Knitting|
Oct
06
Filed Under (Needlework) by Kert
kliz03 asked:
Before starting to knit, get the stitches on the knitting needle. To start, take the Worsted Weight Yarn and measure out a length, and first of all start with a slip knot and it’s just a standard slip knot where the thread is looped through and then the loop is pulled through and the slip knot slides back and forth. It’s like a child’s finger knitting. The slip knot slides onto the knitting needle and this is the first stitch.
This procedure takes both hands. You hold your knitting needle, which is your working needle with your one stitch in your right hand and with your left hand you have to take your yarn and form an L with your fingers and go between those two strands of yarn. With your remaining three fingers you want to grab the tail ends, so that your yarn looks like that in your hand.
Now, to get the stitches on to the knitting needle, you have to take the point of your needle and scoop up the bottom thread, bottom yarn on your thumb and then reach up and scoop the yarn on your index finger through that loop on your thumb. Release your thumb and snug up your stitch and that is your second stitch. Do it again. Take your knitting needle; Scoop up that bottom yarn on your thumb and now scoop the top thread on your index finger through the loop on your thumb, releasing your thumb and snugging up the yarn. Do that a few more times. It takes a while to get used to the cast on, but once you do, it can go very quickly.
The cast on edge is different on both sides. There is a smooth side or a public side. This would be the right side of your knitting project and then there is also the back side which is a little bit bumpy, doesn’t look quite as tidy as the public side. Once again you have your tail of your yarn and the yarn connected to your skin of yarn. You take your thumb and index finger and go in between the two yarns threads and spread them out and grab the remaining tail yarns with your remaining three fingers. Take your point of needle and scoop it into the bottom yarn on your thumb and then catch the yarn on your index finger and pull it through the loop. Release your thumb and snug up the stitch. You will do this procedure for as many stitches as you need for your knitting project.
This article has described how to cast on when learning how to knit. For more lessons, here are a few basic how to videos with great tips on knitting: http://www.monkeysee.com/play/5538-knitting
ROMAN
__________________________________________________________________
Before starting to knit, get the stitches on the knitting needle. To start, take the Worsted Weight Yarn and measure out a length, and first of all start with a slip knot and it’s just a standard slip knot where the thread is looped through and then the loop is pulled through and the slip knot slides back and forth. It’s like a child’s finger knitting. The slip knot slides onto the knitting needle and this is the first stitch.
This procedure takes both hands. You hold your knitting needle, which is your working needle with your one stitch in your right hand and with your left hand you have to take your yarn and form an L with your fingers and go between those two strands of yarn. With your remaining three fingers you want to grab the tail ends, so that your yarn looks like that in your hand.
Now, to get the stitches on to the knitting needle, you have to take the point of your needle and scoop up the bottom thread, bottom yarn on your thumb and then reach up and scoop the yarn on your index finger through that loop on your thumb. Release your thumb and snug up your stitch and that is your second stitch. Do it again. Take your knitting needle; Scoop up that bottom yarn on your thumb and now scoop the top thread on your index finger through the loop on your thumb, releasing your thumb and snugging up the yarn. Do that a few more times. It takes a while to get used to the cast on, but once you do, it can go very quickly.
The cast on edge is different on both sides. There is a smooth side or a public side. This would be the right side of your knitting project and then there is also the back side which is a little bit bumpy, doesn’t look quite as tidy as the public side. Once again you have your tail of your yarn and the yarn connected to your skin of yarn. You take your thumb and index finger and go in between the two yarns threads and spread them out and grab the remaining tail yarns with your remaining three fingers. Take your point of needle and scoop it into the bottom yarn on your thumb and then catch the yarn on your index finger and pull it through the loop. Release your thumb and snug up the stitch. You will do this procedure for as many stitches as you need for your knitting project.
This article has described how to cast on when learning how to knit. For more lessons, here are a few basic how to videos with great tips on knitting: http://www.monkeysee.com/play/5538-knitting
ROMAN
Comments Off
Oct
03
Filed Under (Hobbies) by Kert
Muna wa Wanjiru asked:
Knitting is becoming popular; loom knitting is an obvious solution for the next “time-conscious” generation of knitters. Loom knitting is very old craft, but it is in style again. Loom knitting is available in a variety of shapes such as round, oval, and rectangular. One type of them have one row of pegs, they are known as single rakes; the size of loom is a decided on fact how much you want to expand the piece of cloth. Size of pegs and their distance from each other, these factors affect the knit stitching and also thickness of yarn that works best on it.
