How do I learn t knit?? please help..

[jemimap]

I would love to learn but am a total beginner.. can anyone recommend any books or any other way of learning from scratch... I'm extremely impatient and will only stick to it if I can produce a half decent cardigan for my 3 children in a short period of time!!! Otherwise... does anyone want to knit me the cardi's and ill pay!!

I have just taught myself to knit using various websites. I have just done excessive googling of 'learn to knit' 'how to knit' 'how to cast on' etc and there have been loads of websites with photographs that have helped me get started.

Use double knitting or larger to get started, and only make something small.

Do you know anyone who could show you and sit with you? That is the very best way.

I'm sure the websites are fine. The old-fashioned Golden Hands books were great.

I second the knittinghelp.com website - really good

i started knitting with a debbie bliss book - but I think there are better ways to start as her designs tend to be in babycashmerino which knits up small (and so takes longer) although it is gorgeous.

Why not join ravelry.com - there are plenty of patterns and yarns you could browse, and you could probably find a local knitting group with someone who would give you a helping hand.

start with a scarf or a dolly's blanket -something very simple (and useful) just to practise the stitches before you attempt a cardigan.

I bought the Debbie bliss simple baby knit book and with abit of help from websites and my mum I am up to knitting a jumper = although I have had a bit of nightmare with the baby playing with the wool and it getting a bit knot that I couldn't undo.

Maybe we could have a learning to knit thread where we can sympthise about dropped stiches etc.

Impatience and learning to knit are not good bed fellows. How old are your children? I like to knit for people and may have a bit of spare time in a wee while.
But knitting is very worthwhile and you could maybe learn to knit while I do the first few cardigans for you?

Also BellaBear's suggestion of Ravelry is very good.
One of our Northants Ravelry members taught a colleague to knit from scratch for the Oxfam blanket to highlight maternal mortality and I have her square here.

I'm teaching myself to knit at the moment and my favourite books are Stitch 'n Bitch and Knitting Patterns for Dummies.

Wow, Dutchoma is a supercool knitter! Take her up on the offer!

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i brought a patons monkey kit, it's great and had alot of help on here. must pick it up again though!

Thank you BellaBear. I hope she does