Moving on from squares

[FiveGoMadInDorset]

This year I have taught myself to knit and happily knitting squares for Woolyblankets, but I need to move on. I am happy with casting on and off, stocking stitch but having a bit of a problem with ribbing but I think I started on too large a size needle for that. I haven't done decreasing or increasing yet. What is the step up now to try that isn't going to be massively challenging. I am really enjoying it and have just moved on to crochet as well.

Thank you

I'd have a go at doing some simple shaping. When I was learning to knit I found decreasing easier than increasing. So I would try a baby hat for decreasing or a baby jacket for increasing - like these baby kina jackets. They are knitted from the top down - it starts off using a circular needle but I put it on straights as soon as I get past the armholes.

What kind of things would be most useful to you? You could start a simple shawl or shawlette for winter (give yourself some lead time) - like maybe Age of Brass and Steam. Get a really fab yarn and enjoy the colours.

I started knitting about 4 months ago, and I am really loving making cowls. I am using 8 or 10mm circular needles and trying out different very basic styles. There are loads of free patterns on Pinterest and YouTube tutorials help a lot. I am still trying to improve but it is fun making cowls as it is really fast, and satisfying to finish them.

I agree that something with decreasing is probably the next step. Do you have any knitting groups near you where someone could keep you right? Libraries sometimes have them, of you could ask at your local wool shop.

A baby hat would be good, because you basically knit straight and then, once it's long enough, you decrease to shape the top.

Ravelry is a great site with lots of patterns, many of them free. You can search by difficulty, so you should be able to find something suitable.

Thank you for all your suggestions, my boss is pregnant so will do a hat I think for her baby