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Knitting advice for an almost beginner please

11 replies

CleverCatty · 19/10/2020 12:14

Hi - due to terminal boredom but also wanted to start knitting - did knit a scarf and a square years ago but very simple pattern and with help from grandmother who was good knitter - not with us now! I think I've forgotten most of what I remembered back then when I was 11 or so.

So I ordered this:-

www.sprogletskits.co.uk/buy/4592221443/soft-fawn---sproglets-baby-booties-knitting-kit/10633381

But have now seen these are easy to use or easier than normal knitting needes.

www.laughinghens.com/knitting-needles/pony-knitting-needles

I've got some lovely and bargain cheap Poundland wool to use.

Any comments and advice.

OP posts:
Seeline · 19/10/2020 12:24

For something so small, I think ordinary knitting needles are probably easier (assuming you are referring to the circular needles on that page?)

I find circular ones good if knitting something quite large, but for a beginner, it can be difficult to keep track of which row you are on with circular ones.

NothingIsWrong · 19/10/2020 12:31

Those are so tiny, they won't be worked in the round - worked flat and then sewn up I reckon?

I use circular needles for everything, including things knitted flat. The bonus is you can't lose a needle as it's all attached...

Knittedfairies · 19/10/2020 12:33

You can knit in the round with only a few stitches; google knitting in the round magic loop.

TheCountessofFitzdotterel · 19/10/2020 12:39

I would use the ones that come with the kit for now and branch out later. Agree with Nothing, circulars are great, but it’s easy to get the wrong length and then it’s awkward.

SinkGirl · 19/10/2020 12:42

I always use circular needles too, but I use an interchangeable set - the cables on the these Pony ones and similar are not very flexible and I find them horrible to use.

Since these are knit flat i would see how you get on - if you get the bug you can invest in some better needles. The knitpro ones are good entry level interchangeables - you can just buy the size of tips you need for that project and a couple of cable lengths and you can gradually grow your collection :)

NothingIsWrong · 19/10/2020 12:48

You can, but I wouldn't call it a beginners technique, so I would assume this one was flat. Either way, I am a big fan of circulars, as you can do everything with them

youkiddingme · 19/10/2020 12:59

I would say now that you have bought the kit, have a go with it. If you start looking around at all the things you could buy you could spend a fortune and end up with a lot of stuff your rarely use, depending on what you find you like doing.

If you get stuck on anything in the kit there are tutorials on pretty much everything you could ever need on youtube. I suggest 'very pink knits' - she has really clear tutes on all sorts and does some of them in slow motion so you can watch and work along at snail's pace till you get it.

I woudn't go out and try to learn every technique and buy every bit of kit on the off-chance. If you find something you want to knit you will find all the advice you need to help you work out how what you need and how to do it.

One person's favourite method is another's never again etc. I love magic loop, but some people would much rather use dpns, I much prefer top down socks, while others prefer toe up. I prefer knitting most things on circs and in one piece, except intarsia, but most things can be made by lots of different methods. And sorry if that's just chucking in a load of mystery terms, the point is there are loads of techniques out there and loads of different ways to do things. I would say just have a go and you will find your own favourite way of doing things. I'm sure there's lots of people on here can give you pointers if you get stuck on anything.

youkiddingme · 19/10/2020 13:02

Oh, and join Ravelry! Tons of free patterns (and others to buy), info, and somewhere you can store your stash when you build one up so you don't forget what you have. And a good place to make crafty mates and join groups of interest.

www.ravelry.com/

Viviennemary · 19/10/2020 13:04

I've been knitting on and off for years and have never got on with circular needles. But I agree each to their own. I'd try a scarf for your first project. No decreasing no increasing in a simple one. Ravelry is quite a good forum for knitters. I was on it a few years ago but don't bother with it much now.

CleverCatty · 19/10/2020 16:48

VivienneMary - circular needles I'm sure weren't around when I was 11!

I tried a small square and then a scarf (different stitches) for my first project at 11 - but that was with a very experienced knitter!

thanks for all your advice everyone - am just going to try the booties which seem to be foolproof - my DM who only knitted me one jumpsuit - has said if I go round there she'll help me LOL.

OP posts:
Chottie · 19/10/2020 16:49

@NothingIsWrong

Those are so tiny, they won't be worked in the round - worked flat and then sewn up I reckon?

I use circular needles for everything, including things knitted flat. The bonus is you can't lose a needle as it's all attached...

So do I. It makes life so much simpler :)
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