If I've never knitted before, are mittens a good project to start with??

[HairyPorter]

And how long does it take?

[SilverSixpence]

I just made a pair, it didn't take that long but they are a bit fiddly. I use one long circular needle to do 'magic loop'. There are a few techniques that you might not be used to e.g. increasing/decreasing, picking up stitches. But if you mean fingerless mittens then they can be quite simple , you can do a rectangle and sew up the edge leaving a gap for your thumb to go through.

[Chocolateteabag]

I'd start with a basic rectangle shape - scarf, cowl or wrist warmers

Have a look on Ravelry.com and you'll find loads of patterns and advice. You can search the patterns and filter for the easiest ones, you can then see other people's efforts as well.

As for time - you get quicker at knitting the more you knit - I'm still very much a novice and need to concentrate on a new pattern to get the stitches right before I can switch off and just knit it, whereas my mum can pretty much knit in her sleep. She can churn out a jumper in a week, gloves would take her 2-3 nights of 2-3 hours in front of the tv. I would probably need 4x that.

[SweetPeaAndPumpkin]

Chocolate is about right. I have done a small amount of knitting, but was really unhappy with the finished product when I did mittens, as I didn't get it right.

My mother always used to tell you to start with dishcloths/flannels. That way you can do a few rows of plain stitch, a few rows or purl, a few rows of knit one, purl one etc, without it mattering if it went a bit wrong.

You then give the finished dishcloth to your mother, who is duty bound to look delighted.

[BigBoobiedBertha]

My first project at the age of 10 was a pair of gloves with a cable back so I should think you will have no problems with a pair of mittens. I still have them and they don't appear that bad except that they are made from 1970's acrylic and therefore very squeaky.

It would probably take me an evening to make a glove but it would depend on the yarn (using sock yarn would take longer than using aran) and how confident you are in working out the pattern. You'll find the second one easier than the first and probably faster.

I did mine on 4 needles. Very few people had heard of circular needles back when I was 10. It was a challenge but much better than making a scarf which stands a good chance of putting you right off knitting for good as a first project.

[HairyPorter]

Thanks all!

[SomewhereBeyondTheSea]

A bit too complicated I'd say. My first project was a squares blanket for my nephew's cot - great practice, you can vary colours and stitches to make it more interesting and varied, and if you mess a square up you don't have to include it in the finished product
The perfect way to get started I think. I used King Cole Aran and chunky yarns btw.
Good luck with learning!

[SomewhereBeyondTheSea]

oh and yes, Ravelry is the absolute best for ideas, patterns, advice etc!

[HeirToTheIronThrone]

I asked almost the same question a few weeks ago, and a lovely MNetter sent me the easiest pattern for wrist warmers - let me know if you want me to send it to you. I am four pairs in, they're so so easy - knit a rectangle with chunky wool, sew up side seam leaving hole for thumb - and look lovely.

[Dutchoma]

You can do baby mittens very easily as there is no thumb to do.
But woul always say dish cloth as a first project, because it will be useful hoever many mistakes you make.