I'm learning how to knitt and I need some advice! ?

Question

I've knitted before, I used the klutz books. I don't have any of my start up tools, so i need some help! what sort of needles do i need to start out with? i want to make a scarf as my first project, if that helps! and, do i need any other tools besides the needles? thanks for your help! =)

Answer 1

One other thing no one else has mentioned, use a smooth yarn and the needle size recommended on the label.  Refer to the gauge swatch on the needle to see how many stitches are in four inches and do the math to determine how many stitches to cast on.

Knit your scarf in garter stitch (knit every row) or if you use stockinette (knit one row, purl one row), keep the outer inch worth of stitches on each side in garter stitch to keep it from rolling.

Why no fancy, furry, fuzzy yarns?  They make your stitches much more difficult to see and to count, and things like mohair are a real pain to rip out.

Answer 2

Knitting needles size US 8 for medium (worsted/sport) yarn, or if you're making a chunky scarf get a pair of size US 10's.  You'll need to get a yarn needle for sewing in your ends.  You won't need a row counter for a scarf because you just keep knitting until it's the length you want, unless you want to make it evenly striped, but I've found that making scarfs with some thin stripes and some thick ones turn out really nice.

Answer 3

For knitting scarves I like size 10 (US) and worsted yarn. That is what Red Heart supersaver skeins are.

Color or colors to your like. Yarn needle nice and scissors, but I tend to break the yarn ends so they blend better. (I am also a weaver)

Can you remember how to get started with the cast on? so cast on about 50 and knit across and back and don't forget to count every stitch on every row or you will drop some and have a mess.

Click my avatar if you need some more help. I do the IM thing with teaching fiber arts on the net, but have everyone blocked as I was getting too many time wasters. So if you want private lessons give me a click and I will admit you to my house for tea and cookies.

Answer 4

I would recommend size 6, 7, or 8 needles for a beginner. Get some plain worsted-weight or chunky yarn. I wouldn't suggest varigated yarn for a beginner because it can  sometimes be hard to see stitches. You'll find a tapestry or yarn needle to come in handy for weaving in your ends once you finish the scarf. Of course, you'll need scissors to cut the yarn. This is pretty much all you need for a simple rectangle scarf.

When you become a little bit more experienced and do harder projects, you'll a measuring tape (to gauge projects), a variety of needle sizes, double-pointed needles, a crochet hook, a cable needle, and a stitch and row counter. There are soooo many fun little tools in craft stores that can make all parts of you knitting life easier! :-)

Good luck and have fun!!!