Learning to knit

[NanKid]

Am a complete novice but would like to learn as easily and quickly as possible. Do I need a book? Which one?

thanks!

I got the teen knitting club when I started which gave really clear instructions and some good patterns. Just got it from waterstones, wasn't too expensive! Good luck - my first blanket is still my proudest creation!

Actually I find videos more helpful than books with drawings, as it's a million times easier to see someone demonstrate it than work it out from diagrams! There are literally hundreds of knitting videos out on the net, everything from basic stitches to complicated techniques. Good luck!

Thanks both xx

Have a look on youtube. I also found it much easier to have someone show me how to do it.

I have recently taught myself how to crochet by watching videos online. Dh now thinks I am extremely uncool but I don't care - no blankets for him!!

You may find a local 'stitch & bitch' group in your area - try your nearest yarn shop.

I can recommend the "Ultimate Knitting Bible" to get you started and also to refer back to when you want to learn a new stitch or simply remind yourself of one you've not done for a while.

I'd also second the suggestion of searching youtube. Really helpful - especially for things that can't be easily put into still pictures. (Youtube taught me how to pick up stitches along an edge because I just couldn't get it from a book!) I do think it's worth having a book to hand though so you can sit with it beside you while you work.

I also found some of the knitting magazines helpful with simple patterns, ideas and also really useful lists of abbreviations. (they usually have a beginners guide at the back)

I learned how to knit as a child, but was never very good at it and to be honest never did more than the basic knit stitch with someone else casting on and off for me! I picked it up again a year ago and am hooked! Just be prepared to spend a few evenings knitting all night with nothing to show for it at the end! It's really frustrating at the time, but well worth it to get to grips with your needles and stitches! Good first projects are baby knits because they are small and there are lots of simple ones out there! Have fun!

esselle - I got plenty of jibes about being a wee old granny when I started too, but people had to eat their words when I started giving new babies hand-knitted blankets or pram beads as gifts and everyone thought they'd been bought in some fancy shop! (oh, and I think you're amazing for teaching yourself to crochet - I just can't get it at all! I agree with the person who described it as the awkward, mutated twin sister of knitting! (or something similar!))

Thanks 2plus2more crochet is a bit tricky but it is fast! I have wanted to make granny square blankets for ages and now I can. But they are all nice colours and not in nasty acrylics! My first proper present is a baby blanket. I am pretty pleased with myself too.

Knitting Help is good

My husband recent bought me a book called 'how to knit' by Fiona Watt, published by Usborne. It's aimed at complete beginners (suitable for children up).... yesterday I bought some needles and wool and have started to knit a baby blanket.... (with the help of the book for casting on, knit and purl stitches)... the owner of my local wool shop found an easy pattern for me to start with, she was very helpful.... give it a go!

And join Ravelry (ravelry.com) You need to apply for membership but it comes through ever so quickly.
Then you can look for local 'knit 'n natter' (or stitch 'n bitch) groups in your area

Good tip DutchOma, I've just joined Ravelry.

I cannot believe it but I have just finished the baby blanket I started last night

As somebody who has not knitted before I am chuffed with myself. It is only small, big enough to cover DC whilst in Moses basket or car seat, but even so it's still a blanket.... I think I may knit another one in a different colour.

Well done Sazzie. Go girl, go.
Have you found any local groups?
What's your Ravelry username and have you joined the Mumsknitters' group?

My Ravelry username is Sazziej - (i am easily confused so like to keep things simple)

How do I join the Mumsknitters' group? Sorry if this is a silly question but I'm fairly new to mumsnet and still finding my way around.

There's a good Debbie Bliss book too - I used this when I started again after childhood, but I think she has others.

I love her kids' patterns too - pretty much fail proof, even when I'm knitting in the evening in front of the telly...

I tried but am left-handed so it's hopeless.

You go to 'Groups' at the top and then search for Mumsknitters. then click 'join'
I'll find you in a minute and add you as a friend. I am Dutchoma as well on Ravelry.

expat, my MIL is left handed and she says she learnt to knit by sitting in front of a RH knitter and mirroring them. I also taught her to crochet by doing the same

DutchOma I must be stupid but I can't see 'groups' anywhere....

I have been to the wool shop this morning and bought some more wool for another small blanket and a pattern and wool for a baby cardigan... I think I am addicted!

When you have logged in to Ravelry there is a line of headings level with the name Ravelry and the ball of red wool. the sixth of those is 'groups' Have another look, I'm sure you'll find it.
If not come back and tell me what you can see.

Ooo, I didn't know there was a mumsknitters group on Ravelry...

Life of Kate tut. To be fair hardly anything has happened in that group since mothering Sunday when EffiePerine (wonkyknitter on Ravelry had us send stuff off. That was fun.

Ah found it, stupidly I was looking on Mumsnet for a 'group' section, have just joined. Thank you DutchOma

expat - you don't need to knit left handed, just knit in the normal way. I am left handed, and have had no problems knitting like the dextrous!

Well, I am well and truly addicted....I have just been to the wool shop to buy some more wool to knit a Debbie Bliss baby jumper, and the lady at the wool shop is starting knitting classes next month, I think I may go along. Firstly because I want to know what I am doing is right, and secondly to increase my skills, so far I can knit, purl, cast on, cast off, increase and decrease... anything beyond that is lost on me at the moment.

How are you getting on NanKid?