Beginning to Knitting

Series Summary

Knitting is an ancient craft that dates back to first millennium AD, and today, knitting is more popular than ever. There is no doubt that knitting is hip. Check any number of bookstores. There are several volumes of knitting patterns: everything from bikinis to purses. A new generation of expressive yarns make the creation of eye-catching clothes and accessories easier than ever. Knitting asserts independence from traditional clothing manufacturers and is the perfect outlet for personal style. In this free video series, learn the basics of knitting. Our expert, Pam Grushkin, has been knitting all her life, and she has made it a career. A knitting instructor, Grushkin discusses the materials required to begin knitting. Learn all about knitting needles, yarn and patterns. Find out how to begin knitting by casting on. Gruskin demonstrates how to make the easiest of all knitting projects: a scarf. Discover how to measure and pick yarn for a scarf. Also, get tips for fixing stitch mistakes. So, take a moment, and learn to knit today!

Video Transcript

"Knitting is a wonderful activity that can bring you a lot of joy and creation and relaxation. And for learning to knit all you really basically to start is yarn and needles. Now there are a lot of different kinds of needles that you can use. I'm going to be teaching you on straight needles and chunky weight yarn. But there are also circular needles that are made out of rosewood or bamboo. And there are metal needles. And there are also plastic needles and aluminum needles. All of these different types give you a different feel when you knit. Bamboo is more forgiving for beginners because it warms up in your hands and the yarn doesn't slip off the needle. Circular needles are a personal preference of mine because you don't put a lot of stress on your arms when you're holding the circular needles. All the yarn stays right here, it doesn't put any stress on your shoulders or your hands. Whereas for straight needles, you know, you have the weight of the needles in your arm. And the needle stress can put, can run up into your shoulders. But most beginners like find, start on bamboo needles."