Getting started with knitting....what are the essentials?

[ClashCityRocker]

As the title suggests, I really want to give knitting a go...I used to do it many years ago but I'm pretty sure I've forgotten anything I knew on the subject.

What equipment/books/websites would you recommend?

I guess my first 'go' would just be practising stitches, would a scarf be a good thing to start off with?

Any hints or tips for getting started?

I used wikihow and learnt in one go to do the basic garter stitch and casting on, all I got was a set of different sized pairs of needles and some cheap dk wool.

I used a book to teach myself, a Debbie Bliss How to Knit but it might be out of print now.

YouTube is good.
I recommend not a scarf. They are ever so boring to make.

I agree that all you really need is a set of different sized needles and some cheap wool. As far as first projects go, I started with hats. Quite fast to make and can be simple or adventurous. I started with an Innocent Smoothies hat

www.innocentdrinks.co.uk/static/bigknit/imgs/innocent-big-knit-doddle-pattern.pdf

...and then moved onto this:

www.redheart.com/free-patterns/easy-fit-ribbed-hat

a good start would be 4mm needles and some double knit yarn. As already said, youtube and often discount book shops like the works have cheap how to knit books. And sign up to ravelry

a friend used a book called "knitty gritty" (iirc) and found it very good, but there is plenty of free stuff on the web

bear in mind that there are different ways to hold the needles and wool, and one may suit you better than others, so if you try one way and it doesn't come naturally, you can try another way. if there is a wool shop (or a fabric/craft shop that has a wool section) you could go in and see whether anyone can help you get started if teaching yourself doesn't work - they might help you there and then or point you in the direction of cheap classes

don't do a scarf (unless it's for a teddy or something) - you'll get so bored as they really need to be 5-6ft long for an adult to wrap around properly. a cotton dishcloth might be a good start?

I would highly recommend getting circular needles and using them for all your knitting. I had a gap of a few years when I didn't knit at all and when I came back to it, circular needles seemed to be all the rage. I love them - so comfortable and easy to use and no losing stitches from the ends of the needles when I'm storing the work.

they are good, even for flat knitting, as you don't have the strain of a larger piece sitting on the ends of the straight needles (unless you do armpit knitting of course!)

I would go to a local nice knitting shop and see if they have a class or will at least get you started. Agree not a scarf - they take far too long.

I taught a beginner's class recently and we used 4mm bamboo needles, a merino DK yarn and made (well, started) fingerless mitts in garter stitch. You'll need a blunt needle for sewing up as well.

When you get back into it, I agree circular needles are great although some people do get on better with long needles if you are an under arm tucker.

If you are near an Aldi they had a knitting instruction book in the specials a few weeks ago, they might have it still in the bargain corner. Also the Book people often have a good learn to knit book, or the good ol' library (before it gets shut down).

Websites - ravelry (inspiration)
the Sirdar website has how to knit instructions.
videos might also help on youtube.

A friend got me this book for my birthday this year and I think it's brilliant. 400 Knitting Stitches

I'd class myself as halfway between Beginner and Intermediate so there's lots I can learn from it.

Re yarn: I personally would buy a nicer yarn rather than a cheap one to get back into it. My mother tried to teach me knitting when I was younger and I didn't keep it up because I didn't like the yarn she gave me. When a friend retaught me a few years ago she bought me a merino silk yarn that was so lovely to work with I really enjoyed it. But I might be weird.

Thanks guys! After working through various knitting tutorials, I caved and asked my mum to show me (after a rather toddle-like 'I want to do it MYSELF!' style tantrum)...

It took me two and a half hours to master casting on, but I now have seven rows of stitches. I may start a business knitting scarves for hamsters. I am getting quicker though.

Grouchy, I have put that book on my birthday list!

We have discovered that my mum and I like to hold the needle in totally different ways which caused a few issues at first, but it's starting to feel more 'natural'.