Deleted
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May 13, 2024 3:56:21 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Nov 13, 2015 1:47:55 GMT
Our youngest wants to learn how to knit....help, what are some basic supplies she would need?
She self teaches herself through videos, clay, rainbow looms, friendship bracelts, pattern making, sketch clothing desgin and etc....
I just need an idea of what basics to get her.
Thanks for any suggestions.
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Post by mirabelleswalker on Nov 13, 2015 4:03:39 GMT
I would just start with a pair of needles and some yarn. I think size 8 needles and worsted weight yarn are the easiest to learn with. I prefer metal needles, but wood might be a little easier because it's not so easy for the yarn to slide off the needles. Don't get a dark color of yarn because it's harder to see the stitches (and your mistakes). There are tons of videos online, and if you buy your supplies at a knitting store they probably have help sessions or classes. I hope she enjoys it!
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Post by RiverIsis on Nov 13, 2015 4:09:20 GMT
TBH the first thing I knitted with needles was one of those ruffle scarves from the ruffle yarn. So easy to knit.
Loom knitting is really fun. I got that to do on long journeys instead of being up all night on the internet in the hotel room.
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Post by Scrapper100 on Nov 13, 2015 4:11:51 GMT
I like wood needles and always hated the metal ones everyone is different. I do use slick wood needles though.
I agree worsted yarn in a light color no funky fun yarn just regular yarn to start. I would suggest a soft yarn though I dislike red heart as I find it scratchy and dislike carrons as it split on me a lot and made it difficult at times. I assume you can still get the clover bamboo needles at michaels or Joann's with coupons. Knitting is a lot of fun and very relaxing and it sort of like meditation.
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Jili
Pearl Clutcher
SLPea
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Jun 26, 2014 1:26:48 GMT
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Post by Jili on Nov 13, 2015 4:12:34 GMT
I think bamboo needles would be best to start with, and I'd consider buying her a circular needle instead of straights. They're actually easier to handle (IMO) and you won't lose a needle. I think that size 9 or maybe a 10 would be easiest to start with.
Definitely start with a worsted weight yarn. She'll also need a tapestry/darning needle. Other notions are fun to get but she likely won't need them at this point.
There are so many good videos out there to learn from!
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Post by kat on Nov 13, 2015 4:37:33 GMT
Have her start with a dishcloth/washcloth. That was my first project last year and it was quick and easy. She will learn to cast on, knit, purl, and because dishcloths are knitted in a diamond shape, instead of a square, so will also learn basic increase and decrease stitches. There should be plenty of YouTube tutorials on dishcloths.
Cotton yarn, like Peaches and Cream, is perfect for dishcloths. The yarn and needles are at craft stores and an inexpensive way for her to give knitting a try. You will need to get a pattern, which will tell you how much yarn to get and which size needles to use. Craft stores have pattern books but there are some free patterns online and a lot on Ravelry. Don't get dark yarn, it will be hard for her to see what she is doing. I think KnitPicks.com has bright colored cotton.
Good sites for tutorials are Knit Purl Hunter, New Stitch A Day, and Knitting Help.
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Post by anniefb on Nov 13, 2015 4:46:41 GMT
I agree about bamboo needles - I love them and buy them when my older ones need replacing. In terms of something easy to knit how about a scarf as it doesn't involve any shaping.
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Deleted
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May 13, 2024 3:56:21 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Nov 13, 2015 5:39:32 GMT
I dislike the bamboo needles, especially the circular ones.
I like the ones you get at a yarn shop.
Good knitting needles like good yarn make learning easier. They are pricy but will last her a lifetime.
Btw this time of year yarn shops have kit classes. Worth checking out.
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Post by hop2 on Nov 13, 2015 12:22:39 GMT
Arm knitting. Great videos out there and you just need a nice chunky yarn. Inexpensive way to learn the basics before moving on to more complicated stuff.
Then a GC for needles when she finds a pattern she wants to make. So ifyen the needle and yarn weight are very specific to pattern.
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Post by ktdoesntscrap on Nov 13, 2015 12:32:24 GMT
My daughter taught me. She was in 4th grade when I learned she had been knitting for a few years.
She made me learn finger knitting first. It does help you understand the process when you move to needles. It costs nothing but a cheap skein of yarn from Michaels.
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peaname
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by peaname on Nov 13, 2015 13:00:18 GMT
Check out the Teen Knit Cafe videos. My library has a copy, Amazon has it for sale and I think it's on youtube in questionable quality.
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Post by ferblover on Nov 13, 2015 14:23:55 GMT
I believe Michaels and Joanne's have kits aimed for kids/teens too.
I started off knitting but have fallen in love with loom knitting and the sense of accomplishment I have.
But it all boils down to, there are awesome videos on the internet. Good Knit Kisses is a good place, she does crochet, knit, and loom knit.
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Deleted
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May 13, 2024 3:56:21 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Nov 13, 2015 15:29:16 GMT
Thank you all so much.
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Jili
Pearl Clutcher
SLPea
Posts: 4,363
Jun 26, 2014 1:26:48 GMT
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Post by Jili on Nov 13, 2015 15:46:15 GMT
A few of my favorite 'how to knit videos'-- these are my 'go-to' sites. There are many others out there, too.
*I learned cast-on from the videos at knittinghelp.com (and her YouTube channel). The site owner, Amy, also has a couple of 'learn to knit' videos. They're really helpful, though she isn't as interesting to listen to as other knitters.
*Check out the videos on the Expression Fiber Arts YouTube channel. She has a beginner video that is really popular and fun. Between that and knittinghelp.com, I figured out the very basics. I'm hooked on her yarn now, too.
*I also love the video tutorials on sheepandstitch.com-- excellent video production and visually clear.
*verypinkknits.com also has some excellent beginner tutorials.
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Post by epeanymous on Nov 13, 2015 16:34:36 GMT
You have gotten good tips. One that I would add -- I would have her start with wool yarn. A lot of beginning kits have fuzzy or wacky yarns in them, and it is hard to see stitches. Cotton doesn't stretch like wool and is less forgiving to a beginning knitter. The ball band for the yarn will tell you what size of needle to use with it, usually. I agree with others that a worsted weight is a good place to start. She may want to start with a scarf -- that way, she can wear what she makes immediately, and can focus on getting comfortable with knitting and purling.
If you have a local yarn shop in your area, I would try to buy there, rather than at a big-box craft store. I know she plans to learn on her own at home, but the great thing about yarn stores is they generally have employees who can help you if you get stuck with something, drop-in knitting groups, etc., and a lot of them have classes or groups for kids and teens (I don't know how old she is).
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