Every thought about learning how to knit? Seen a group in a coffee house or someone on public transportation with needles and yarn making something fantabulous? What?… that’s a word.
Not sold? Need inspiration? This chick crocheted HER WEDDING DRESS during her commute. Crazy right?? Okay that’s crocheting and not knitting but seriously MADE HER WEDDING DRESS.
I’m not saying you’ll be making fair isle sweaters within a week of starting, but if you want to get there you absolutely can!
Here are the things you should know:
Knitting is NOT hard!
Knitting does take PRACTICE!
Lots of practice…but you can do it almost anywhere!
Every pattern, no matter how complicated, is made of only 2 stitches, knit and purl.
You CAN ABSOLUTELY make a simple scarf or washcloth on your first try.
Still with me?
What you’ll need to learn to knit:
Needles – grab regular, straight needles, size 8 – 11 or something that feels comfortable in your hands. You have my permission to fondle the needles in the store.
How to Choose Knitting Needles
Yarn – start with a medium weight yarn (the yarn will have a number on the label, medium is 4). Don’t go for anything crazy! Look for a simple, cheap yarn at your local craft store. Fondle the yarn too!
Holding the needles:
Don’t freak out if knitting feels like juggling with two stabby sticks when you first get started. Add a yarn ball and …. well, that’s a joke for another day.
The needle with the stitches is held in your left hand. The other needle is held in your right hand.
As you knit, the stitches will move from the left to the right needle. Once the row is complete there will be no more stitches on the left needle. You’ll move the right hand needle to the left hand and begin knitting the next row.
**Some people knit Continental style with the yarn tail in their left hand. It’s really all personal preference! If you are a confused Lefty, I feel your pain. As you learn how to knit practice to see what feels right for you.
You’ll guide the yarn and control the tension by holding the yarn strand in your right hand.
Understanding knitting tension and gauge swatches.
Now you’re ready. Next up is learning how to knit is casting stitches onto your needles!
There’s a lot to know about how to choose needles and yarn. Oh there are so many yarns, colors and textures! One of the best part of knitting is BUYING ALL THE YARN!!!
