I want to learn to knit - what do I need?

[happytobemrsg]

Are there specific types of wool/needles?

Would you recommend any really easy to follow tutorials?

Eventually I'd like to be able to knit a lovely chunky blanket.

I would start with double knitting and size 4 needles.
Then find yourself a learn to knit book, or a you tube tutorial.

Just don't expect to knit yourself an arran style jumper at the first time of trying.

I really struggle with knitting anything large scale like a blanket, crochet is so so much simpler

I taught myself, yes to size 4 needles and DK wool, I used a book but plenty of youtube tutorials as well, I started out doing squares for Wooly hugs, gradually learning new patterns. I have now done squares, two hats, a jumper for my godson, on to a cushion now using cable stitching and just about to start a jumper for me. I go to a lovely group sometimes on a Saturday at a knitting shop, very helpful.

Knitting for dummies! Was a great book that taught me all the basics. Really nicely written in a way that builds your confidence.

I've given up because I don't have the patience for it, but I can knit jumpers and things if I wanted to.

I learned to knit a couple of years ago - I would recommend buying size 8 or 10 wooden needles (amazon sells a selection) and some 'chunky' wool. Something like Eskimo by Drops (google - you can buy online) is fairly cheap and easy to work with.
Then go to YouTube and search for beginner knitting tutorial. There are loads on there - just watch a couple to find the best for you. Start with 'casting on' tutorial, then 'knit stitch' and 'purl stitch'. Then 'casting off' when you want to finish your piece.

The easiest (but more expensive) way to start knitting would be to buy a kit from someone like Wool and the Gang or Stitch and Story. S&S are always having sales and I think they have one at the moment. A scarf or snood is probably the easiest project to start with, but they might have a simple blanket too. You will be sent everything you need to do a simple project - needles, yarn and instructions. You'll still need a friend or YouTube video to get you going though.

Have fun!

I've been doing the same thing! I got a couple of books from the library and have just been doing squares for woolly hugs so far while I practice different patterns.

I'd suggest bamboo needles (I started with metal ones and they were just too slippy). Plus a lot of patience - I can crochet and I think knitting is a lot harder, and requires more concentration as it's harder to spot where you are in a pattern /correct any mistakes.

That said, I much prefer the end result with knitting - I think crochet is fine for a blanket, but I can't imagine producing anything else, whereas knitting seems to give you a lot more options.

Good luck!