Typically Loom is used to make knit fabric. These pegs look like a piece of knitting needle. There are various methods of wrapping the yarns on the pegs, to create knit work in variety of stitches and patterns, same as needle do. On rake loom creates a fabric that has number of distinctive right and wrong faces, while double rake loom creates a double knit fabric, both having right sides.
Loom knitting is quite an easy task; you can easily learn it, especially people who scare of knitting with needles, will surely find loom knitting easier. There is plenty of information regarding how to do loom knitting, and hoe to get the wonderful patterns, out of loom knitting, there are many websites available on internet you can easily get an idea.
Looms can be used for knitting while watching television, though it sounds quite difficult but it’s true once you have a practice no need to look at it at all. In a waiting room, or while you are in your car and getting bore of traveling, this could be a great way of using your time, same way you will be doing something creative and productive.
There are different kinds of looms:
1. Hat looms:
Hat looms are obtainable in 4 different knitting gauges:
- Large gauge allows the use of two strands.
- Regular gauge allows the use of one strand, single stitch, and beautiful tight stitch.
- These gauges are preferred for baby items.
2. sock and bootie looms:
Sock and knitting looms are available in three different gauges:
There are three varieties regular gauge, small gauge, and fine gauge:
- Regular loom allow you to knit with different yarn thickness for different season.
3. Afghan looms: there are infinity rakes in these type. They are oval and infinity rake.
4. Mitten looms:
They are available in two different gauges, regular and fine gauge.
Looms are also classified according to the gauge size:
1. Large gauge looms
2. Regular /medium gauge looms
3. Small gauge looms
4. Fine gauge looms
5. extra small gauge loom
6. extrafine looms
LAWRENCE
Knitting is becoming popular; loom knitting is an obvious solution for the next “time-conscious” generation of knitters. Loom knitting is very old craft, but it is in style again. Loom knitting is available in a variety of shapes such as round, oval, and rectangular. One type of them have one row of pegs, they are known as single rakes; the size of loom is a decided on fact how much you want to expand the piece of cloth. Size of pegs and their distance from each other, these factors affect the knit stitching and also thickness of yarn that works best on it.
Typically Loom is used to make knit fabric. These pegs look like a piece of knitting needle. There are various methods of wrapping the yarns on the pegs, to create knit work in variety of stitches and patterns, same as needle do. On rake loom creates a fabric that has number of distinctive right and wrong faces, while double rake loom creates a double knit fabric, both having right sides.
Loom knitting is quite an easy task; you can easily learn it, especially people who scare of knitting with needles, will surely find loom knitting easier. There is plenty of information regarding how to do loom knitting, and hoe to get the wonderful patterns, out of loom knitting, there are many websites available on internet you can easily get an idea.
__________________________________________________________________
Looms can be used for knitting while watching television, though it sounds quite difficult but it’s true once you have a practice no need to look at it at all. In a waiting room, or while you are in your car and getting bore of traveling, this could be a great way of using your time, same way you will be doing something creative and productive.
There are different kinds of looms:
1. Hat looms:
Hat looms are obtainable in 4 different knitting gauges:
- Large gauge allows the use of two strands.
- Regular gauge allows the use of one strand, single stitch, and beautiful tight stitch.
- These gauges are preferred for baby items.
2. sock and bootie looms:
Sock and knitting looms are available in three different gauges:
There are three varieties regular gauge, small gauge, and fine gauge:
- Regular loom allow you to knit with different yarn thickness for different season.
3. Afghan looms: there are infinity rakes in these type. They are oval and infinity rake.
4. Mitten looms:
They are available in two different gauges, regular and fine gauge.
Looms are also classified according to the gauge size:
1. Large gauge looms
2. Regular /medium gauge looms
3. Small gauge looms
4. Fine gauge looms
5. extra small gauge loom
6. extrafine looms
LAWRENCE
Comments Off
Sep
30
Filed Under (Accessories) by Kert
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.
