Diane Palmer asked:


Learn to knit, and get those creative juices flowing… I can still remember the moment I learned to knit. I was 6 years old, and my grandma sat down with me while my mother was busy with my new baby brother.

She taught me to cast on, and knit, and I was so excited I took my knitting everywhere.. it was all uneven and horrid, but I was excited that I had learned something new, and still love to knit to this day!

I am left handed, and always found many crafts hard to do because of it, such as crochet. But knitting can be done easily whether you are left handed or right handed.

Learning to knit as a child is a great way, but if you never did learn to knit, and would like to, then why not get started now!
Take it in little steps. Learn to cast on one day, and then learn to do the basic garter stitch the next day, and PRACTICE. That is the biggest part of knitting, is practicing. Once you have mastered the garter stitch, then you can try to purl, which is going through the back of the stitch.

Once you have mastered basic knitting, then you will need to learn to cast off. Continue to practice and make lots of blocks of knitting. (you can always make them into a quilt later!).

There are many books, ebooks, and videos on the market that will teach you how to knit, learning from an experienced knitter sitting right beside you, will still always be the best way, like my grandma did. But the next best thing I feel is a video. One where you get a real good close-up of what the teacher is doing, not something far away.

With a video, you can play it over and over again, and if you sit there with your needles and yarn, you will get this new skill. Its good for the brain to learn new crafts and skills, it gets the creativity flowing and keeps the brain alert.

It is never too late, and you are never too old to learn something new! Try it, knitting is good for relieving stress, as many men are finding. Knitting has become popular amongst celebrities and many professional men.. to help with stress and become creative.

So, get yourself some knitting needles and yarn, and maybe a basic pattern to get started with, once you learn your basic skills.

Try it, you may like it, so watch a good video and learn to knit…

learn how to knit



SETH

Gina Williams asked:


You will find a knitting bag is as important as any needle you use for knitting. These bags make your handy work easy to carry and portable. You should always have a good knitting bag which will cater for your knitting needs. It is vital before you purchase a bag, that you make sure it has all the special compartments for your needles, yarns, that you will need.

When choosing your knitting bag, always keep in mind the type of work you will be undertaking. If you decide to make sweaters, such as Afghans, then you will need a much larger one than if you were to decide to make socks, or other small items. When choosing a bag you should always keep in mind, that your bag will be used for carrying your knitting material from place to place, so the stronger the bag you decide on, the more objects you can carry.

If you wish it to serve a dual purpose, such as a knitting bag that also serves the purpose of a purse, then look for knitting bags which come in leather, or suede. There is a large variety available in to days market. Some of them are intricately designed, while the others are simple but smart looking. So you can choose a knitting bag that satisfies your mood or is a treat for an eye.
When choosing your knitting bag, you should always keep a track of the latest fashion and what will be your requirements. While shopping for one, it is always better to purchase a bag which has hard sides as it is easy to carry and more durable.

Instead of zippers always choose one which has a snap, this is so your knitting does not get stuck in between zippers. It also is always better to purchase one that has a pocket or two for keeping your accessories in. If you decide on buying a large one, then always better to buy one with purse length handles, this will make it easy to carry it on your shoulders, for comfort and ease.

If you are purchasing a small bag to carry knitting materials for smaller projects. Then you need to consider one that has soft sides, this is so that you can fit extra material in it, without harming it. A drawstring or a short strap will make it easier to wrap the bag around your wrist, while carrying. If you carry bigger bags then it is possible that some of your smaller items may get misplaced.

It is not necessity to buy a knitting bag, if you are enthusiastic enough then you can make one for yourself. You could knit a bag, or even make it out of fabric. You will also find there are a lot of free patterns to choose from, if you do decide to make one. You can use any type of fabric or material to make your bag, as long as you choose a fabric that pleases you and is strong enough to carry your load.

A knitting bag not only makes you mobile, but also provides an opportunity to show your talents and latest projects to all your friends and family. Whether you be at your friends, family’s or at your home and people ask you about your latest project or your knitting talents, then you can easily teach them a stitch or two by carrying an extra needles and yarns in your knitting bag.



ROOSEVELT

jo asked:


ssell

In this brief article we aim to just give a basic understanding of knitting needles, their sizing and what you need to look out for.

Size IS important…………….

