Learning to Knit

Penelope_Penguin

weezl74 wrote: »

Hiya sonia,

I guess it partly depends how you like to learn things, but I learnt by looking at the advice and diagrams on the hobbycraft website last year, and managed pretty well and making lots of christmas pressies!:D

It's here if you're interested: http://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/craft_techniques/technique_54.html

Hope that helps!

Weezl x

Hi weezl! Congratulations, btw :T Will you be gettign your needles out again soon

Sonia, you'll need to learn to spin, too, if you want to use alpaca wool

I'll add this to the existing thread on learning to knit

Penny. x

SoniaM_2

Ooops - note to self to check for existing threads on the subject

I visited a wool factory when I was about 10 and have been fascinated with the idea of learnin how to spin, dye, process etc etc. I'm that sort of person - I don't just want finished products I want to understand and be able to do the entire process. :rotfl: So yes - I've got a lot to learn.

I'm going to have to learn how to shear as well :eek:

(This is added to the ever growing list of making my own butter and cheese etc! I'm starting to scare even myself!:D )

spykey_uk

Hi there!

I have decided (in a mad moment?) that I would quite like to knit a big blanket for OH and I to cuddle under when the winter months get here. I thought it would save us putting the heating on too early and therefore save us money in the long run :T.

However, the downside is my plan is that I've never picked up a pair of knitting needles in my life and haven't got a clue where to start

I was wondering whether any of you lovely ladies (and chaps) would be able to point me in the right direction? I presume I need a pattern, some needles and some wool, but any ideas as to where to get them from and what types I would need?

Sorry for sounding dim, maybe this was a bad idea! I just thought it would be more fun (and possibly cheaper) than buying a nice woollen blanket new.

Many thanks in advance!

Sarah

Alcmene

Hi

I would suggest crochet instead! You only need ONE needle and it is very widely used for making lovely warm blankets. Try a YouTube search for learning the basics, or maybe there is a Stitch and !!!!! near your area?

babelfish

I can knit but I have recently started a pattern where it said "cast on using the thumb method" Never heard of this so I just googled the phrase and came across a website where they showed you in a video very slowly, exactly how to do it! I would suggest you google any terms you don't know as there are a few knitting sites out there. It definitely helped me to do this.

babelfish

Also, if you go to a knitting shop they can help you by giving you a simple pattern to start with, as well as the materials you will need. Im sure they would show you a few simple stitches too if they have time. There are also good books out there to show you how to start.

spykey_uk

Thanks girls, definitely given me the point in the right direction! I've just found a really handy video on YouTube on crocheting so am going to give it a go! x

knitknack

Debbie Abrahams has published quite a few books with blanket and cushion patterns - if you search your local library's database online for '25 blankets to knit' or '25 cushions' she should come up - they'd be great for inspiration!

Then, if you do find a blanket you like the look of, join www.ravelry.com and search for that pattern and you'll find you can look at lots of other peoples' attempts at that pattern and read about their experiences, any changes they made, any yarn substitutions they did.

I'd also like to echo the other poster (memory FAIL!) who recommended typing any knitting/crochet terms that you don't know into google and finding videos to follow - the internet really is like having your mum or granny (both of mine sadly died WAY too young ) around to teach you these invaluable skills I've taught myself to knit over the last year or so using books, but mainly using google videos, and have knitted lots of old victorian lace scarfs, lace socks and now a cabled coat! Thanks GOODNESS for google, LOL.

Knitting blogs are really inspiring too.

Here's a couple of my recent projects (baring in mind that just over a year ago a stocking stitch scarf was all I could manage (that's one row knit, one row pearl)!





All thanks to google and ravelry - I'm still amazed!!!

psso

maytaurus wrote: »

have a looksy here
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=800677&highlight=maytaurus
and maybe you'd like to join in

I second that idea. There`s always someone to ask if you get stuck and need help. And no question is stupid - ever. We all had to learn (some of us a LONG time ago) Lots of newbies lately who either haven`t knitted for a while or are just learning so you won`t be on your own. And Maytaurus is terrific at finding patterns for us as well :T
See you there ?

Pennylane

Knitknack. Those socks are absolutely beautiful! :j You must be SO proud of yourself to learn to make such gorgeous things with only one year's experience.

I saw some beautiful socks in a posh country-type shop and they are £135+ a pair and the woman told me she sells loads. If MY memory comes back to me after dinner, I will put a link up. Well done again.