way, any mistakes you might make will be gone in the wash and you still have a completed project. I also find it easier to use dpns when I have the weight of a project already going, like the top of a hat. So maybe pick out a cute hat.

p.s. If you're in MO, I'll show you in person.

[katiedidbug]

Hey, esaesa!
I also second esaesa's suggestion of "Getting Started Knitting Socks." It's amazing. I keep checking and rechecking it out my local library. I have found it helpful in learning to knit basic socks. Plus, once you have the basics down, she gives some advice for more advanced techniques.

[megincl]

This online sock tutorial was extraordinarily clear, precise, illustrated, and easy to follow. All you really have to know how to do is knit in the round with DPNs. I'd check it out as an additional option.

Good luck!

[PJsmomma]

My 1st sock, I used Knitting Pure and Simple's beginner sock pattern. It was very easy!