Interested in Knitting

Question

I'm trying to find a hobby to pass the time. I want to try knitting. What are some books/websites that can help me learn? What are some basic things that I need to purchase to start?

Thank you to everyone that answers!

Answer 1

If you go to the Save the Children web site there is an appeal for knitted hats for babies - very simply to knit and you can download the pattern and instructions of how to knit. Then when you have knitted your little hat you can post it to Save the Children and you have done something worthwhile.

I have sent about 100 so far appeal finishes in October.

Answer 2

ask your granny or someone of her age- they'always have knitting needles, wool and patterns and are generally glad to show you where to start. Be warned though, knitting is adictive. Childrens' books tend to be easy to follow- I found some good ones in The Works if you have one in your town.  

Answer 3

http://www.knittinghelp.com/ for videos of every knit stitch known to woman (or man)

While you're starting out just get some regular knitting needles, size US 8 or 5mm in Canada are a good size for beginners.  You can get them pretty much anywhere, Walmart carries some that glide nicely and feel good in your hands.  Get some regular worsted/sport/baby yarn, nothing with bubbles or fur...keep it simple until you get the knack of it.  

You might want a row counter, a pack of stitch markers, a pack of stitch holders but you won't really need them right away and a yarn needle for sewing in ends.  Oh...and get a crochet hook, knitting beginners tend to drop stitches by accident and if you have a crochet hook you can scoop it back up again and avoid holes in your work.

http://www.knittingpatterncentral.com/di... for a large directory of patterns.  Or you can just search free knitting patterns.  There are thousands of them.

Answer 4

Knitting is a fun and rewarding Hobie. Although it takes a lot of time and practice to get it right. Crocheting is a little easier. But to knit you will need two long pin needles, some yarn, stoppers, and a teaching book. I used one called, I taught myself to knitting. This is coming from someone who actually decided to drop this as a Hobie because of time issues. Good luck hope it goes well.  

Answer 5

Knitting for Dummies is available through your local library and is a good beginner's reference.  You Tube has many very good knitting videos to learn techniques from.  While it is a good idea to find an experienced knitter to learn from, not all knitters are elderly and not all are good teachers.  Basically you will need some easy patterns  (google any of the major yarn manufacturers, they all have free patterns to download at all experience levels), a pair of needles in the US size 6 to 9 range, larger or smaller diameter needles may be difficult for you, and some yarn appropriate to the needles.

Answer 6

Have a look in your newsagents there are lots of magazines devoted to knitting. Inside they give you help and also list knitting clubs such as knit and ***** where people get together with their needles and have a chat (or *****). A very popular hobby which can be very sociable.

Go for it.

Oh I've been starred, the word is similar to a female dog, if its ok for ladies knitting mags should be ok here, how strange.

Answer 7

shopping list

2 or 3 x 100gram balls pale colour double knitting or worstead weight wool (2 names, same thing)

some size 3.5mm and 4mm needles

a stitch holder or two (looks like a giant safety pin)

a sewing needle for the seams

a book of baby patterns

baby stuff is really easy to knit, mostly flat pieces and small!

your pattern book should come with good instructions

once you have made some things, you can give them to someone with a baby, or sell them on ebay.