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Thinking of learning to knit  

post #1 of 17
6/21/08 at 11:48pm
Thread Starter 
I'm thinking of starting with a simple small (doll-sized) blanket. Any ideas?
post #2 of 17
6/21/08 at 11:50pm
knittinghelp.com
post #3 of 17
6/23/08 at 5:05pm
!!! I've been crocheting longer than I could remember, and couldn't knit to save my life-- that is until I found knittinghelp.com. KnittingHelp.com transformed me from a clutsy crocheter to an accomoplished knitter.

/end infomercial.

seriously, it's that helpful.

A couple other suggestions-- learning new things is easier on wooden needles.

I would also try to work with real wool not acrylic or cotton-- and I'm totally not a fiber snob. I use acrylic and cotton all the time. It's just much easier to correct your mistakes, ect in a worsted weight wool yarn. I would also ask the someone at the shop you buy the yarn from to help you match up needle size and yarn weight for the first time. (or look at the ball band)

Good luck! We are all rooting for you!
post #4 of 17
6/23/08 at 6:03pm


I agree Knittinghelp.com helped me learn how to knit
post #5 of 17
6/24/08 at 3:59am
Thread Starter 
Thank you! I'm VERY excited. I'm interested in trying this poncho. I might do a large washcloth/small doll blanket first until I get the hang of it. But the poncho is just SOOO cute that I'm gonna have to try it as soon as possible!
post #6 of 17
6/24/08 at 4:59am
No advice, I'm a super novice knitter myself... but the basic stitches are quite simple and easy to learn. After I learned, I wondered why I let myself be intimidated for so long. Way fun!
post #7 of 17
6/24/08 at 8:47am
Do the poncho first. IMO, it's easier to learn (work through frustrations of not getting it right the first time) if the end product is something you really want. A blanket just to teach you how is too easy to put down and never pick up again. A poncho in yarn you love will eat at you til it's done.
post #8 of 17
6/26/08 at 10:51pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by JustJamie View Post
Do the poncho first. IMO, it's easier to learn (work through frustrations of not getting it right the first time) if the end product is something you really want. A blanket just to teach you how is too easy to put down and never pick up again. A poncho in yarn you love will eat at you til it's done.
Thanks!
post #9 of 17
6/27/08 at 12:18am
Good luck!! Just another plug for knittinghelp.com, it's how I learned too.
post #10 of 17
6/27/08 at 12:58am
I have a spiral bound knitting reference guide that I learned from.

I have to warn you, though... some have said that certain drug addictions are often cheaper than a yarn habit.

Also, get nice needles. I think those super long honkin' aluminum needles put more people off of knitting than you'd imagine. Also, the dye rubs off on my hands.
post #11 of 17
6/27/08 at 8:15am
Quote:
Originally Posted by CalaRei View Post
I have a spiral bound knitting reference guide that I learned from.

I have to warn you, though... some have said that certain drug addictions are often cheaper than a yarn habit.

Also, get nice needles. I think those super long honkin' aluminum needles put more people off of knitting than you'd imagine. Also, the dye rubs off on my hands.
See, and I was so motivated by my pretty pink needles... do what works for you.
post #12 of 17
6/27/08 at 8:43am
A couple other suggestions-- learning new things is easier on wooden needles.

I would also try to work with real wool not acrylic or cotton-- and I'm totally not a fiber snob. I use acrylic and cotton all the time. It's just much easier to correct your mistakes, ect in a worsted weight wool yarn.



Definitely agree with the above. Acrylic yarn and super slippy aluminum needles are not a newbies friend.

And congrats on your undertaking, I started about 18 months back and LOVE it. I use it to channel some of my anxiety stuff and just generally destress at the end of the day. It has a satisfying tactile, mantra like quality to it once you get the motions programmed into your muscle memory and don't have to think about it. But like all good things, that takes time. Be patient with yourself, laugh when you screw up and have fun.

Oh yeah, I totally recommend BOTH Stitch n Bitch books, they're very helpful and have great projects.
post #13 of 17
6/27/08 at 5:39pm
Thread Starter 
I'm not too sure about wool though. Alivia has skin problems and I'm afraid it is going to be to scratchy for her.
post #14 of 17
6/28/08 at 3:54am
Not all wool is scratchy...I've kept to the less expensive yarns...the best wool I've knit with so far is Classic Elite Renaissance; it's 100% wool, and is incredibly soft.

Slightly scratchier but still soft are Patons Classic Merino (I think?) and Knit Picks Wool of the Andes. (See, I said I've kept to less expensive yarns!)
post #15 of 17
6/28/08 at 5:56pm
I'm relearning to knit and find knittinghelp tremendously helpful. Also if you can get on ravelry that would be cool too. I personally recommend knitting something more challenging so that you learn lots of techniques...that's what was recommended to me, and I have to say I find it more stimulating than say when I took a class and we knitted a pot holder. I'm doing a simple sweater for dd...I'm learning to decrease, increase, yarn over...It's so exciting.
post #16 of 17
6/29/08 at 11:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Datura View Post
learning new things is easier on wooden needles.
Totally agree with this! My 7-yo DD has had great knitting success with knittinghelp.com, sz 15 wooden needles (25 cents at the thrift shop!), and chunky-weight yarns (40% off w/coupon at AC Moore).
post #17 of 17
6/30/08 at 12:17am
I agree with the wooden needles and the knittinghelp.com, that's how I learned how to knit! I learned on making wool diaper covers, they are very easy if you have a young one still in dipes you might give it a try. You can see some of mine on my blog, if you want.
http://mamawolfeknits.blogspot.com
If you're looking for patterns, there are TONS of great groups out there but my favorite is http://www.ravelry.com
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