Learning to knit

nurseangel · Dec 19, 2009

I've decided I want to learn to knit. While waiting at the hospital, I watched this lady make a whole sock. I can crochet (not well) but knitting looks more fun and relaxing. I don't have anyone to teach me, and I'm left handed, so it could be a challenge. But DH is going to get me some books for Christmas and I asked for one on learning to knit. What do you think? Any advice or books to recommend? Thanks!

Ms. Freya · Dec 19, 2009

I have the Vogue Knitting Quick Reference and it's been great (It's actually my mom's on semi-permanent borrow) I took a class a few years back to learn the basics but this book is so handy whenever I forget how to do something or don't know how to do something - really clear instructions.

If there are any yarn shops in your area that offer classes, I'd consider going, even just for a lesson or two just because I found it extremely helpful to have someone helping me along until I got the hang of knitting.

Good luck - there are some gorgeous patterns out there to start with.

natalie_ca · Dec 19, 2009

"Knitting for Dummies" is a good one.

I learned to knit in Home Ec in school. I can't say that I'm any good though!

I can cast on, and knit very, very, very long scarves because I don't know how to end it. Plus I drop stitches and don't know how to get them back. And I end up picking up stitches somehow and everything looks lopsided. I also have a tendency to knit too tightly and end up with blisters on my fingers and a heck of a time getting the needle through the stitch.

So if I want to work with wool, I crochet instead. But there again I'm limited in my ability. The only thing I know how to make are granny squares.

motoko9 · Dec 19, 2009

Once you get started, be sure to check online if you have difficulty with any of the instructions. There are a lot of good, short videos that illustrate stitches, techniques, etc. very clearly.

gailc · Dec 19, 2009

I'm left handed and I taught myself after I found instruction videos on the internet.

I took a class but it was by a right handed person. Knitting was easy, purling not so much.
But I guess I developed my own technique which works for me.

Buy yourself some of the larger needles and thicker yarn it seems easier to start that way.

katachtig · Dec 19, 2009

Originally Posted by GailC

Buy yourself some of the larger needles and thicker yarn it seems easier to start that way.

Also, pick a light colored yarn so you can see your stitches better.

ruthyb · Dec 19, 2009

I love knitted things, have always got my nan to knit my children when they were babies cardies and layette sets, I just love to see babies in them. I can knit..... in straight lines

A wonky scarf, thats all you'll get from me. My nan is amazing, she can knit anything. x

mrblanche · Dec 19, 2009

Originally Posted by nurseangel

I've decided I want to learn to knit. While waiting at the hospital, I watched this lady make a whole sock. I can crochet (not well) but knitting looks more fun and relaxing. I don't have anyone to teach me, and I'm left handed, so it could be a challenge. But DH is going to get me some books for Christmas and I asked for one on learning to knit. What do you think? Any advice or books to recommend? Thanks!

My wife teaches knitting at JoAn's Fabric. Check for a PM.

ut0pia · Dec 19, 2009

I have been knitting since I was 5 years old. My grandmother used to knit and she taught me. It can be easy, but there are several techniques and some techniques are harder than others and look more elaborate. I would suggest starting with something small. If you start on something big, it can get boring very quickly because you will be doing a lot of the same thing.
I used to love knitting up until I was 13, and it used to be fun but eventually it starts to feel more like work than fun..

misty8723 · Dec 20, 2009

My mother taught me to knit. But she was self taught, and after I took a class and learned the "correct" way to do it, it was so much easier. You could try calling some of the craft stores, see if they have anyone who can instruct you on knitting when you are left handed, at least the basic technique.

mrblanche · Dec 20, 2009

Most "JoAn" stores have classes. They vary in price. Dottie says she thinks the basic class is $35, but they often have sales for half price. (If you pay half price, the teacher also gets half pay, by the way.)

But I told Dottie several of you may contact her. I could even make a video of a basic demonstration.

nurseangel · Dec 20, 2009

Thank you all so much for your responses. DH did his Christmas shopping last night and I told him it was fine if he got me a "children's" learn to knit kit. I know he got me some kind of knitting kit because he mentioned that he had to buy me some yarn.

penstemon · Jan 18, 2010

first I am left-handed

As a child I was told I couldn't knit as Iwas left-handed. When I was in college, I got a self help book and taught myself how to knit.

