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Original poster

I have decided to learn how to knit, what do I need?

48 replies

ilikeyoursleeves · 03/01/2013 22:54

As the title says, I have decided to learn how to knit this year. I am a complete novice and I don't have a clue where to start other than to go to John lewis tomorrow to buy some needles and wool.

But what kind of needles? What kind of wool? I have looked at a few websites and it's a bit gobbledeegook. I'd like to start with trying to knit a baby blanket.

Any tips hugely appreciated! Thanks!

OP posts:
AlreadyScone · 03/01/2013 22:58

Marking place to join in...

Anifrangapani · 03/01/2013 22:58

Double knit wool and some charity needles in 4 - 5 mm.
I used Debbie Stoller Stitch and Bitch book

Original poster
ilikeyoursleeves · 03/01/2013 23:09

Thanks but even that is gobbledeegook, what is double knit wool? Is that what it's actually called or is it an action of 'double knitting'. And what are charity needles? Bought from a charity shop or is it a type of needle?

As I said, I am a complete novice! Blush

OP posts:
tribpot · 03/01/2013 23:12

You can buy knitting needles (just to be clear, pointy sticks - there are other kinds so I'm not just being ludicrously patronising) in charity shops OR in John Lewis. As you're going to JL anyway, I would pick up a pair of 4mm knitting needles, probably about 30cm long - shorter is better for getting started.

Wool comes in different thicknesses. Double knitting (DK) is the most used kind, John Lewis will have loads of different kinds of double knitting yarn. If in doubt, ask, or look on the label (I'll go and find an example in a sec).

More in a mo, I'm just pulling up the email I sent to a friend on this very topic yesterday.

brighthair · 03/01/2013 23:16

A local knitting shop, a kind friend with endless patience, and access to YouTube GrinGrin
I just finished my first scarf and am on with my second. I had a (not very patient) colleague teaching me and luckily lots of people at work knit so I ask them for help

SwedishEdith · 03/01/2013 23:21

Get the Ladybird book on Knitting - seriously! I bought it this year for my youngest me really and realised that this is what I must gave used to teach myself as a child. I need to re-read it as my casting on needs improving

TheWoollybacksWife · 03/01/2013 23:23

You may find that your local charity shops have knitting needles. They do tend to be kept "below the counter" Grin

Try to buy 4mm needles as these are the ones that you will use most with double knitting yarn.

Yarn comes in various thicknesses (also known as ply). 2ply and 3ply are thin wool used for lacy items such as baby shawls. 4ply is a bit thicker. Double knitting is thicker still and is very frequently available. Chunky, Aran and super chunky are thicker still. As a general rule thin wool needs thin needles, thick wool needs thicker needles.

You can buy double knitting wool (often abbreviated to DK) in places like Wilkinson's. This is perfectly fine for practice but I wouldn't make garments out of it Grin

womblingalong · 03/01/2013 23:24

JLP have knitting needle sets in the sale at the moment, BTW. Would agree to go for Double Knit thickness, as it is easiest to work with, and is not so fine that you feel like your knitting isn't "growing" quickly enough!

I think a crochet hook for picking up dropped stitches is very useful, and maybe a row counter (little gadget that sls onto your knitting needle, which you keep track f how many rows of knitting you've done. I find them useful especially when knitting large items like blankets.

Also you'll need some scissors and sewing needles with large eyes to darn in ends and sew up your creations.

Some dressmakers pins and a ruler are good for checking your tension.

Also somewhere to keep it all - so a bag of some sort - I use an old cosmetic purse for the little things, and a basket for the knitting itself. You'll probably have some of these items already.

That's it really.

tribpot · 03/01/2013 23:29

Get yourself started on Knitting for Dummies - again, not intending to be patronising, this is a great site. The book is really well set-out, the only difficulty with the website is the pages are presented in order of popularity, so finding the 'getting started' stuff can be a bit tricky.

The John Lewis website will allow you to search for wool by thickness (they call it 'ply'). They do lots of DK - including some own-brand stuff that looks like reasonably good value and has the words 'double knit' printed on it quite clearly. I would go for something like the Sirdar Snuggly DK.

Next up is to join Ravelry (like Facebook for knitting and crochet) where you will find there is a handy Mumsnet group ready to receive you.

Now, I wouldn't necessarily start with a baby blanket, as it could be quite slow going and there's a fair bit to do. My two main suggestions are either:

  • a blanket square (or two) for one of our Woolly Hugs projects
  • a square (maybe a bigger one) from a yarn made of cotton (like this one, although there are alternatives which are cheaper elsewhere) which you can use as a dishcloth or face flannel. It's small, instantly useful, and it doesn't matter if it's a bit too wonky round the edges.

