i'm completly new to the wonder, and the excitment of knitting. lately I haven't been doing much knitting and spending more time on the computer. I need every tip, advice, and experience all of you have with knitting. also, i have no clue how to do the purl stitch. and i haven't done any big projects. so help! ASAP!
I, too, am very new to knitting. I've taught myself everything using 'youtube' videos. My first ever project was a pair of socks - suggestion - DON'T start with socks! LOL!
Good luck and happy knitting!
Lisa
The true joy of knitting is that you never know it all. There is always something new to learn, some exciting new technique or project to try as well as the old familiar ones. I agre that socks was a little advanced for a first project. Most people start with a scarf made out of a yarn they find lovely. Mine was a cotton dishcloth and I still make them as they are better than anything else for cleaning.
When I was new I bought a copy of 'Knitting for Dummies' and I made friends at my local yarn shop. They are both great resources. For the basic basic stuff, I would start at a shop and just ask them to show you, or sign up for a short private lesson. Pick a simple pattern and see if they will walk you through the techniques used. There really are only a few basics you need to do most projects. Good luck!
Are you knitting English or Continental style? English you hold the yarn in the right hand, Continental you hold it in your left. I learned to knit continental, and it is fast, when you get the hang ot it. It seems that most Americans learn the English style. To purl in English knitting, the movements are the opposite of the knit stitch. Keep the yarn in fornt of the work,insert thepoint of the right needle into the front of the first stitch on the left needle. With your forefinger, take the yarn over the point of the right needle and then unger the right needle. Then you draw the loop though the stitch and slip it onto the right needle.
Welcome to the wonderful world of knitting. My best advice is to frequent your local library. That is how I taught myself to both knit and crochet. Good luck and I hope it will be a lifelong passion for you.
I agree with 'uaithne' who suggests using the library. I know every local library has a variety of books on knitting which you can check out and take home, so you can try out different stitches and knit at your convenience. I would suggest once you learn the purl stitch to try a shorter project at first. For one thing, you won't get bored or frustrated or require a whole lot of yarn, as you would for a larger project. So do a headband (less yarn, less time involved) versus a long scarf. Then as you gain confidence, you'll naturally want to try a bigger project.
Some suggestions: headband, bracelet, dish cloth, coaster, bookmark, coin purse
ZassZ
I forgot to mention in my previous post to suggest you take the time to check out "Stash ans stash management" in the Forum. There are a lot of good ideas for organizing and storing all your materials which you will collect as you progress in your knitting experience. I highly suggest you read them. Enjoy
Go to www.knittinghelp.com. Lots of videos (in both continental and English styles) to help.
I suggest you try a "Kntting 101" class. Most knitting stores have such classes or you might contact your closest knitting guild.
Madeline http://madelineknits.wordpress.com/
watching UTube videos is a great idea and why not try out some of the videos at knittinghelp.com.if you rather learn person to person I would run down to the yarn shop and ask for some help.
For online knitting galore (everything you did not know you could do with sticks and yarn) I can warmly recommend Ravelry. oodles of patterns and no end of helpful and very talented people ( a fair few of the designers featured in Interweave can be found on Rav). looking forward to meet you there.
as for what to start with, I think that depends on what kind of person you are. if you get frustrated easily maybe start with something small and fairly quick like a headband, if you're adventurous and need a bit of a challenge start with a lace shawl. and big projects... don't worry about big, you're just as much of a knitter even if you never ever knit a sweater/coat.
cheers
and good luck with your knitting
I agree with watching the youtube videos. I learned the English style (or throwing) many years ago and knit that way with much success. When I finally seriously decided to do Fair Isle - I just couldnt do it without an absolute yarn mess! So, I went to youtube and using those videos, taught myself to knit Continental style. OMG! It is so much easier (as well as much faster!) I love the videos because I can watch and do the motions at the same time. Books are great, but they cant really convey the motion necessary to learn quickly. With the variety of knitters out there with slightly different techniques, you will be able to find one that suits you with no problem. Don't be afraid to sit there and try 5 or 6 different ways-no way is really wrong-it is what is comfortable for the person.
I would suggest looking thru Vogue Knitting's The Ultimate Knitting Book at the library (if available) or go ahead and invest $40 and buy it. It is an invaluable tool! I reference it on a continual basis, as I am doing my Master Knitter Program thru TKGA for hand knitting. It is very informative-showing you actual items knitted as well as drawings-so you know what your stitches should look like for real when it is done.
Most of all, remember that knitting is fun! It takes practice, but soon enough you will be looking forward to "playing with yarn" everyday!! Enjoy!!
Pam
Copyright (C) 2009 Interweave Press, LLCUse of this site signifies your agreement to the Terms and Privacy Policy, updated March 2007
