What you Need to Start Knitting.
Suggestions for Purchases for the Beginner and Returning Knitter
Sep 2, 2008
Knitting is undergoing a resurgence in popularity. People are returning to the craft after many years, but they don’t know what to make or what they need to buy, to get started with this rewarding hobby.
There are many resources available to help the returning knitter brush up on their skills, which are detailed here.
Needles.
There is a variety of needles on offer. Try different types to see which you prefer.
Straight needles – these are the most recognisable of needles and are available in a range of materials.
- Metal – Many prefer metal needles as the stitches move more freely up and down the needle than some other materials.
- Bamboo – These are very popular as they are warmer to the touch.
Circular needles – these are strange looking, as they are effectively two shorter needles joined by a cord. They are available in a range of materials. Circular needles can be used for knitting tubes and for flat knitting (where you turn at the end of a row). A number of knitters prefer them as they can be less cumbersome than long straight needles. However, some people find them a bit “fiddly” and prefer something a little more solid.
Knitting Patterns for the Beginner
Start with something simple that you can finish relatively quickly. This helps you to feel that lovely sense of achievement which spurs you on to the next project. Ideal patterns for beginners are scarves or small projects such as washcloths and pot holders. There are a number of websites which offer free patterns, such as Knitting Pattern Central.
However, the simplest scarf pattern is as follows:
- Cast on 40 stitches.
- Knit every row until the scarf is as long as you want it to be.
- Cast off.
Pot holders can be worked in the same way.
Choosing your Knitting Yarn
- Avoid novelty yarns, such as fun fur as it is nearly impossible to see your stitches in them. Get confident with smoother yarns first. (Although, once you’re confident, the scarf pattern above is great with novelty yarns).
- Don’t go for very fine yarns for early projects; beginner and returning knitters are not particularly fast and fine yarn on fine needles will take a long time to make anything. Start with at least double knitting or Aran weight yarns (worsted weight in the US).
- Budget can be an important consideration when choosing yarn. Many knitters dislike acrylic as it tends to feel harder than natural fibres. However, there are some very good acrylics around (such as Stylecraft double knitting) and they are generally less expensive.
- Cotton is a good choice for the pot holders and washcloths suggested above, and clearly shows stitch definition, allowing you to see how even your work is.
Ultimately, the best thing you can do is go into your local yarn shop and see what’s on offer. Don’t be afraid to give the yarn a good squeeze to assess the feel of it. Remember, it’s going to be running through your fingers as you knit.
When you’ve chosen a yarn that you like, have a look at the ball band. It should give you a recommended needle size to use with the yarn. Get yourself a pair of needles for that size and you’re away.
The final bit of advice to offer the new or returning knitter is to join Ravelry which is a social networking site for knitters of all levels, and is full of people who are willing to help with any queries. It’s free to join and has a wide range of free patterns available, so it’s a great resource.
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