Yarn Mice
I know a few people who are interested in learning how to knit, so I thought I would write a post to help you get started. I’m not a good teacher and I knit the Continental style (which I think isn’t the one generally used), mainly because it’s more comfortable for me and it was the only way I could get my head around knitting. So I don’t think I would be the best person to teach you, but there’s so many good resources out there you don’t need me putting pictures up and my vague explanations to just confuse you even more.
First off, I would highly recommend the following book. Stitch N Bitch is very good for basics and tied up loose ends for me. It also shows both Continental and English Styles.
There are a lot of online videos teaching one how to knit. Just check out Youtube and you will find tons. For reference, I used videos on the Knitting and Needlework on VideoJug. I find videos are better than just pictures, mainly because you need to see how knitters work the thread between fingers.
As for materials all you need to start is a pair of knitting needles and some yarn. I started out with 4 mm knitting needles and some basic acrylic yarn. Don’t go for the expensive stuff yet! You will make mistakes and there’s nothing more painful than frogging (that’s when you pull it apart to start again) some expensive yarn, making the thread lose some of it’s perfection.
When you get better, I recommend investing in some nice yarn for your stash. I love Rowan yarn, the wool feels wonderful on my fingers. But my luxury yarn is Alpaca, which comes from an animal which looks like a small llama.
Getting involved in a knitting community will also connect you with other new knitters and the more experienced knitters can give you tips. You also might find a knitting group in your town. I use Ravelry to connect me to the knitting world.
My biggest tip: When working with knit and purls, just realise: Behind every knit is a purl and behind every purl is a knit.
Trust me, once you get your head around the knit and the purl, everything will fall into place.
Jeanny Said,
August 24, 2008 @ 5:32 pm
Great Tips.
I wanted to try this very very soon.
Have a splendid week dearie :)
Jeannys last blog post..It’s just delicious.
Reply
Sinta Reply:
August 24th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
Definitely try it! It’s a bit complicated at first, but really give it a try and you will eventually crack it :) Once you’ve done that, what you can do with two sticks and yarn is limitless!
Reply
Jeanny Said,
August 25, 2008 @ 6:21 am
hi again dear. I got an award waiting for you here
http://jeannycdj.com/2008/08/25/awardsawards/
TC :)
Jeannys last blog post..Awards…awards…
Reply
carrie / wishwishwish Said,
August 25, 2008 @ 1:22 pm
thanks for this post! hopefully it’ll help me improve a bit!
x
carrie / wishwishwishs last blog post..Reading Festival
Reply
J. Said,
August 25, 2008 @ 6:48 pm
I so wish you were close by. You don’t even know how much the yarn stash in my house is. Crazy! (E-mail me your snail mail, maybe I can send you some!)
Reply
Sinta Reply:
August 26th, 2008 at 8:38 am
Wicked! Maybe we should start a yarn swap :) I think i might have some lovely stuff hidden in my stash to send to you too ^_^ I’ll email you.
Reply
odette Said,
August 25, 2008 @ 7:59 pm
thanks for the tips. i’ll try to get my hand around knitting again. :)
odettes last blog post..thank you for your recipes!
Reply
sheng Said,
August 26, 2008 @ 6:31 am
I will have to look for yarns, very soon, as in now!
shengs last blog post..Yay! An award! Weehee!
Reply
sheng Said,
August 26, 2008 @ 7:08 am
BTW, you have an award waiting at my place.
shengs last blog post..Happy
Reply
Leah Said,
September 10, 2008 @ 1:08 am
Ok…i have so many yarns and have not started any knitting yet. I’ll keep this post bookmarked for the references. Thanks
Leahs last blog post..Nail art party
Reply