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
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.
__________________________________________________________________
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
Comments Off
Sep
22
Filed Under (Home Business) by Kert
Rohit Chopra asked:
Perhaps you find the rhythmic clicking of knitting needles very fascinating or the practical utility of knitting appealing, whatever the case may be you may have a desire to learn knitting. If you are attracted to this craft that weaves magic out of yarn, you are not the only one to have fallen prey to its charm. In the yesteryears you would find most women with knitting bags in their hands as they chatted with neighbours or sat watching their favourite television programs.
Though the craze may have dimmed somewhat in recent times, there still are over 20 million people experimenting with yarn, and a considerable number of those is that of men. So, it is not that knitting is limited to the fairer *** nor is it true that knitting is a dying craft. There still are enthusiasts who are passionate about knitting.
When people learn knitting they do not just give freedom to their creative sides but also save money by coming out with clothing and household items. For a housewife it means a lot of money saved in terms of sweaters, socks, scarves and so on. For the more ambitious ones who learn knitting it could turn into a full-fledged home business.By learning to knit you can also ensure that you will never be short of things to present to your family and friends on special occasions as knitted items make great gifts.
When you attempt to learn knitting, you must first strive to understand the basics. Know the different types of yarns that are classified according to their thickness or weights. You must also understand what a ply means, what significance the fibre content holds. Knowledge about the basic craft materials like, yarns that you are going to use will help you determine their suitability to different projects, which will mean that you learn knitting in great depth.
When you are thinking of learning knitting, visit jumble sales and get hold of unused balls of wool or you may even take apart an old woollen sweater for the purpose. Using these for your initial attempts at knitting is sensible, as you will not be wasting money even if you botch up the project. Likewise, practise a pattern that goes beyond the basic stitches before you make a final attempt. When you learn knitting, you should also learn to take a look at the patterns present on the yarn label.
Needle size is an important aspect to consider when you learn knitting. Depending on the item being knit the size will vary. Knitting needles are sold in pairs and the size can be anywhere from 0 to 15. There are circular knitting needles too that are used for clothing items like Afghans.
Once you learn knitting and become an expert at making different knitted stuffs, you will derive great satisfaction looking at the tasks that you have accomplished. Before you know, you will be hooked for a lifetime.
ALFONSO
Perhaps you find the rhythmic clicking of knitting needles very fascinating or the practical utility of knitting appealing, whatever the case may be you may have a desire to learn knitting. If you are attracted to this craft that weaves magic out of yarn, you are not the only one to have fallen prey to its charm. In the yesteryears you would find most women with knitting bags in their hands as they chatted with neighbours or sat watching their favourite television programs.
Though the craze may have dimmed somewhat in recent times, there still are over 20 million people experimenting with yarn, and a considerable number of those is that of men. So, it is not that knitting is limited to the fairer *** nor is it true that knitting is a dying craft. There still are enthusiasts who are passionate about knitting.
When people learn knitting they do not just give freedom to their creative sides but also save money by coming out with clothing and household items. For a housewife it means a lot of money saved in terms of sweaters, socks, scarves and so on. For the more ambitious ones who learn knitting it could turn into a full-fledged home business.By learning to knit you can also ensure that you will never be short of things to present to your family and friends on special occasions as knitted items make great gifts.
When you attempt to learn knitting, you must first strive to understand the basics. Know the different types of yarns that are classified according to their thickness or weights. You must also understand what a ply means, what significance the fibre content holds. Knowledge about the basic craft materials like, yarns that you are going to use will help you determine their suitability to different projects, which will mean that you learn knitting in great depth.
When you are thinking of learning knitting, visit jumble sales and get hold of unused balls of wool or you may even take apart an old woollen sweater for the purpose. Using these for your initial attempts at knitting is sensible, as you will not be wasting money even if you botch up the project. Likewise, practise a pattern that goes beyond the basic stitches before you make a final attempt. When you learn knitting, you should also learn to take a look at the patterns present on the yarn label.