I knitted afghans, sweaters, you name it. I also taught myself to crochet as many knitted patterns are put together with crochet stitches. Until I moved into this apartment complex ,I hadn't touch needles of any kind. A class to knit for chemo hats & premiie hats was started, needles & yarn furnished. I joined the class and won the prize for the most items from this complex. I don't have to worry about the yarn, needles or where I am what I am going to do with it. Side benefit it is keeping my fingers limber. We now add scarves, lap robes & walkers or wheelchair bags.
Sad note we learned today our leader has inoperable pancreatic cancer.

The group will go on as a volunteer step in to take over the group.
Some items that I have knit or crochet.

the blue & orange are the Boise State football teams colors and are in
demand. We will let items go for a donation for items not donated.

nurseangel · Jan 18, 2010

Originally Posted by Penstemon

first I am left-handed

As a child I was told I couldn't knit as Iwas left-handed. When I was in college, I got a self help book and taught myself how to knit.

I knitted afghans, sweaters, you name it. I also taught myself to crochet as many knitted patterns are put together with crochet stitches. Until I moved into this apartment complex ,I hadn't touch needles of any kind. A class to knit for chemo hats & premiie hats was started, needles & yarn furnished. I joined the class and won the prize for the most items from this complex. I don't have to worry about the yarn, needles or where I am what I am going to do with it. Side benefit it is keeping my fingers limber. We now add scarves, lap robes & walkers or wheelchair bags.
Sad note we learned today our leader has inoperable pancreatic cancer.

The group will go on as a volunteer step in to take over the group.
Some items that I have knit or crochet.

the blue & orange are the Boise State football teams colors and are in
demand. We will let items go for a donation for items not donated.

Wow! Your work is beautiful. I am sorry to here about the leader of your group.

penstemon · Jan 19, 2010

thanks for the compliment. Don't let anyone tell you you can't knit or crochet because you are left handed. One thing we found trying to teach someone that we all knit slightly different. We confused the the person so we decided only one person would do the teaching.

strange_wings · Jan 19, 2010

My grandmother was left handed, yet she taught me to crochet (I'm right handed). Probably something I need to take up/refresh on again sometime since it's been close to 16-15 years now.

nurseangel - how are you progressing so far?

tara g · Jan 19, 2010

My grandma taught me how to knit when I was younger. I started a horse blanket when I wanted a horse ... its about large enough for my cats after ~13 years

I havent worked on in it in awhile, meant to bring it back to SC with me last time we were up there. I think I still remember how to do it.

penstemon · Jan 19, 2010

It had been around 20 years since I had done either and I started without to much problem. I need some help at the beginning and still haven't done anything that need a exact gauge.

snosrap5 · Jan 19, 2010

My grandmother tried teaching when I was younger but because I was a lefty she said it was impossible.

I just did everything backward.

Is crochet and knitting different? I would love to learn. So start small, with a big needle and fat thread?

penstemon · Jan 19, 2010

Crochet & knitting are different, but not hard to learn. I would suggest doing an Internet search for some video instruction. Decided what you you want to learn first. Select any easy patter like a scarf or hat or bag. books will tell you to make a single block. I get bored doing that. I used my needles to cast on for knitting. for crocheting you hold the hook like a pencil. There are 2 stitches in knitting and one in crocheting. All other stitches start with these stitches.
A good book that you can watch is not a bad idea. I think there are even books and I suspect videos for left-handed people. Think of a mirror you will do everything backward from the right handed person. A LEFT HANDED person can knit or crochet if they are determined to do it.

I wish I could help you more. I suggest making a project as it will mean more. You can repair any yarn that the cats can damage with a darning needle. Just thread the needle and stitch the 2 pieces together or tie a knot. Kato doesn't bother my knitting/crocheting as he doesn't get a response from me.

Learning to knit

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