The primary misconception about knitting is that it is only for the elderly. The truth is that knitting is something enjoyed by people of all ages to include men, women, and even older children.
In fact, over the course of the past 10 years, this pastime has become increasingly popular throughout the world. Of course, the goal is learning how to knit the right way to ensure this hobby is enjoyable but also so people can create amazing things.
In this article we wanted to take the opportunity to provide some of the benefits associated with knitting but also insight into ways a person could learn without feeling completely overwhelmed. Although there is a learning curve involved, most people who take up knitting are surprised at how quickly they start making items simply by following the right instructions.
This information shows that anyone interested in knitting can.
Reasons People Knit
Before we get into some of the specifics of knitting and the process involved to learn we felt it would benefit to go over some of the more common reasons this pastime remains popular. Although everyone has a personal reason for knitting, the reasons listed below are shared by all knitters.
- Calming Effect – Even when using more advanced stitches, most people find that knitting creates a calming effect. Therefore, someone dealing with a lot of stress, feeling anxious, or even struggling with depression might use knitting as a means of achieving peace and calmness.
- Challenge – Some people thrive on challenges, which is something that knitting provides especially on a more advanced level. The first challenge would be in mastering beginner stitches and the second challenge moving up to sophisticated stitches used to create modern items.
- Creative and Affordable Gifts – One of the great things about learning how to knit is that once mastered, an individual could make beautiful items as gifts. Not only would a handmade item be more cherished than something bought, knitting provides a cost-efficient solution for someone on a budget.
- Self-Accomplishment – Most people love the feeling that comes with accomplishment. Because every knitting project comes with multiple milestones, a person gets to enjoy ongoing satisfaction after each one has been conquered.
- Design Element – While it takes time to become an expert knitter, once fully skilled a person could begin to create new designs. If wanted, a person could embellish an existing pattern or devises something completely new. The level of creativity with knitting is virtually unlimited.
The Basics of Knitting
No matter the reason someone takes up knitting, unless the finished product looks nice interest would quickly fade. Without having proper knowledge, time-consuming and expensive mistakes would likely be made. As a result, kitting would not be considered something enjoyable and relaxing but instead, an annoyance. On the other hand, if a person starts off learning the right way, this hobby becomes addictive.
The first step involves purchasing basic knitting tools and supplies. Until a person has decided to knit as a long-term hobby, we recommend buying quality but lower cost items. Of course as skills advance, higher end tools and supplies could be purchased to replace the starter set.
- Yarn – Initially, the type and weight of yarn would be based on the project. Because the first pattern would be simple, it would be best to buy only the amount of yarn needed and not spending a lot of money. Obviously along with buying the right amount and choosing affordable yarn, it would be important to choose yarn that is soft and in the preferred color.
- Needles – The only exception to the rule for beginners comes with buying needles. While there is no reason to buy the most expensive needles on the market, it is recommended to invest in quality, even if this means spending more than the cost of basic needles. Remember, needles are made from a variety of materials such as rosewood, bamboo, casein, and aluminum but every person needs to choose what feels best in the hand. For this reason, someone interested in knitting should handle several different types.
- Scissors – For knitting, a good but affordable pair of crafting scissors would suffice
- Sewing Needles – Along with knitting needles, we suggest buying sewing needles specifically designed for yarn. With this, ends of knitted items could easily be weaved to perfection.
- Crochet Hooks – Even as a beginner, a crochet hook comes in handy. A size G or H hook could be used for pieces of yarn too short for a standard sewing needle, for adding a crocheted border onto a knitted item, or making finished knots, among other things.
- Journal – Some people might think maintaining a journal is silly but this can actually be a helpful tool for learning. Some of the things a person might capture includes the type of project worked on, pattern number or name, type of needles used such as brand, size, and material, type of yarn used to include weight, type, material, and color, lessons learned, challenges faced, and the name of the store where knitting tools and supplies were purchased. In addition, many knitters keep photos of each project finished, which can be a real motivator to become better.
Developing Skills
Along with basic knitting tools and supplies a beginner’s pattern would be needed. Now, the pattern could be purchased prior to the tools and supplies or vice versa but prior to doing any work, a person would need to learn some of the basic knitting stitches. For example, the appropriate method of making a slip knot, casting on, knit and purl stitches, and casting off would be some of the initial lessons.
Keep in mind that every stitch and method used in knitting takes time to learn but with practice and working on smaller, flatter projects, those skills would quickly develop. After a knitting pattern is completed, a person would need to know about weaving in the ends, sewing seams, and using blocking knitting, which is used for projects that tend to be somewhat large or of a unique shape.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that learning how to knit involves many things such as the purchase of the right tools and supplies, buying a pattern made for beginners, and practicing basic stitches and methods. Within a short amount of time, an individual would advance to knitting strips, making l-cords, and even using circular shaped needles. The world of knitting is exciting but to make every project a success while enjoying the creation process, it is imperative to learn the right way.