Knitting beginner

downshifter

Dear everyone

I'd really like to get into knitting. Years ago (35 or so!) I made a cardy for myself but it was literally several rectangles sewn together and more recently I knitted a scarf for my granddaughter with very forgiving wool! That's about the extent of my experience. I picked up a lovely book in a charity shop which clearly shows stitches but not really any projects.

I think I need to go back to the beginning and be given a step by step guide with projects which progress as I gain experience. Or maybe even a kit?

I've looked online and at my usual goto-for-everything resource Youtube, but it's all a bit confusing and I need different help than just stitches. There is a local knit and natter group but they were a bit dismissive when I asked about starting from scratch, they all seem to know what they're doing!

Can anyone suggest a good book/magazine/website that could help? I might add that I'm not a 'crafty' type of person, things like patchwork, crocheting etc leave me cold and I have no concept of what colours go well together but I would just like to knit things.

Thanks

DS

janb5

You might find that there are knitting groups near you. If you google knitting groups in X you might be lucky. Also ask around your neighbours, you may find someone who could help?

tizerbelle

Website wise try ravelry.com .
It hosts patterns (many free) for load of knitting (and crochet) projects from super easy to not a cat in hell's chance I could knit that. There are forums as well.

spirit

I'd echo a local knit n knatter group. oftentimes your local woolshop hosts them, or at least would know of any locally.

THIRZAH

I'd check and see if there are any other knit and natter groups other than the one you approached. We have several around here and I can't imagine anyone at the two I go to being less than helpful to a beginner.
Ravelry has a section which list knitting groups or ask on their forums. It's free to join.

Our local wool shop does classes too although they tend to be for more advanced stuff. If you have a local shop it would be worth asking , even if they don't do classes they may be able to recommend something. Even Hobbycraft might be worth a try-I've seen craft classes being advertised-not sure if they do knitting but they do sell wool.

Try the library for knitting books.

downshifter

Thank you - I've never heard of ravelry, it sounds like the place to be. I'll also ask at the wool shop. The knit and natter group I asked weren't unfriendly, just a bit clique-ey and I'd find it a bit daunting to try and break into the group as a beginner. Will ask around for others.

Just come back from a long walk so feel I've earned a sit down. Will dig out the one pair of needles I've got and try a few stitches from my gorgeous book. Would just like to get my teeth into a project though!

Thanks for all the advice, great stuff.

DS

Prinzessilein

I taught myself to knit a few years ago...I don't 'do' groups...and mum tried to teach me a few times and I am still amazed we both survived!

I used the Readers' Digest Complete Guide TO Needlework which has very clear pictures of how to make each stitch (I wasn't online at the time, so no youtube for me!)

I actually taught myself knitting with a definite purpose...I wanted to knit for Samaritans Purse Christmas Shoeboxes...I recommend looking at their site for some good beginners' patterns (my first project was bags....you simple need to be able to cast on and off and do a knit stitch...no increase or decrease needed!)

angelpye

May be asking the wool shop if they run classes at all - my local one does and its really lovely. Youtube is also a great resource - every time I want to learn something new I find tons of videos on there.

McKneff

downshifter wrote: »

Thank you - I've never heard of ravelry, it sounds like the place to be. I'll also ask at the wool shop. The knit and natter group I asked weren't unfriendly, just a bit clique-ey and I'd find it a bit daunting to try and break into the group as a beginner. Will ask around for others.

Just come back from a long walk so feel I've earned a sit down. Will dig out the one pair of needles I've got and try a few stitches from my gorgeous book. Would just like to get my teeth into a project though!

Thanks for all the advice, great stuff.

DS

Wilkinsons wool is really cheap if you are wanting to practice