Learning to Knit

4nnabella

Hiya,

I have also recently picked up knitting again, after being taught when I was younger by my nan. I was recommended this website http://www.learn2knit.co.uk/knitting.php by the lovely ladies on the 'Knit Your Square' thread on here. There's loads of good advice and good pictures. I've started by getting a pair of 4.5mm needles and double knit yarn. I spent ages knitting some rows, switching between knit and purl stitches to get the hang of them and unravelling them to reuse the wool! And also casting on and off.

I'm now looking for a fairly easy pattern for my first project - I want to knit a baby blanket for my pregnant friend!

Rummer

I have booked onto a local class that spends a day introducing you to knitting, crochet and sewing. Maybe a local craft shop/cafe has a knitting group or courses. I found mine through a search on gumtree.

valk_scot

Ask around. One of your friends, or one of your relatives or even a work collegue will know how to knit and be willing to show you. I've taught dozens of people in my time...mums at their kids' swimming lessons, at the pub, at work, all sorts of places.

Charity shops are a great place for dirt cheap needles though you may have to ask. Often they'll have a jar through the back which they'll only admit to if they don't think you're a potential murderer. Sometimes they'll have yarn as well.

Most of the £££ shops have cheap yarn that's ideal for learning. Go for something smooth to learn with. Look for DK (double knit) or aran weight for learning. To go with this you'll need 4mm (old Imperial size 8) or 4.5mm (size 7) needles respectively.

shelley_crow

^^^

Definitely try charity shops for needles. I bought 10 pairs of needles in different sizes for the grand total of....one pound! The lady at the shop said they had been sat there for ages and the managers were sick of looking at them.

I'm also trying to learn to knit, I can cast on and knit a row but it gets hazy after that!

aussiemum

I taught myself how to crochet last year I found this site to be the best for basics http://meetmeatmikes.blogspot.com/ she has a step by step tutorial for granny squares

SallyForth_2

shelley_crow wrote: »

^^^

Definitely try charity shops for needles. I bought 10 pairs of needles in different sizes for the grand total of....one pound! The lady at the shop said they had been sat there for ages and the managers were sick of looking at them.

I'm also trying to learn to knit, I can cast on and knit a row but it gets hazy after that!

Wow, I am jealous. Around here the Charity Shops charge a £1 each for pair of needles, if you can find any.

jackieglasgow

They are a £1 a pair here, too and 50p for a crochet needle. Still a good deal though. I have been teaching myself to crochet from this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVBnFHGbeK4 my granny had taught me when I was wee but it did not stay in my brain at all, I though it would be familiar but it wasn't at all.

Scorpio_girlie

My Auntie taught me to knit as a child. She told me this rhyme and I have never forgotten it (even after all these years)!!

In little needle, round little thread, out little needle and off you go to bed!

My Auntie is no longer with us, so thank you OP for prompting that happy memory.

Scorpio girlie x

Catwoman103

Maybe those who want to learn to knit should post whereabouts they live. As a long time knitter I would be more than happy to give lessons to locals.

sarluk

Thanks for all the advice...will spend some time later having a good nosey at all the links:)