Needle size is an important aspect to consider when you learn knitting. Depending on the item being knit the size will vary. Knitting needles are sold in pairs and the size can be anywhere from 0 to 15. There are circular knitting needles too that are used for clothing items like Afghans.
Once you learn knitting and become an expert at making different knitted stuffs, you will derive great satisfaction looking at the tasks that you have accomplished. Before you know, you will be hooked for a lifetime.
ALFONSO
Comments Off
Sep
16
Filed Under (Home Business) by Kert
Sawyer Theron asked:
So have you caught the knitting bug? Have you learned the basic stitches and are now wondering what to do? With a little practice and tips from experienced knitters, you can be creating awesome creations in no time.
Once you learn three basic techniques you will find that there are numerous projects you can learn to knit. The three basic foundations of knitting are casting on, the knit stitch and the purl stitch. Once you master these three techniques you can begin to add more advanced knitting skills.
You can learn the basic stitches from other knitters, online or from a book. You can truly only become a functional knitter from practicing as much as possible.
Starting out you will want to use medium gauge wool yarn which is the easiest yarn to start out with. It may not be the prettiest, flashiest novelty yarn, but it’s the easiest yarn to learn how to knit with. You do not want to use cotton since it has no give in it. Wool has just a bit of stretch so it is much easier to learn with.
Your local yarn shop is a great place for both beginners and veteran knitters. It is an excellent place to have your questions answered when you begin to choose your yarns and patterns.
Knitting has always been a social hobby. Similar to scrap booking where women meet to work on their scrap booking in gatherings called “crops”, knitters have sessions called “stitch and bitch”. Women bring their projects, knit together and chat.
These knitting groups are a great place to learn to knit from experienced knitters. They can give you advice and show you hands on skills. Advanced knitters are also able to improve their skills by watching the talents of others who can share various techniques.
Lessons are a great way to learn basic knitting skills. It is usually worth the money to have someone teach the knit and purl stitches. The local shop usually offers individual or group beginning knitter classes. It will take you just one or two classes before you feel confident enough to attempt an easy project. Of course, outside of class you will want to practice as much as possible.
When you start to knit you will not really begin with a project. Most likely you will learn by knitting a swatch about 2 feet long just for practice. Once you can complete that you will rip it all out, roll it up and start all over again. It is not necessarily fun but you will begin to feel comfortable with the knit and purl stitches. You should not start a real project until you can successfully knit the swatch with no dropped stitches or gaping holes.
The easiest first project is a scarf. It is simple and you really do not have to worry too much about gauge. It is the best project to begin with to practice your skill. If it is summer and a scarf does not sound too appealing, try a decorative scarf in a lightweight cotton yarn that can be used in place of a necklace, or used as a belt.
Knitting is a really fun hobby. You will find it relaxing and enjoyable. You will love all the colors and textures of fibers available. You will love to make things and give them as gifts. Knitting is a great hobby for all seasons and all ages.
MARC
So have you caught the knitting bug? Have you learned the basic stitches and are now wondering what to do? With a little practice and tips from experienced knitters, you can be creating awesome creations in no time.
Once you learn three basic techniques you will find that there are numerous projects you can learn to knit. The three basic foundations of knitting are casting on, the knit stitch and the purl stitch. Once you master these three techniques you can begin to add more advanced knitting skills.
You can learn the basic stitches from other knitters, online or from a book. You can truly only become a functional knitter from practicing as much as possible.
Starting out you will want to use medium gauge wool yarn which is the easiest yarn to start out with. It may not be the prettiest, flashiest novelty yarn, but it’s the easiest yarn to learn how to knit with. You do not want to use cotton since it has no give in it. Wool has just a bit of stretch so it is much easier to learn with.
Your local yarn shop is a great place for both beginners and veteran knitters. It is an excellent place to have your questions answered when you begin to choose your yarns and patterns.
Knitting has always been a social hobby. Similar to scrap booking where women meet to work on their scrap booking in gatherings called “crops”, knitters have sessions called “stitch and bitch”. Women bring their projects, knit together and chat.
These knitting groups are a great place to learn to knit from experienced knitters. They can give you advice and show you hands on skills. Advanced knitters are also able to improve their skills by watching the talents of others who can share various techniques.
