i want to learn how to knit.

armywife51b · Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2012 4:39 pm Post subject: i want to learn how to knit.

where do i start? i'm more of a visual person, so a video blog or book with really good pictures is best. i would do local instruction but my LYS is halfway across the island(they have a knitting circle).

tell me about types of yarns, needles, whatever.

or lmk who i can use to make my knitting ideas happen. personal knitter anyone? imma getchoo.

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Jennifer tropicalfish

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& Nathan

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Shadow · Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2012 5:23 pm Post subject:

My biggest recommendation would be to use good quality yarn and needles. Nice squishy handyed merino or bfl and some Addi turbo or Knitpro needles would be a start.
I started by finding a pattern for something simple, in bulky yarn (makes the project appear faster, so more motivating), from Ravelry. I started with a slouchy hat. I used Stitch n Bitch alongside the pattern. I was in a tent in the middle of Wales at the time so no internet access lol

I progressed using knittinghelp.com videos and asking friends if I got stuck.
I know some people rate youtube for videos too, but I never found any that I clicked with.
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CarrieMcD · Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2012 6:49 pm Post subject:

Youtube has endless tutorials, but I learned from Knittinghelp.com - and I second what Shadow says!

krgolden · Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2012 7:30 pm Post subject:

Yes, to what others have said. Youtube is great for learning specific stitches though. I would also suggest doing something simple like a dishcloth for your first project. Definitely get on Ravelry for simple patterns. My computer isn't letting me open another window for some reason, but I'll be back with a link asap.
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Katie knitting

~ wife to JD. mama to 3 amazing kiddos!

Will knit for trades! I'm looking for Cestari or MMR yarn specifically, but try me Smile

armywife51b · Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2012 11:50 pm Post subject:

Great!

I have Cascade 220 in stock, would that be a good beginner's yarn? Also what size needles should I buy, or does it depend on the project? A dish cloth would be super awesome. I think I would be excited to start and finish anything! hehe! nyah nyah

_________________
Jennifer tropicalfish

Mom to Madison teacher

& Nathan

& Army Wife to my deployed Chris Yellow Ribbon

& Fur Mommy to Miss Piggy & Baby guinea pig

Natural Madison dragonfly

eco samples

krgolden · Posted: Mon Feb 13, 2012 7:46 am Post subject:

http://www.groupepp.com/dishbout/kpatterns/grfavorite.html Here's the dishcloth. You need cotton yarn so that it won't felt. It says to use size 6 or 7 needles, but honestly I just taught a friend to knit with this pattern and she used 9's (because I had extra ones for her to have). I would use 8's because that's a common size if you don't have any yet and are buying them. Have fun and don't stress. It's just a dishcloth, right Wink

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Katie knitting

~ wife to JD. mama to 3 amazing kiddos!

Will knit for trades! I'm looking for Cestari or MMR yarn specifically, but try me Smile

Cloth Canoe Mama · Posted: Mon Feb 13, 2012 10:06 am Post subject:

I second knittinghelp.com! Also, check out the book called Knitting in Plain English. It's awesome.
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mamamo · Posted: Mon Feb 13, 2012 10:29 am Post subject:

Yup. Knittinghelp.com is the bomb. You could get some cotton yarn to do a dishcloth. Or you could use the 220 you have and do a scarf. If you just do a 2x2 rib pattern (knit 2, purl 2) for however many stitches you want it to be wide, the finished scarf won't curl in on the edges. Plus, it's a great project for making yourself practice both types of stitches.
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Ess&Dubs · Posted: Mon Feb 13, 2012 12:13 pm Post subject:

Definately use knittinghelp.com

I would also highly recommend getting Addi Turbos or the like. I used cheap-o needles first and HATED knitting and was SO shocked at how much I loved it when I got my Addi's about two weeks later. Changed everything!
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Kate Meditating