There are gazillions of patterns for squares on Ravelry - and a few ideas on the Woolly Hugs site.

If you really do fancy a blanket, decide if you want to make one in squares (more sewing up, but less intimidating to get going) or all in one piece like, say, this one. Also ask in JL, they will have knowledgeable people there. Either way, we are here to help!

LifeIsBetterInFlipFlops · 03/01/2013 23:40

Good luck...I've recently taught myself with a book and when I get stuck You Tube, it's amazing how many tutorial videos are on there.

Try and find a local wool shop, they are always happy to advise.

Our local Hobbycraft runs a knitting circle, worth checking if you have o e near you.

Enjoy!

tribpot · 03/01/2013 23:41

How fab! And who could resist an egg cosy, the ultimate in 70s starter knitting projects :) (All those fuel shortages meant we had to keep the eggs warm)

tribpot · 03/01/2013 23:44

Oh I forgot to say, YouTube is indeed brilliant as other posters have mentioned. One of my favourite sites of videos (which are all actually on YouTube) is Knit Freedom. Liat Gat is a fantastic teacher, you can download e-books with video courses in (these aren't free) or look through most of the vids on the page I've linked to, which will give you a great start.

SwedishEdith · 03/01/2013 23:48

It's really sweet, isn't it? Can't find it just now but a few little "projects" in there.

jessjessjess · 04/01/2013 01:03

Not managing to link from my phone but the book Knitty Gritty is v good.

boxoftricks · 04/01/2013 01:07

I started with 4mm needles, and some double knit. And then promptly gave up as it took forevvvvver to get anywhere. I'm knitting a neck warmer, using some Paton chunky wool, and 8mm needles. I can SEE the stitches, but they are still close, not loose and baggy, and I'm making. Good progress, which is motivating. Don't start too small, you'll end up bored and giving up

Original poster
ilikeyoursleeves · 04/01/2013 10:29

Thank you so much for the advice! Especially Tribpot, great info there and I love that blanket you linked to. I am off out to buy supplies now, I will report back later! Grin

OP posts:
tribpot · 04/01/2013 13:42

I would be doing one of SwedishEdith's egg cosys if I didn't have two pairs of mittens to whack out in short order!

cupcake78 · 04/01/2013 14:46

I got a set of kneedles and the knitting bible. I know the basics but basic books explain everything from wool types to how to get started and basic stitches. With this, YouTube and abit of patience you'll be knitting scarves in weeks Grin

Doyouthinktheysaurus · 04/01/2013 15:24

You need a whole lot of patience ime!

I can crochet having taught myself and I love it but I can't get to grips with knitting! My stitches disappear if I accidentally drop one so I can't get it back, I end up with more stitches at the end of the row than I started with, my tension is all wrong.....need I go onWink

I can't quite give up the dream though. I have visions of myself happily clattering needles at high speed while watching tv and chatting away with the dses knitting jumpers so lovely people ask where I bought them

cupcake78 · 04/01/2013 16:40

Don't hold your kneedles too tight, relax your hands and don't pull or stretch the wool just guide it! I love knitting. I'm not brilliant at it but I love it and its most definitely a practice thing!

fossil971 · 04/01/2013 20:10

I learnt to knit from that Ladybird book in about 1976 I made the pencil case, too. I picked up a copy in a charity shop a few months ago and it was brilliant to see it again. The dad in the knitted tie!

A lot of John Lewis branches do short knitting classes, or one of the consultants in the knitting section will be a knitting expert and perhaps get you started if it's not too busy. They will set you up with a good book and the bits you need.

Also if you sign up to Ravelry.com you can look to see if there is a knitting group in your area, as well as getting inspiration for hundreds of things to knit.

I made the Circular Shrug which is very easy but it gets much admired.

Original poster
ilikeyoursleeves · 04/01/2013 20:10

Hi, today I bought four balls of this in dark green, light green, plum and cream. I have visions of a lovely striped baby blanket using these but I haven't even taken the stuff out the shopping bag so no doubt I will soon be back venting my frustrations!

I also bought some 4mm straight needles and a crochet hook. Now all I need is to get the ds's to bed so I can start! Oh and I got the 'Stitch and Bitch' book on eBay for a fiver :)

Wish me luck!

OP posts:
Doyouthinktheysaurus · 04/01/2013 20:19

You tube is your friend, it's great!

Good luck.

Be prepared to find yourself tied up in knots at first. My mum showed me an easier way to cast on so I can do that but that's pretty much as far as I get.....

Vajazzler · 04/01/2013 20:34

I learned to knit late last year so that i could contribute to a woolly hug blanket for cupofteaplease. With the help of a couple of youtube vids i was off and am now making squares aplenty for an angel hug blanket. I then need to teach myself how to sew it together!!!