How old to start knitting?

[WoTmania]

DS1 is going to be 5 next month and DS2 is 3.6 (DD is way too young yet) and both are fascinated by knitting. I'm debating whether to get them knitting stuff for christmas or not.
I can remember ,finding it really difficult as a child (crochet on the hand was a piece of piss) so maybe should wait a while.

Also, not sure what to use. i.e plastic, wood or metal needles and yarn: nasty (but cheap) acrylic or something nice a natural?

WWYD?

Started with DDs about two years ago (got a good book in John Lewis) but they weren't really ready or interested.

We did some Knitting Nancy (those spindles which you hook the wool over) and this got them going.

Now DD can knit and enjoys it - like learning to ride a bike she can't start and stop at the moment!

I would get some stuff - a couple of nice balls of multi coloured wool I am finding knitting verty thereputic for myself.

I would go for it. It is the sort of thing that is good to have around for quiet moment when DS wants to try something new.

This is another thing that we did at school that they don't seem to do now - in P3. The girls knitted hairbands and the boys ties. THe wool was flourescent nylon green and orange (I can still see it!)

Good luck and have fun.

Oh and I got some short plastic needles in Jl - one is orange and one blue.

depends on the kid

dd1 really really wanted to learn last year (age 7-8)

twas nightmare

we have put it all away and she is going to ask granny when she is a bit older

i will admit that i was perhaps not the most patient of teachers

Agree with poppyknot regarding the Knitting Nancy/french knitting. Also you can buy a simple weaving set (or you can make a weaving frame).

It;s great to see someone getting their boys interested in this, it's so good for the fingers and brain development.

yy Belgo - DH used to knit and BiL (who usually I cannot stand) apparently used to knit his teddies jumpers and scarves, my dad also used to knit.
They've seen me knitting and my Nanna knits them all their jumpers so it's quite a normal thing in their opinion. I'd like to get them going early before they get corrupted by the 'That's For Gilrs' brigade.

Weaving is an interesting idea.
French knitting I thought about but alwyas found it boring myself as I don't know what to do with it once you've got your long tube of knitting.

Keep the French knitting pieces and then they can be used as straps for the bags that you will knit later on!

with the french knitting lengths, you can crochet in the round to make a hat, baskets or bags.

We used to make placemats with them, sewing them around and around. They look funky with carrier bags and rinse off easily.

If you use some sparkly thin yarn, and thread a chunky bead on, they make pretty necklaces or bracelets. Either sew the ends together to make a loop.

The new french knitting thingummies are plastic and have a winding handle that makes it easy for little fingers.

I've also used wire that I have pre threaded with beads and that makes a stunning necklace. 28 guage copper plated wire, it's malleable and doesn't break easily.

DD1 can cast on and knit and she is 7 and dyspraxic. MIL taught her and it took days. But she kept at it because she wanted to.

dd is five and adores with super chunky wool.

Patons do some kits for children with child sized needles. Things like this scarf

I was in my LYS today and they had child sized needles for sale separately.

You could use acrylic yarn but it isn't all nasty. Baby yarn is lovely and soft. The Patons Fab range do 25g balls which are meant for toy making but are a lovely size for a child.

Or you can get pompom making kits - woolly but not difficult for a 3 yr old.

thanks for all the ideas.

kellestar - particularly like the placemats thing :)

DD is 4 and can French Knit (with the knitting dolly) and crochet chains. She is just starting to get the hang of knitting in 2 needles.

DS2 is 6 and can knit quite well now. he was about 5.5 when it "clicked".

I was a similar age when I learnt. I knit a lot so the DC are quite used to seeing me knitting, which probably helps as it isn't an entirley alien idea IYSWIM.

that's my hope. DS has often asked about it while I'm knitting

Just started teaching te DDs thus weekend who are 6,7 & 8. So far so good. No idea about the knitting dollies though, they got them for Christmas last year and are still in the boxes

I think it's do-able from about four. Once they're learning to read and write - it's easier than those things!