How to Teach a Child to Knit

Knitting is a hobby that can be enjoyed throughout one's life. A child is ready to learn to knit when the child expresses an interest in learning and has the dexterity to hold the needles and the yarn in her hands. This article and a little patience will help you teach a child this wonderful skill.

Things You'll Need

• Needles (size 10 or larger)
• Yarn

Instructions

1. Give the child the right size needles. The easiest needles for children to work with are large (size US 10 or larger). Bamboo or plastic needles are easier to work with than metal needles.

2. Provide the child with a natural fiber yarn such as wool.

3. Sit next to the child with your own needles and yarn in your hands.

4. Show the child how to cast on stitches.

5. Show the child how to do the knit stitch. Let the child practice the knit stitch and create a garter stitch swatch. The swatch can be used as a blanket for a doll or a bookmark.

6. When the swatch has reached the desired length, teach the child to cast off the stitches.

Tips & Warnings

• Make it easy for the child to know which needle you are talking about by placing a stitch marker on the left needle. It will be an easy way for the child to keep track of left and right.

• Be patient. If the child gets frustrated, offer an easy solution. You can also stop the lesson and wait for the child to want to try again.