To the knitters

For those that knit, do you have a website or other resource that can teach beginners all the basics, in a very simple way? (like knitting for dummies lol)

It seems like such a cool hobby that I want to learn, and I tried following my mother, but I'm really bad at it!


Thanks!

Re: To the knitters

step 1: take a deep breath, it's easier than you think

i taught myself to knit using the internet... back before youtube... so believe me when i say that it can be done.

take your time, make small items at first. sites that i love to recommend are:
* ravelry.com
* craftster.org
* youtube

ravelry will answer EVERY question under the sun. those people are AMAZING.

crafster is a bit "younger", but also great info, lots of beginners there

youtube has great videos of people doing the stitches SLOWLY so you can see and understand what is going on.

there are few secrets to starting:
* there really are ONLY TWO stitches in knitting (knit, purl)
* practice will make everything even
* blocking will be your best friend when your stitches are a bit uneven

Re: To the knitters

YOU TUBE

I bought a knitting 'kit' at walmart for $8 - it came with a how to book and I used youtube to teach myself a month ago.

I used my SIL to check my work, ask questions.

It was easy to learn the basics (casting on, knit stitch, purl stitch)

NExt up for me is the cable knit stitch, cannot wait for that one :)

In youtube, type in "CASTING ON", "KNIT STITCH", "PURL STITCH", "BINDING OFF"
watch a bunch of videoes, try it, rewind it and try again

I worked on the casting on for 2 days before I was comfortable.
The knit stitch for 7 days
the purl stitch for 2 days


GOOD LUCK :)

Re: To the knitters

Thanks for the helpful tips! I will look into that!

Re: To the knitters

I actually took knitting lessons! I found it way easier than trying to follow a book or the internet.

Most knit shops offer classes. I think I paid $40 to learn - which was 4 classes of about 2 hourse each.

By lesson 3 I was knitting (first project was a simple scarf)! I went back for a second round of more advanced lessons to learn sweaters, etc.

I've now been knitting for about 7 years! Love it.

Re: To the knitters

I am thinking of learning too!! I live in Farmingdale and on Main Street there is a store "Infinite Yarns" and they offer classes... I hinted to DH that I wanted to take a lesson and thought maybe he might get me a lesson as a Christmas gift...