What's a good 'learn to knit' project?

[cyteen]

Decided to make yet another attempt to teach myself how to knit. Have 7 balls of DK cotton and some 4mm needles left over from last time, but appear to have lost the book I was using (Debbie Bliss - was too hard to use anyway as wouldn't stay open on its own). Can somebody experienced point me in the right direction please? :)

I found loads of good books in the library with 'learners' projects, plus when I have given up on knitting (again) I haven't wasted any money!

Good first project would be a phone case imo, a small square folded in half and sewn up, done!

Avoid scarves! Yes, they can be easy but they also take forever, so you can get bored. Do something small, get that "yay, I did it!" feeling and move on to the next thing.

The phone case that Ilythia suggested is great. You can also do arm-warmers that are just a seamed rectangle with a hole left in the seam for your thumb to poke through. You can do hats in a similar way too.

If you already have cotton, you can make dishcloths (yes, really!) Google "dishcloth knitting patterns" and you'll find loads.

I am not 100% sure but think learning with cotton is harder as is more slippery than acrylic

do something you actually want. i made a wrap over cardie for dd. learnt all the basics adn ended up with a nice cardie. it was from a book called 'learn to knit' funnily enough!

You need to get yourself to Ravelry - it's a free wonderful website (obv. not as wonderful as MN) with thousands of knitting projects on there...
Ravelry link

My suggested first projects for you would be:

Washcloths - useful small squares so nice and quick to finish

Beginner Baby Blanket nice as a gift if you don't need it yourself

classic ribbed scarf fun because they're reversable so don't look 'home made'

Hope that helps

I made a scarf using normal DK wool and 25mm needles, was super quick, 10 stitches toa row and is all loose weavy and summery.

Plus when/if you screw up it doesn't show on a gappy item..

Oh great, thanks everyone :) I shall join Ravelry and have a browse once DS is in bed.