Knitting needles come in different sizes. It is important to know the size of your knitting needles because their size is related to the size of your stitches and, implicitly, to the appearance of the finished work.

Knitting needles are given different numbers according to their measure. Do not think of their length! It is important how big round the needles are. However, these numbers can differ from one country to another. For example, a knitting needle of 3.75 mm is number 5 in American measurement and number 9 in British measurement, or you may see on the bag of the knitting needles you buy it is simply written as a 3.75 mm needle.

Notice that the American measurement has low numbers for needles with smaller diameters, and the numbers can go up to 50 for a larger diameter like 25 mm, while the British measurement has high numbers for low diameters and the numbers decrease when it comes to high diameters like, for example, 000 for knitting needles of 10 mm, Therefore, you need to look up a knitting needle conversion chart to ensure you end up with the correct needle size.

To confuse you still further if you have a 4.5 mm knitting needle, in that case the size number coincides; with both countries calling it size 7.

Understanding Gauge …………

In knitting, there is the concept of gauge and it means the number of stitches in a given length. This concept is related to the pattern you have and, if in your pattern it says there are supposed to be, for example, 5 stitches to an inch and you can make only 3, than you should and need to change the size of your knitting needles. Each pattern requires that you knit a certain number of stitches using a particular yarn and a specified needle.

However, it is not necessary to stick to the yarn or the needles specified in the pattern, but it is important to get the correct number of stitches per inch in order to have the right size, length and other characteristics of the pattern.

Different Kinds ……….

You can also choose between circular needles and straight needles. Some people prefer circular needles because they are more comfortable to use and you can knit both in the round and back and forth like straight needles. You can find circular knitting needles, double point knitting needles and also single pointed knitting needles made of different materials such as steel, wood or bamboo. There are also different types of knitting needles like Addi knitting needles, Clover knitting needles, Misc knitting needles, Crystal Palace, Rosewood and HiyaHiya

To find out more pay a visit to a good knitting or haberdashery store & ask for advice.

FOREST

Muna wa Wanjiru asked:


Sock-knitting machines are used to make socks. You can also knit mittens, scarves using the sock-knitting machine. Sock knitting machines are antiques and they are not made any more. Sock knitting machines are very old, approximately. 80 to 100 years old. Its history dates back to 1800 and 1900 this was used at home only. It is very easy to knit a sock, in the sock-knitting machine. It takes an hour to knit a sock. Different sizes of socks can be made in the sock-knitting machine. One can make ankle socks, knee socks, men’s and ladies, kid’s socks in the machine.

There are many easy to use -patterned sock yarns, sold in the market. These yarns can be used in the sock-knitting machine. Sport weight yarns are also used in the machine. Worsted weight yarns can be used also on the slot cylinders. This yarn does mock ribbing. Opal, Loma’s laces, Regia, Trekking XXL and Alpaca yarns, are also used in the sock-knitting machine. It is very easy to learn the process of making sock using the sock-knitting machine. There are annual conferences, where people learn by attending classes.

There are different patterns and ways to knit socks, using the machine. There is a cylinder with slots for the needles in the machine and the needles have latches. When the needle passes in the cam shell path, the knitting is made. The first step is to setup a basket or bonnet which makes the needles move continuously. After the setup of bonnet, scrap or waste yarn should be used. When knitting, the yarn ball winder should be used to keep the yarn at an even tension. The main purpose of using the waste yarn, is when the sock is finished the yarn can be clipped and ribbed out. Now the hem of the sock is made. The number of rows should be counted when the carrier goes around the cylinder, while knitting. Hem top should be knitted by taking a stitch from the first row, and should be hanged on the needle.

A ribber is put on the machine, after the hem and purl stitches are made. When the ribber is put, the stitches are transferred from cylinder needle to ribber needle. After this, the ankle part of sock is knitted. Half of the stitches are transferred, from ribber needle to cylinder needle. This will create knit stitches on the ankle. The start and stop points are marked red on the cylinder, for the heel and toes. The heel is knitted on the front of the machine, and the back half needles are not used here. Once the heel is made, the foot we begin the foot of the sock. After the foot is made, the toe is made. Now the stitches of the ribber, are transferred to the cylinder needle. Ribber stitches are made on the top of the foot, and knitting stitches of the machine are made on the bottom of the foot. Now on the top of the toe, is made with Kitchener stitch. The sock has been knitted fully, by the sock-knitting machine.