Lessons are a great way to learn basic knitting skills. It is usually worth the money to have someone teach the knit and purl stitches. The local shop usually offers individual or group beginning knitter classes. It will take you just one or two classes before you feel confident enough to attempt an easy project. Of course, outside of class you will want to practice as much as possible.
When you start to knit you will not really begin with a project. Most likely you will learn by knitting a swatch about 2 feet long just for practice. Once you can complete that you will rip it all out, roll it up and start all over again. It is not necessarily fun but you will begin to feel comfortable with the knit and purl stitches. You should not start a real project until you can successfully knit the swatch with no dropped stitches or gaping holes.
The easiest first project is a scarf. It is simple and you really do not have to worry too much about gauge. It is the best project to begin with to practice your skill. If it is summer and a scarf does not sound too appealing, try a decorative scarf in a lightweight cotton yarn that can be used in place of a necklace, or used as a belt.
Knitting is a really fun hobby. You will find it relaxing and enjoyable. You will love all the colors and textures of fibers available. You will love to make things and give them as gifts. Knitting is a great hobby for all seasons and all ages.
MARC
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Sep
03
Filed Under (Hobbies) by Kert
Lorie Grant DeWorken asked:
I decided to learn to crochet in college. Crazy way for a college student to spend free time? Definitely. I assure you that I was not as big a loser as it might make me sound though. One night, for some strange reason, I found myself on a creative kick. My mom had taught me to cross-stitch as a child but that wouldn’t do anymore. I was ready for something new and exciting.
I ended up at Wal-mart late at night (best time to go for a college student!) browsing through the craft aisles and inevitably drawn to all the cool yarns. Ok, so what to do with them? Knitting or crocheting? At the time, knitting seemed over my head and maybe even a bit “granny-ish”. Crocheting was so much… cooler. Yeah, that’s it.
So for whatever reason, I picked crocheting. I envisioned super trendy afghans and throws adorning my dorm room and great gifts to impress my fiancé’s parents. It was something that I could learn to do that could be useful in the future. I could decorate an apartment or house, clothe the children I’d one day have, and even give great cheap gifts to all my friends.
Good in theory, but I never finished my first project — an afghan. What can I say? I was an easily distracted college student. And my reason for not having finished it since college? Let’s just say I’m an equally distracted adult. But despite my early failure, I did learn to crochet and, later, I even learned to knit.
Overall, there are two big things that I’ve taken away from my experiences in learning to crochet and knit:
First – you CAN be “self-taught” with the help of a good how-to book. There are quite a few out there. Just take a trip to any store that carries craft materials and patterns. Browse through the books to find one that is most user-friendly for you. One note — don’t be alarmed if some of the books with great instructions have patterns and pictures that take you back to the 70s or 80s. (My first how-to book had some real winners — cheesy vests and sweaters with terrible color schemes — but then again, 80s fashions are back aren’t they?)
Also keep an eye out for how-to kits. I started with a kit that included several crochet hooks and tools plus additional patterns — which were much needed! Except for yarn, these kits should provide you with the basics but don’t walk away from the store yet. It’s a good idea to go ahead and buy some additional crochet hooks or knitting needles since not all sizes are included in your kit. Other tools that could come in handy are: counters, markers, stitch holders, point protectors (knitting only).
Second — it’s good to have someone who can help you. This person does not have to be a full-fledged teacher, just a “consultant” — someone you can turn to when you have questions — because, let’s face it, even the best how to knit or how to crochet book can confuse you at one time or another. In my early attempts to learn to crochet I got stuck on a particular type of stitch. No matter how many times I read the explanation I just could not make it work. It just didn’t look right.
Lucky for me, I happened to be home from college on my winter break. I also happened to have what I was working on with me at a friend’s house (not sure why — again, I promise you I wasn’t a loser!). Her mother had been crocheting for years and I took the opportunity to ask for her help. She was able to show me exactly what I needed to do. That set me straight and I’ve been crocheting just fine on my own ever since.
My knitting “consultant” was (and is) my mother. After I got my first knitting how-to book, I knew I’d have some questions. I found out that some friends wanted to learn to knit too. So we set up a “knitting night” and all learned from my mom. A good social hour and quite educational! If you’re able to find some people to do this with, I highly recommend it.
