Learning to Knit

[Flur]

I know some of you are the crafty/knitterly types, so I'm hoping you'll have some advice on this. I'd like to learn to knit, and since I'm not working right now I'd really like to do it on my own time, rather than in a structured class. Is it possible to learn to knit from a video or book, or do I really need to take a class?

Thanks!

[salsabike]

You don't need to take a class! The best book I know, which is one of those thin craft monograph types, is Teach Yourself to Knit, by Eve Rosen, and you can get it from abe.com:

http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchResults?an=rosen&sts=t&tn=teach+yourself+to+knit&x=0&y=0

The illustrations and explanations are really clear. I still pull it out to remind myself how to do something I haven't done in a while.

[indigoiis]

It DOES help to have someone to show you. Often times, your local library may have a weekly knitting circle - and it's drop in (no appointment) so you can go and pick up pointers for free.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Though it DOES help to have someone sit with you in the beginning and help you get the concept and hand positions, as Salsa said it is also possible to learn from a book.
I taught myself to knit from the very same book Salsa recommends:
http://www.amazon.com/All-Teach-Yourself-Knit-Leaflet/dp/B00157ROZG/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1228158475&sr=1-4
Here's a link to cheap used copies of it on Amazon.com.

But it's actually FUN to struggle through learning to knit with other people, so if you are able to just go for a short period of time to a yarn shop where they might have group sessions once a week, it's quite fun and encouraging.
Some yarn stores will offer free assistance if you purchase the yarn there (within reason of course).
Knitting is a wonderful skill and pleasure that people often come back to on and off throughout their entire lifetimes. :)

[wolfak]

Easy enough - I haven't done too much other than a scarf or five and a hat, but it's easy enough. However, I did know how to crochet before that.

I personally liked teaching myself from the stitch and ***** books, they have the basics, plus some humor injected.

Best of luck!

[DebR]

Look at lots of books, some have better diagrams than others. Go watch videos on the internet, there are lots available on YouTube and on Knittinghelp.com

If you have any questions, find a forum and post your question. there are lots really nice people who knit and I've never met a knitter who isn't willing to lend a (virtual) helping hand.

[Brandi]

"Stitch and B*tch" by Debbie Stoller is how learned on my own. She really says it so you can understand and she is funny too which made it even more fun to learn. And u tube as well! Please look into this book too you won't regret it.

[Flur]

I did some looking online and it seems there are a couple of yarn stores near me. One offers classes and clinics on knitting. The classes don't start until January, but the clinics are ongoing, so I'm thinking I could buy a book (probably the one of the ones you guys have recommended - thanks!) and then I can go to the clinics as a supplement.

Thanks!

[shootingstar]

Somewhere there's probably someone who could show you how to get started ..and do basic even knit purl stitch in less than 1 hr. And probably a nice person who would appreciate some chat also.

I think my mother showed me the start-up when I was around 13 years old for half an hr. and then I followed up with a book. I only did simple stuff, scarves and tank tops (if anyone recalls 1970's, wool tank tops were the range..worn over a long sleeved shirt.) I dropped it after I got hooked onto sewing for the next 2 decades thereafter.

Any handicraft is worth learning....and even if one drops it, one is in a better position to assess craftmanship and quality of other people's work when given as a gift or when buying.

[alpinerabbit]

There are videos on youtube....

I can't knit "left-handed" for the life of my. Hence I prefer knitting socks, as there's almost no left-handing. But I've misplaced the instruction sheet from H.E. for making the heel....

[tulip]

I learned with the help of Learn To Knit, published by Susan Bates (big knitting supply company), but a friend also helped tremendously. Most knitting shops are very helpful if you go in with questions and they will show you. It's always a good idea to support your local shop and get some yarn or supplies there--kindof like an LBS.

[Zen]

It depends on your learning style as well.
I'm taking knitting 101 at Joann's later this month.
But I might get the book too.

[Blueberry]

I think you can learn yourself, but there will likely be a point at which you'll need help. Sometimes with knitting (at least based on my experience), you just need someone to actually show you.

Knitting is fun, though, and very relaxing (for me). I do it to fill time I couldn't otherwise use (e.g. when watching one of my few TV shows). I've also met some great friends knitting!

CA

[Tuckervill]

I've been teaching myself how to knit for the last few weeks. (I tried last year and managed to knit some socks, but it didn't "click" until this year.)

It does depend on your learning style. I'm a visual learner--I don't want anyone explaining to me in person how to do it. I need to be shown, and then I need it written down after I've been shown. But I can be shown via videos and pictures. knittinghelp.com, already mentioned, has the best videos I've found. Still the videos don't always do it for me, either, so I look at lots of sources. The free resources online are so numerous as to be overwhelming!

My first pair of socks, I used instructions from three different patterns, because the original ones kind of lost me when I got to the heel (the socks were hideous, but not because of the instructions). It's a real art to write directions that are very clear, without making assumptions! When I find someone who can, I'll let you know! Then, most people choose something less complicated than socks on double-pointed needles as their first project.

Anyway, I think you can do it. Go for it!

Karen

[malkin]

Elizabeth Zimmerman
Knitting Without Tears

It's a gem of a book.

If you buy your yarn locally, the staff at the shop will generally be endlessly helpful.

[badgercat]

http://www.knittinghelp.com/

Tons of videos. I love it.

I'm no pro, but I get by. And I've never taken a class. My mom did show me the very basics when I first started, though, but anything new I've taught myself--mostly from the above website.

I also have the Stitch and B!tch books, but I haven't found them super helpful to learn from. I do use them for quick reminders of how to do stuff, though, and there are some super fun project patterns in there. Granted, I haven't actually MADE any of them, but I have been inspired by some. :)

[Tuckervill]

I have a book about making socks, the sock instructions I'm currently using, and a reference book about knitting that I bought in Nashville recently. It's basically a how-to book with pictures, but just a few projects. (I'm not good at remembering titles, but I can go find it if anyone wants to know.)

None of those resources at my fingertips had instructions on how to do a yarn over bind off (YOBO)! The sock pattern that SUGGESTED it, didn't explain it well, and it is a pattern from "Really Clear Instructions"! Hello. Google didn't come up with a whole lot of help, either, (not even at knittinghelp.com) but I eventually did find pictures about 3 pages in, and was able to extrapolate enough to finish my husband's ginormous sock. (It was so gratifying to see him put it on and it fit that size 13 foot! Will need three balls of yarn for his socks from now on.)

So, there won't be one resource for every little thing you try. Try them all. I'm kinda regretting buying that reference book.

Karen

[malkin]

You can always resell, regift, or donate your book.