MICHAEL

Muna wa Wanjiru asked:


As you know there are many different types of knitting needles available, Circular knitting needles are one of them. With using this type of needle you can create seamless tube. Knitting with this kind of circular needle is also sometimes called knitting in the round.

Use of circular needles was started in the beginning of 20th century and as use of these circular needles increased the long double pointed needles were out dated. With these circular needles you just can’t do knitting circularly but you can knit anything that can be knitted on two straight needles can be knitted back and forth on circular needles with very less strain on shoulder and wrist.

Circular knitting needles are lot fun to work with. You can do lot with this, sweaters, bags or you can do many other fun things with it. These needles can be made of many different types of materials like bamboo, resin, plastic or even metal. There are new glass circular needles they are many designer colors they look simply amazing. Usually this needle has two hard tip joined with a flexible cord. Length of this circular needle is measured tip to tip which ranges from 12 inches to 60 inches. 12″ is length normally used for socks and mittens and 60″ can be used for knit entire bedspread in one piece; you just have to be strong enough to hold it up. For sleeves or caps you can go for 16″ inches needles. For adult sweaters 24 to 32 inches are very good.

For getting started with circular needles; casting on process is same as straight needles. If you are knitting a round project; there are several different methods for joining a project in round. You can simply knit the first stitch very tightly, so there won’t be any gap between first and last stitch in round. ; you can even cast one extra stitch and then just slip that stitch onto left hand needle ; after that just knit first and last stitch together before starting pattern.

When you knit with circular knitting needles you are knitting on only one side of fabric every time, which is not the case with straight needles so that means you have to change pattern accordingly. Usually circular knitting is done using stokinette stitch; which makes circular knitting easier as you just have knit every row. For garter stitch instead of knitting each row you will need to knit one row just purl one row. If you purl every row it would be a reverse stokinette. These are some common stitches around.

While buying circular knitting needles the length of nylon cord between the needles. It can ranges from 6″ to 40″ inches. When you knit with circular needle; circumference is important. For adult sized sweater then go for longer cord.

You can use these circular needles for flat patterns too. Just like two straight needles, cast on and start knitting back and forth. Knitting with circular needles is great for knitting on the road.



RUSSELL

Terry Edwards asked:


If you are looking for the perfect gift for that special newborn baby, why not consider a knit baby blanket? Handcrafted gifts have been looked at as a cheap way out for a long time. But in reality, a handcrafted gift, such as a knit baby blanket, costs a lot more in material and time than the mass produced blankets that you find in the store.

Making a baby blanket yourself or having someone knit one for you is the best way to show your love. When you make your own blanket you can customize it any way you want to make it truly special.

If you don’t know how to knit, don’t despair. There are plenty of classes available that will teach you how to knit. You can also purchase books and videos that will give you the basics of knitting. It is probably a good idea to start out with something small at first like a kitchen towel, a placemat or a hat. Once you get the basics down, you can move on to something bigger.

The great thing about making a knit baby blanket is that it can be made in any color to fit the color scheme of the baby’s room. You can mix and match as many colors as you desire and you can incorporate different designs into your knit baby blanket.

If you choose to have someone else knit one for you, make sure that you ask to see examples of their work. Nothing is more disappointing than to pay for a custom handcrafted product, then receiving something that is not made well. Ask around for recommendations.

There is a large variety of yarn to choose from to make your knit baby blanket. There is all natural handspun yarn made from wool. Then there is the synthetic yarns that are machine made. The handspun yarn will probably be a little more expensive, but it will have a much softer feel and possibly be a little warmer. The synthetic yarn can be found in any craft shop for quite a reasonable price.

However you decide to make your knit baby blanket, you can be sure that it will be a unique gift that should be treasured for years to come. Nothing is better that wrapping your little one up in a knitted blanket and snuggling with him on a cold winter night.

If you are crafty at all, try your hand at knitting a baby blanket. You could find it addicting. Knitting has become very popular in recent years. Why not join the crowd and knit a baby blanket?



BEN

jlmbratz asked:


Why Do people think that knitting is for grannies? I do it and lots of people tease me and say that I’m a granny!

ALI

Muna wa Wanjiru asked:


Knitting is not only a craft by which thread can be turned into cloth or it is not only for grannies or babies; now it is in style and is really cool. The most important thing you will need to start with knitting is knitting needles.

