Ok, so I still consider myself a beginner knitter, but lately I’ve been asked by different people on how to get started knitting. Maybe because I am a beginner and my starting out days are still fresh, I can offer my little pieces of advice. From one beginner to another. So if you want to start knitting, but don’t know how to get started, read on!
1. Of course, the best way to learn is to have someone sit and teach you. Unfortunately I didn’t have that luxury, but after loads of research, I found a book of great diagrams to get me started, Basic Knitting by Leigh Ann Berry. There’s also lots of great video tutorials online (www.knittinghelp.com is one). However, with our sketchy internet, I needed a resource I could rely on.
2. Shop for supplies. It can be overwhelming at first to walk into the shop and look at the variety of needles and yarn. Don’t be intimidated. You can do it! Start with a medium weight yarn and a needle size around 4.5 to 5.5 mm (US 7-9). You will also begin to find what type of needles you prefer. I definitely prefer wooden over steel!
3. Pick your project but don’t pick one too big. Start with something simple like a scarf. It might take you several days, but in the end, you will have a hand knit and the confidence to tackle bigger projects.
4. One of the biggest struggles with beginner knitters (and one that I also encountered) was casting on too tight. Relax and keep it loose!
5. Give yourself grace and patience. It’s perfectly natural to experience frustration when you are trying to learn. I almost wanted to through those sticks in the trash in the beginning! Stick with it! It will come!
6. Don’t get frustrated reading patterns. It’s like learning a new language at first! Let google become your best friend. Anytime I needed help with a pattern, I just googled it!
Knitting is a fun, enjoyable, stress relieving hobby. Be careful, though! It is quite addicting. Once you see all the awesome things you can make with your hands, you won’t be able to stop!
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