Learning to Knit

fran_from_willesden

I've been thinking of learning to knit again (I learnt when I was a kid but that was nearly 20 years ago, and have since forgotten!) but am not sure how to get started again.

Does anyone have any tips?

Thanks! :T :j

fran

sra

Your post just reminded me about something I was listening to about how Podcasting (Regular Internet audio shows) was becoming so popular.

for a laugh they checked to see if there were any about knitting.

They found 2!!

http://scifiville.typepad.com/knitcast/
if you want to listen to "the joys of buying yarn spun from an Alpaca with the same name as a good friend."

The Internet makes me laugh


EDIT:
Check out MSE's new podcast (Including more info on Podcasting)
Here's a direct link to subscribe to Knitcast in Itunes

fran_from_willesden

I'll listen to that when I can get to a PC where I can plug my headphones in!

squeaky

Hi fran

We have a recent thread about learning to knit which links to some useful websites and so I've merged the two together.

For those of you new to MSE the posts are listed in date order so you'll you'll need to start reading from the beginning again to catch up with us

inapickle_4

For young people learning to knit who want to share their thoughts and ideas, this new Blog might be of interest. I think it has been set up by a young American girl.

Pretty knitty

And although this next site is mostly about gorgeous quilting, there is usually quite a lot about knitting too.

Fibermania

Caterina

For some lovely and very reasonably prices yarns, go to:

http://www.texere.co.uk

Those of you who live in and around Yorkshire can even go to visit the place, I was told that their open days are great. I hope to go to one in the next year with my knitting class.

Caterina

LizD_2

Hi

I already make my own clothes from fabric, but was also thinking about taking up knitting as well. There are so many funky yarns I've seen!
I tried knitting as a teenager, but didn't have the patience and used to knit too tight!
Any tips on getting started cheaply, plus I want to make practical things, not tea cosies!

oops_a_daisy

Hi Liz - our local knitting shop owner will give lessons free of charge. If you have a local wool shop why dont you go in and ask the owner ( not sure if they would do this in Boyes though ) good luck

MoneySavingSapphire_:D

If I want to learn to knit (did as a child, was rubbish, now want to learn again) - what size needles should I buy to start off? And do I need anything else? A site I've found is recomending a size 8, 14" long needle and a "yarn needle with big eye" - what is this??
Just planning on making a scarf!
Thanks!

gingercordial

What size needle you want depends on what you want your scarf to look like!

Big needles eg 12mm or so are for big, chunky yarn and give a big stitch, and will mean you finish your scarf really quickly which is good for your motivation. Smaller needles make smaller stitches with smaller wool. Shorter ones are easier to handle but the big needles ususally only come in one length.

I would choose your yarn first (remember, bulky is fastest to knit) and it should say on the label what size needles suit it best.

You'll need a needle to be able to sew in the long ends at the start and end of your scarf so they don't show, and because wool is quite thick this means you'll need a big darning needle with a big eye (the hole at the top) so you can thread the wool through it. There's also something called the "big eye needle" which is great and can be bought from wool/bead shops, see http://www.brightlingsbeads.com/big-eye-needle.html which shows it.