Now the most important thing about these needles is their size. All different types of knitting needles are available, in many various sizes and these sizes are denoted by numbers. Knitting needles are also called knitting pins, knitting sticks, wires, rod or even knitting wires. As length and thickness of knitting needles changes depending upon type of yarn and what type of fabric to knitted.

Modern knitting needles that are available in the market place were invented in the beginning of the 19th century; these needles are usually known as straight needles. These needles have one narrow end and another end of the needle is caped with knobs. You can easily knit flat patterns like squares or rectangles. These needles are so popular because of their knobs; these knobs prevent sliding off the stitches.

There is one more type of needle, circular needles. Using these circular knotting needles you can create seamless tubes. But when you knit with circular needles, you are knitting on only one side of fabric, which is not the case with straight needles, so this means you have to change patterns accordingly. The great advantages of these circular needles are the weight of knitted fabric is evenly distributed. This is great option for four pointed needles.

There is another type of needle called double pointed needles. Even these are used for knitting tubular fabrics; however, these double pointed needles have tapered ends on both sides. The length of needles depends on what kind of fabric you want to knit, if you want to knit small fabric for socks; for example, then smaller needles will do. But if you want to knit longer fabrics like shawls, then you will need long needles.

Needles can be made of different type of materials. It can be made of metals or wood. Antique needles are also made up of ivory, walrus tusks or tortoise shell. Modern day’s knitting needles can be made of many different materials like aluminum, steel, bamboo, wood, glass, plastic or casein. Circular needles are also made up of metals and connecting tube of circular meta,l is usually made up of PVC or plastic.

To keep needle points sharp for many years it is very important to store them properly. Usually needles are stored in tall, cylindrical container with padding at the bottom; this will keep points of needle sharp. Usually this container is made of plastic or fabrics which have compartments with which you can keep needles together but separate. It is very important to keep circular needles dangled in maximize space. It is very important to keep check on tubes, as they can easily wound up. To uncoil these plastic or nylon circular needles keep them soaked in hot water for some time and they are ready to knit.



SPENCER

Bella Mclaine asked:


Knitting is very interested thing that any woman like to do as man don’t much prefer to do ladies work and also because of woman can be easily used to handy-craft work. Generally, knitting work is more seen in housewives. Knitting requires essentials like Yarn, Pattern and Needles to complete the task perfectly. The work does not get complete just by shopping for right knitting needles or best quality of knitting yarn. Although, their significance is not to be ignored but one should always remember if someone wants to carry out an experiment then the person should be ready with apparatus & material to make it successful.

If you are an intermediate or a beginner then you are on the phase to learn knitting. Of course, it is rightly said anything learnt never becomes squander. After some period of time, a learner with some innovative changes and creative ideas is always going to be rewarded. The first step for a beginner is to use both knitting needles and knitting machines with simplicity. To become a good or professional knitter, a learner with a good knitting kit should work out properly with sincerity. When equipped with knitting materials, the first step to walk on is to practice with basic knitting patterns. You can get knitting patterns either paid or free on internet. Primarily knitting books can be your guideline to work on. A beginner’s mind can be conceptually clear to start with knitting patterns.

Beginner’s knitting kit is easily available in the market. Initially, a learner should opt for using needles according to the type of yarn. Using acrylic yarn will solve your purpose.

But it is quite seen in many cases that the people lose all their zeal and passion, when they start facing hurdles or problems and feels to quit learning knitting. A dynamic beginner should not step back from the work and with the keen interest move ahead. Just keep on practicing and learn to get your hands into the rhythm of this hobby. Basic knitting patterns will help you to a great extent instead of trying out the difficult one. Knitting pattern then done is sure to produce some finest work of yours and possibly a learner may start his knitting business too.

The best teacher for a beginner can be any one from your family members, relative or friends. If not, then you can even get free knitting patterns from the internet. All the way is to keep practicing seriously with hard-work. In beginning, don’t try to make complicated knitting patterns as unnecessarily confusing yourself. Making simple knitting pattern will serve the best to achieve your goal.

Thus, a beginner should learn knitting skills also if want to reap sweet fruits. The work done with personal efforts along with using application of mind in a right way will surely make you an expert or a professional that you are worthy of.



LEROY