How to Choose a First Knitting Project
Many people are curious about learning to knit. Why not? It is a relaxing, enjoyable and increasingly popular hobby. Making beautiful and useful things is especially satisfying. In order to get a good start, the first knitting project should be chosen wisely. The right choice will lead to a fun and successful learning experience. The worst mistake beginning knitters can make is to be overly ambitious and start with something that is too complicated or too large. There are resources for patterns and basic knitting instructions that anyone can use.
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Instructions
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Search for free knitting patterns on the Internet. There are several sites with simple, free patterns and basic knitting instructions.Recommendations:Knitty.com - This is an online knitting magazine with lots of resources. There are patterns, forums, feature articles, and a shop.KnittingHelp.com - This site has video instructions that teach the basic knitting stitches and techniques. There are many other features as well, including patterns for all skill levels, forums, glossary and a shop. Knitting Patterns Central - This site is a large directory with links to free patterns all over the Internet.About.com: Knitting - This specialized web directory features articles, patterns and links to knitting resources all around the Internet.
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Print out several patterns that look attractive.
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Unhappy with what is available online? There are books available for beginning knitters.Recommendations:
Stitch 'N Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook - This book by Debbie Stoller starts with the essential basics and goes on to more complicated projects and techniques. She writes with an irreverent style, appealing to a younger generation of knitters.
Teach Yourself Visually Knitting - Sharon Turner is the author of this simple how-to guide with lots of photos.
Knitgrrl: Learn to Knit with 15 Fun and Funky Patterns - Shannon Okey's book is perfect for teens and tweens with patterns for fresh styles. -
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Read the instructions for several patterns and learn some of the shorthand that is used.Some common abbreviations:
p = purl
k2 = knit two stitches
p3 = knit three stitches
k2p2 = knit two stitches and then purl two stitches
k1p1 to end of row = knit one stitch, purl one stitch, and keep repeating k1p1 for the whole row. -
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Choose a project that does not need to be fit carefully. For example: scarf, hat, afghan, shawl, pair of socks. Stay away from complicated stitches, like cables or lacy eyelets. Find a simple pattern that has readable instructions and can reasonably be completed. An afghan can be successful with plenty of time and patience. If that is too much of a commitment, try something small.
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Make a shopping list. Every pattern provides a list of the materials that are needed. Get the same size needles and the same weight (ie. sport or worsted) of yarn that the pattern suggests. Ask a store employee for help with any questions about yarn.Other supplies that are necessary for a knitting kit are:
2 rubber stoppers for the ends of the needles.
a crochet hook (very useful for picking up dropped stitches and fixing mistakes)
a yarn needle (for working in the tails of loose yarn where skeins were tied off and making a clean finish)
a knitting bag (any good tote will do)
a pair of small scissors
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Tips & Warnings
When at the end of a skein, always start the new skein at the end of a row and tie off the old skein. It is sloppy and awkward to have to tie off in the middle of a row.
Stripes are easy to do. Just change yarn occasionally at the end of a row.
Before starting the project, practice with the yarn and needles by knitting a swatch. Get comfortable with the two basic stitches, knit and purl. Start by casting 20 stitches onto a needle. Knit the first row using any stitch pattern. Continue for 20 rows. This is called "checking the gauge." For now it is just a warm-up, but this step will be crucial when making sweaters or anything that needs to fit.
If there is a specialized yarn store nearby, shop there and talk to the people. The employees are usually very knowledgeable and friendly. When stuck or having a problem, bring the project in and ask for help. Many stores offer classes. Think about signing up.
Enjoy the accomplishment of finishing a project successfully. Wear it or use it with pride.
Be sure to get enough yarn on the first shopping trip. It's so frustrating if there isn't enough to finish. Sometimes there is no more of that yarn available at the store.
Buying yarn can be addicting. There are so many beautiful colors and interesting textures. And doesn't everyone need a scarf?
Resources
- Photo Credit Cheryl Hedlund