Knitting and crocheting are great pastimes. I’m no expert, but I have learned how to do both. There are some great resources out there for anyone else to do the same. Find yourself a good how-to book, and that “consultant” you can turn to when you get stuck, and you’ll be well on your way. I never did finish that college afghan but since then I have crocheted several dish clothes, a baby blanket, a girl’s sweater, and now I’m knitting another girl’s sweater. If I could pull off these projects, anyone can! So go get started! Learn to crochet, learn to knit today!
CLAUDE
I decided to learn to crochet in college. Crazy way for a college student to spend free time? Definitely. I assure you that I was not as big a loser as it might make me sound though. One night, for some strange reason, I found myself on a creative kick. My mom had taught me to cross-stitch as a child but that wouldn’t do anymore. I was ready for something new and exciting.
I ended up at Wal-mart late at night (best time to go for a college student!) browsing through the craft aisles and inevitably drawn to all the cool yarns. Ok, so what to do with them? Knitting or crocheting? At the time, knitting seemed over my head and maybe even a bit “granny-ish”. Crocheting was so much… cooler. Yeah, that’s it.
So for whatever reason, I picked crocheting. I envisioned super trendy afghans and throws adorning my dorm room and great gifts to impress my fiancé’s parents. It was something that I could learn to do that could be useful in the future. I could decorate an apartment or house, clothe the children I’d one day have, and even give great cheap gifts to all my friends.
Good in theory, but I never finished my first project — an afghan. What can I say? I was an easily distracted college student. And my reason for not having finished it since college? Let’s just say I’m an equally distracted adult. But despite my early failure, I did learn to crochet and, later, I even learned to knit.
Overall, there are two big things that I’ve taken away from my experiences in learning to crochet and knit:
First – you CAN be “self-taught” with the help of a good how-to book. There are quite a few out there. Just take a trip to any store that carries craft materials and patterns. Browse through the books to find one that is most user-friendly for you. One note — don’t be alarmed if some of the books with great instructions have patterns and pictures that take you back to the 70s or 80s. (My first how-to book had some real winners — cheesy vests and sweaters with terrible color schemes — but then again, 80s fashions are back aren’t they?)
Also keep an eye out for how-to kits. I started with a kit that included several crochet hooks and tools plus additional patterns — which were much needed! Except for yarn, these kits should provide you with the basics but don’t walk away from the store yet. It’s a good idea to go ahead and buy some additional crochet hooks or knitting needles since not all sizes are included in your kit. Other tools that could come in handy are: counters, markers, stitch holders, point protectors (knitting only).
Second — it’s good to have someone who can help you. This person does not have to be a full-fledged teacher, just a “consultant” — someone you can turn to when you have questions — because, let’s face it, even the best how to knit or how to crochet book can confuse you at one time or another. In my early attempts to learn to crochet I got stuck on a particular type of stitch. No matter how many times I read the explanation I just could not make it work. It just didn’t look right.
Lucky for me, I happened to be home from college on my winter break. I also happened to have what I was working on with me at a friend’s house (not sure why — again, I promise you I wasn’t a loser!). Her mother had been crocheting for years and I took the opportunity to ask for her help. She was able to show me exactly what I needed to do. That set me straight and I’ve been crocheting just fine on my own ever since.
My knitting “consultant” was (and is) my mother. After I got my first knitting how-to book, I knew I’d have some questions. I found out that some friends wanted to learn to knit too. So we set up a “knitting night” and all learned from my mom. A good social hour and quite educational! If you’re able to find some people to do this with, I highly recommend it.
Knitting and crocheting are great pastimes. I’m no expert, but I have learned how to do both. There are some great resources out there for anyone else to do the same. Find yourself a good how-to book, and that “consultant” you can turn to when you get stuck, and you’ll be well on your way. I never did finish that college afghan but since then I have crocheted several dish clothes, a baby blanket, a girl’s sweater, and now I’m knitting another girl’s sweater. If I could pull off these projects, anyone can! So go get started! Learn to crochet, learn to knit today!
CLAUDE
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