Want to learn to knit, don’t know where to start!

[Cuppasoupmonster]

Any advice please? There are so many books and YouTube tutorials out there I don’t know where to begin - choosing one source and sticking with it seems sensible so maybe a book? What would you recommend in terms of needles/wool to begin with? I can cast on and do a basic garter stitch, that’s it. Thanks!

You could maybe do with a partworks publication of some sort so that everything is included.

Years ago a relative signed up for a ‘learn to knit’ publication and got bored long before the end. She passed it on to me, I did give it a good go but I wasn’t great at it. However, it was a good introduction and came with all the wool, needles etc so there wasn’t too much to think about.

something like this sort of thing.
hachettepartworks.com/en-en/collection-stitch-box/?utm_source=Google_Ads&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=MBUK_231&hct=M2204&gclid=CjwKCAiAoL6eBhA3EiwAXDom5mX94CffO9QY0fOjrpoKgMYCalBkoSObzeOVRFqWjE9ptIAmWeqAVRoCz5MQAvD_BwE

Knitting patterns do generally tell you what type of wool and what sized needles to use. DM is an amazing knitter but I know it can cost a fair bit to buy good wool and needles, so a kit is a good way to find out if it’s for you before paying out on everything. Charity shops sometimes have needles, patterns and balls of wool too from abandoned projects. Some of us though (I mean me) just aren’t skilled! I hope you enjoy it and find some good resources.

You could try posting on Nextdoor or Facebook to see if there is a local knit and natter group too, or look at the local library notice board or community centre. Crafty people I’ve found like to share knowledge so they can help others share the enjoyment. Good luck.

I learnt how to knit using this book - www.amazon.co.uk/Knitty-Gritty-Knitting-Absolute-Beginner/dp/0713685425/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

The projects aren’t exactly stylish, but the instructions are clear and for a couple of quid you can’t really go wrong.

As a beginner I found wood/bamboo needles a lot easier to use than metal ones, as they’re a bit more grippy, but it’s very much a personal choice. 4 mm/size 8 is a good size to start with and will work with DK yarn.

A lot of beginners like using acrylic yarn. Style craft DK is popular. I could never get on with acrylic myself (hate the squeaky feeling 😣) but I’d still recommend something like that for getting starting with.

Brilliant, thank you both, noted!

Not knitting but I learnt to crochet at a beginners class. There should be lots of knit and natter groups - local haberdashers will point you in the right direction. A lot of it is quite twee to begin with but you'll soon get the hang of it and your hands will never be idle!

I warn you though once you start, you'll get addicted!

What is it about knitting that attracts you- what do you want to make? do you see yourself knitting a jumper, or a scarf, or a baby’s blanket, or a cushion cover? I’d recommend find something that you really want to make and work towards it, don’t mess about making things that you don’t really want or need. You can find a guide to doing any stitch in a pattern just by putting the abbreviation into a YouTube search, up will pop ten videos by ladies in Oklahoma and gay men in Canada just desperate to talk you through it. Videos are miles better than books.

To begin with, stick to chunky yarn and big fat needles, as your knitting will get big quickly and that will be satisfying. Fiddling about with very fine yarn to begin with can be very frustrating.

I like using circular needles, they feel very pleasant in the hand.

I’m going on maternity leave in a few weeks and will have about a month before due date so was hoping to knit a simple blanket for the pram. I would eventually like to progress to cardigans, but know I need to start with the basics!

@declutteringmymind Thanks I will look into local groups.

I’ve just ordered some 4.5mm needles and some cheap and chunky yarn, just to get off the ground.

Congratulations!

A blanket is a great starting project as you can try out different stitches for texture etc, or work in different colours, but not worry about shaping.

Not sure if you mean cardigans for the baby but to be honest I wouldn’t waste your time. Baby clothes need to be washed so much and hand knitted stuff really doesn’t wash so well. Also he/she will grow out of it in less time than it took you to knit it!

You might find it more satisfying to knit something for yourself.

Hats for kids are good. Christmas jumpers are also fun (though even less wear for your efforts I guess). I’m not a great knitter but I just did this for my son.

Love that Xmas jumper!!

I get bored of doing big projects like jumpers, so stick to socks, hats, mittens and smaller things.
In lockdown I had a book called 400 knit stitches, or something, and made a load of smallish squares, about 6 -8 inches across, of different patterns. That was quite satisfying. One day I’ll sew them together to make a blanket!!

Some wool shops do knitting classes. There will be a sign up.

(Sadly specialist wool shops seem to be increasingly rare - although I think Hobbycraft also do have craft workshops)

Thank you @MagpiePi . I do agree about the getting bored thing. Kids’ jumpers are a lot more manageable than adult ones, and the only jumper I have ever knitted for myself was a cheat as it is has short sleeves (worn over a long-sleeved base layer).

I learned to crochet from YouTube. They have learn to knit clips too.

Tin Can Knits a lovely independent pattern design company have a free range of patterns designed for beginners branded as simple.

My advice would be to start with something small and achievable and build from there.

And learn to knit in round early! So look at the hats from Tin Can Knits!

tincanknits.com/book/the-simple-collection

This is all you need to know!

You tube is good & easy to stop/start videos when learning. If you have a local wool shop I'd ask in there, they may offer classes or will know of local groups. LocalFacebook groups may know of something as well

I tried to teach my teen daughter to knit and failed, but with this book she just flew and now 18 months later knits the most intricate things I would never consider tackling! Obviously we're all different so this may not be right for you, and she dived into the Internet (ravelry.com for free patterns) after getting past the first chunky scarf.

You Will Be Able to Knit by the End of This Book amzn.eu/d/fq5nJbC

I’ve started the ‘blanket’, going well so far…

Thanks Glow, just ordered it!

I would say if you can cast on and do garter stitch and are eager to do more that's at least half the battle.
If you learn purl stitch next you'll be able to do stocking stitch and rib, along with all sorts of patterns using them.
Practicing slip stitch, knit two together and looping the yarn round the needle means you can do lace patterns.
Using different colours, especially if you also do a slip stitch pattern, can give some lovely effects with a simple technique.
Casting off is very easy but remember to do it loosely if you want to pull a collar etc over your head.

@Cuppasoupmonster
That knitting looks lovely and even BTW!

You tube is your friend . I would suggest Very Pink Knits , she has lots of tutorials at different levels and also does some at half speed so you can watch them very slowly. There are also classes on Love Crafts. Jen Geighley also has a knit along learn how to knit which is good.

you need to be aware that that there are different methods mainly English( or throwing) or continental . I would suggest starting with English to start with , the YouTubers above use this method but either is fine .

look for local yarn shops many have classes and meet ups and in my experience people are very happy to help. Start simple I learnt by knitting dishcloths with my grandmother

@Cuppasoupmonster oh wow - I wish you success! Your first piece certainly looks very even and consistent, so as 3beesinmybonnet said, it's then a question of slowly widening your "repertoire". And that never ends: I've been knitting for ever but this week for the first time tried "old Norwegian cast-on " with the help of YouTube of course.
Have fun!