Any knitters out there?

KillarneyRose · #1 07-30-2005, 02:36 PM

Was it hard to learn how to knit? I can crochet pretty well, so I decided to try and teach myself to knit and I just can't get the hang of it. The damn yarn keeps coming off the needle

Do you think it's possible to learn to knit from written instructions, or should I sign up for a class somewhere?

copacabana · #2 07-30-2005, 03:05 PM

You know, I can't figure out how to knit either. I've tried following directions online, and I even bought a book on how to knit but I'm apparently still doing something wrong because it's just not working and my yarn also comes off the needle.

christiangirl · #3 07-30-2005, 04:06 PM

I learned how to knit while I was at school (I was trying to find something calming to do). I did really well, till I started to learn knit1purl1. That's where I got stuck, it's hard going back and forth between the two, you get so CONFUSED! I'll try again, b/c if I can't get past that, then I can never make a scarf. I was learning out of a book, which is how I learn best, but the 2-D pictures can't give you much help.

aephi alum · #4 07-30-2005, 04:16 PM

I know how to knit, but I haven't done any knitting in a while. My mother taught me the basic stitches. She's not very good, therefore I'm not very good.

If I were you I'd take a class or find a family member or friend to teach you. Diagrams can only show you so much - the stitches will make more sense when you see them worked with actual needles and yarn... not to mention that it's hard to hold a book open when your hands are full of yarn.

kddani · #5 07-30-2005, 04:35 PM

Tracy, it's MUCh easier for someone to teach you in person than trying to teach yourself.

The crazy paralegal at my old job taught me, it took like 5 minutes for her to show me to cast on and knit. I taught myself from a book how to purl and cast off. I wanted to take a class,there's a really cool (but REALLY expensive) yarn store on Wood St downtown, but I never had the time.

But I think if you can just find someone who knows how to do it to show you,you'll get the same effect (i.e. I could show you next time you're in town). If you want to go all advanced and move on to sweaters or socks and hats and stuff, classes would be good.

I made 2 scarves so far and i'm looking to maybe make a wrap or something, we'll see. I need to stop at Joann Fabrics out in Robinson, they have a very nice very reasonable selection of yarn.

What size needles are you using? I have 8's, that's what I started on. People on here told me to use bigger ones but I find these are much easier for me to handle.

KillarneyRose · #6 07-30-2005, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by kddani
Tracy, it's MUCh easier for someone to teach you in person than trying to teach yourself.

The crazy paralegal at my old job taught me, it took like 5 minutes for her to show me to cast on and knit. I taught myself from a book how to purl and cast off. I wanted to take a class,there's a really cool (but REALLY expensive) yarn store on Wood St downtown, but I never had the time.

But I think if you can just find someone who knows how to do it to show you,you'll get the same effect (i.e. I could show you next time you're in town). If you want to go all advanced and move on to sweaters or socks and hats and stuff, classes would be good.

I made 2 scarves so far and i'm looking to maybe make a wrap or something, we'll see. I need to stop at Joann Fabrics out in Robinson, they have a very nice very reasonable selection of yarn.

What size needles are you using? I have 8's, that's what I started on. People on here told me to use bigger ones but I find these are much easier for me to handle.

I'm using 8's also.

If I buy you dinner next time I'm in town, will you teach me to knit?

kddani · #7 07-30-2005, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by KillarneyRose
I'm using 8's also.

If I buy you dinner next time I'm in town, will you teach me to knit?

of course! sounds like a more than fair exchange

lauralaylin · #8 07-30-2005, 05:06 PM

I also tried to learn how to knit from a book. That didn't work, so my mom tried teaching me. She lives 1500 miles away though, so I couldn't ask questions easily. I finally broke down and started taking private lessons. They are $10 a class, but I stay as long as I want to, usually about 3 hours. In 3 months time I've made a handfull of scarves, 3 hats, and now I'm working on mittens. Having a person fix your mistakes is such a huge help. I always am pulling out rows and dropping stitches, and my teacher fixes them no problem. I highly recommend lessons at least to get you started.

aurora_borealis · #9 07-30-2005, 06:55 PM

I taught myself out of a book, I found it to be pretty easy. I can't crochet worth a damn though, and I have no idea why. My current project is a purse I have been knitting in the round, which is going to match my new fall coat and be large enough to carry a notebook. The craziest thing I've made is golf club covers, using four double pointed needles, and intarsia.

If you're having a hard time keeping the yarn on the needle, either try different needles or different yarn. I found that bamboo needles were the easiest to work with, and a decent wool or wool blend yarn (my first project was a scarf made with wool and fun fur, with a k2p2 pattern with size 17 needles). When it comes to casting on there are so many different ways, that some work better than others depending on hands and dexterity.

My local yarn store allows anyone who purchases materials there to attend free classes. I have access to a list of yarn stores around the country, so I'll PM you with some in your area, they may have lessons.

wrigley · #10 07-30-2005, 07:54 PM

If you don't want to go the organized lessons route, I'd try going to a local meeting of Stitch n' Bitch. I forgot which state you're in KR so here's the website.

Stitch n bitch groups by state

Anyone from someone just learning to cast on to more advanced just get together and help each other out. Everyone is pretty friendly for the most part. There's no membership fee. It's a once a week kind of thing.

If you're going to get a book, I'd suggest "Stitch n' Bitch,The Knitter's Handbook" by Debbie Stoller. Great pictures. Easy to follow.

ragtimerose · #11 07-31-2005, 08:08 AM

Cosign on the "Stitch n' Bitch" idea! I belonged to a SnB group here in NOLA until they stopped meeting--who knows where they are now?

Anyway, they're all very helpful people, and it's a great community.

Besides, the books (there are two: the original SnB and SnB Nation) are fabulous!

lauralaylin · #12 07-31-2005, 09:46 AM

That link didn't work for me, but I think a Stitch and Bitch group is a great idea. I've wanted to knit with other people for a while now, that's sort of what my classes are like now but it's just the two of us. I hope there are some groups that have younger members.

aephi alum · #13 07-31-2005, 10:18 AM

Here's the link: http://stitchnbitch.org/snb_groups.htm

Looks like there are a couple of groups near me. Hmmm...

christiangirl · #14 07-31-2005, 06:24 PM

I'm supposed to use 8s (that's what the book said) but I got my stuff from wal-mart and they only had 11s left. They are WAY too big, but I do my best. I'm going to get some more before I go back to school and try again. I think maybe I just got too frustrated and that's why I kept messing up. I don't know if anyone in my family knows how to knit, I'll ask around.

SuperSister · #15 07-31-2005, 08:08 PM

I taught myself how to crochet and knit completely from a book. I find it much easier and faster to crochet but I can knit simple projects. I can't seem to find anyone else who has learned entirely from a book, most people have needed someone to show them what to do and correct their mistakes.

I guess what I'm saying is that it's possible to learn from a book but probably much easier and faster to have someone teach you.