Where to Learn How to Knit
Locate Knitting Instructions and Learn Knitting Techniques
Learn about Knitting from a range of locations. Instructions for all skills and techniques are available from various sources.
Knitting is on the rise. Celebrities are making knitting in public fashionable and many people have discovered the stress-relieving properties of “sticks and string”.
Knitting sits comfortably with those interested in moving away from mass consumerism and toward carefully constructed items for themselves and their homes.
But sadly, for many people, knitting has skipped a generation. Where the skill used to be passed on from parents to children and taught in schools, there are now many people who would like to take up this fascinating craft and don’t know where to start.
There are a number of resources available to the budding knitter, however and anyone should be able to find a way to learn.
Knitting Books
For those who like to read and follow instructions, there are a number of books on the market. A browse through your local library or book shop will give a wide range of options. Look for publications with plenty of photographs or illustrations and clear step-by-step instructions. For example, the Harmony Guide to Knitting Techniques is an illustrated guide to knitting, from casting on through shaping and types of stitch patterns, to sewing up your finished garment.
Magazines
It is easy to assume that knitting magazines are for experienced knitters, but this is not the case. Take a glance through the last few pages of most knitting magazines on the newsagent’s shelf and you will see drawings and pictures demonstrating the basic skills. UK magazine Let's Knit is aimed at those starting out in the craft and each issue has instruction guides as well as lists of abbreviations used. Knit 1 magazine also features a six-page "how to" section, which covers basic techniques, a glossary and even details of garment construction to help you put your finished article together.
Where a more complicated technique is needed for a particular garment, magazines provide extra tutorial pages showing how to work that particular stitch pattern, or create the shaping required.
The Internet
There are many sites offering instructions and diagrams on how to knit. Some are run by yarn manufacturers, such as Lion Brand and also include free patterns.
Instruction Videos Online
For those who prefer to see something active, rather than read instructions, the internet is a great source of instruction videos. The most well known is Knitting Help which will take you through all of the steps needed to create that first knitted garment. Let's Knit Magazine's website also has videos to guide you through stitches.
There is also a large number of knitting videos on You Tube, and this is a good place to learn new techniques, once you have mastered the basics.
Bilingual - One thing to be aware of when studying online is the need to be bilingual between US and UK knitting terms. Most are the same (k=knit, p=purl etc), but there are a few variations. UK cast off = US bind off. You do get used to the terms very quickly, but just make sure you know where your pattern or instructions are from, and translate as necessary.
Other Knitters
By far the best resource for learning to knit is other knitters, who are always willing to share ideas and assist anyone new to the craft. Look in your local press for a group in your area; you’ll be welcomed and helped at every turn.
If there isn’t a group in your area (and you don’t want to start one of your own), then social networking sites, such as Facebook offer a number of knitting groups. The biggest of them all, however is the mighty Ravelry which includes a number of forums and groups full of experienced knitters who are ready to pass on their knowledge.
So don’t be daunted. Grab yourself some needles (I’d recommend a pair of 4mm diameter needles to start), and some yarn (double knitting/worsted weight) and start knitting that first home-made scarf.
Good luck.
