How to learn knitting and sewing

[Koalafications]

I would like to learn how to knit. I also want to learn how to sew properly, maybe with a machine?

I can mend trousers etc, but not much more than that.

Where should I start? You tube videos? Magazines?

What's relatively easy to make?

[Becca19962014]

I'm the worlds worst knitter (Someonce gave me a certificate with it on! Lol) Ive been advised by well meaning people who think it's possible for me to overcome this to try a knitting club as you can't beat someone actually teaching you. So they say

If you are no where near a knitting club you could try your local wool shop as I'm sure they would help get you started and point you in the right direction.

Sewing I learnt at school.

I do a lot of tapestry though.

Hopefully someone more useful will reply now I've bumped this with what is possibly a useless reply

[elfycat]

I learned to crochet off youtube. It might take a while to find a video that works for you (correct combination of clear physical demonstration and making-sense vocabulary).

Or google knitting and crochet or sewing groups. I've yet to go to one where people aren't delighted to drop their works in progress (WIPs) and help someone learn.

Craft shops often have one-day classes which may be enough to get you going. Knitting is mainly a variation on two stitches, Crochet is similar. I've taken one day courses in patchworking (by machine) and between that and youtube I'm getting there.

I don't suppose you're mid Suffolk and free on Tuesday mornings very long shot I help run a small craft group, with an emphasis on learning new stuff.

[PetulaGordino]

Knitting or crochet you could teach yourself probably using videos or perhaps a book from the library

For sewing I would recommend a local class - I did a dressmaking evening course where I picked up loads of stuff I wouldn't have been able to teach myself (plus got loads of tips from my mum!)

[PixieofCatan]

I taught myself to knit with videos. Judy's knitting tips are brilliant videos. I am trying to learn to sew, not very actively admittedly, but I'm finding that a lot more difficult and think that a class would be better!

[PixieofCatan]

www.amazon.co.uk/Knitting-Book-Frederica-Patmore/dp/1405368039/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1422227955&sr=1-3&keywords=knitting%20dk&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21
That book was great for learning lace knitting, I bought it last year but I reckon it would have been good for learning the basics too. I refer to it often for the things that don't come up in my usual knitting (button holes, cabling, etc)

[theconstantvacuumer]

I have learnt through using books and blogs which feature tutorials (often using bloggers own patterns) which tend to feature step by step instructions and lots of photos. I only use YouTube when I am really stuck.

[Dutchoma]

Search Ravelry (ravelry.com) for knitting clubs in you area.

[PetulaGordino]

i would just be a bit careful with knit and natter groups etc locally - all i've encountered are really friendly but some will state on their website/FB/ravelry group that they don't "teach" people to knit or similar wording. i think what they are trying to say is that they welcome and will help beginners with things they are struggling with and give pointers and support, but aren't going to teach from scratch iyswim and would probably direct you to a local wool/craft shop that offers classes instead. i'm not saying that you should avoid it or that you would be unwelcome, just that you might want to check what sort of help you can expect before you go along

[Koalafications]

Thank you all for your advice.

I will look up knitting groups. Might get a sewing machine and see what I can remember from school!