A Simple Guide to Knitting

Posted by Maria on October 7th, 2009 at 08:33am

Knitting is a very relaxing and satisfying craft. You can make throws, afgans, hats, socks, totes and so much more for yourself or to give as gifts. Best of all you don’t need to invest a ton of money to start knitting!

You’ll need knitting needles. Knitting needles are made from a variety of materials including plastic, wood, bamboo, and metal. Test out several different types of knitting needles. Knitting needles also come in a variety of sizes that are displayed as numbers (1, 2, 3 and so on). The larger the number, the bigger in diameter the knitting needle is. For beginners it is easier to use the bigger knitting needles.

You’ll need a pattern or design. You can find all kinds of free knitting patterns online at sites like www.FaveCrafts.com/knitting, just use the key words like free knitting pattern in your favorite search engine. Beginners will find simple patterns for a scarf or belt the easiest project to start with. Take your time building skills and you’ll enjoy a lifetime of knitting fun.

The final supply needed to knit is yarn. There is a vast variety of yarns available. Yarns are identified by what is called weight and weight is the thickness of the yarn. You can find a chart of the different types of yarn at: yarnstandards.com. You purchase yarn by the skein. Most projects take more than just one skein to complete.

It’s important to purchase all the yarn you need for a project at the same time as colors can vary with different dye lot (the batch of yarn in that color from the factory). Read the label of your yarn and it will tell you the skill level recommended and washing instructions. Yarn is made of many types of fibers including wool, cotton, and blends.

There are two basic stitches in knitting: Knit and Purl. You’ll also need to know how to cast on which is the first step in getting your yarn onto one of your knitting needles. You cast on to start the project and you’ll cast off to end the project. There is an excellent guide to knitting stitches, casting on, and casting off at: learntoknit.com. You’ll also find helpful video at: Youtube.

The hot trends in knitting include scarfs, baby blankets, afghans, and socks. Specialty yarns with texture and dimension can add spice to any project. There are knitting groups and guilds all over the world and the Yarn Council of America has lots of great information to get your started. Knitting is a very traditional craft that can be enjoyed by all age groups. If you are looking for an easy to do, practical hobby then knitting is perfect for you.

Judy Graham, Hollywood knitter to the stars, shares a video tutorial for how to cast on for knitting. Her technique uses two needles to cast on with ease. With over fifty years of hand-knitting experience, you can trust her!

Be sure you check out FaveCrafts latest free knitting eBooks: 24 Quick and Easy Knitting Patterns and Knitting and Crochet Patterns from Red Heart.

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