Some people who learn to knit are satisfied after learning basic stitches and methods. For these individuals, creating simple knitted items provides complete satisfaction. However, most people interested in learning this particular craft have a burning desire to accomplish so much more.
Although knitting has been shown to promote relaxation, it is ironic that once skills have been improved on comes the need to work on more complex projects, which can at times be somewhat stressful. Transitioning from beginner to intermediate knitting can be a seamless process with the right know-how.
Before addressing some of the specific things a person might consider or do, it is important to understand that the process of honing knitting skills takes time, dedication, practice, and hard work. In exchange for the investment, each phase of knitting eventually becomes easier.
In fact, sometimes the improvement of skills is so subtle that it is not until stitches become easier, more difficult patterns are chosen, and yarn fabrics are a breeze to manipulate that a person recognizes change.
Start at the Beginning
While it might be hard sometimes, an individual should never get too far ahead of the process or current skill level. In other words, a person would need to stick to the initial goal of refining skills on a beginner level rather than struggle trying skills that have not yet been mastered. Additionally, someone new to the knitting world would benefit greatly by learning about every aspect of this craft regardless of level. Basic learning can be a little boring and mundane but it adds real value to the overall process of getting to the next skill level.
Each task of knitting would need to be mastered before moving on. For instance, once the basic knit/purl stitch can be done perfectly, the next obvious stitch would be something like the Stockinette opposed to a stitch that only an expert would consider. This same concept would apply to every area of knitting. The goal would be to improve on ability for all knitting functions at the beginner level so on the intermediate level, ability would be balanced across the board for stitches, methods, yarn fabrics, knitting needles, casting on, binding, off, pattern complexity, and so on.
Variety is the Spice of Life
In order for a person to hone knitting skills there needs to be different challenges. Using patterns as an example, if someone were to stick with the same or similar knitted projects, whether as a beginner or intermediate, any newly developed skills would not really be of much benefit. Even though chosen patterns for an intermediate level might require the use of more complicated stitches and methods, an individual would have the opportunity to step outside the box and experience growth rather than completing 10 sweater projects.
As far as patterns, the goal is to choose those deemed appropriate to skill but also patterns of varying types and levels of complexity. Keep in mind that variety is not limited to stitches and patterns.
In actuality, it is critical to consider multiple options for each aspect of knitting. Educational tools and resources are another great example. By choosing books from several authors and watching DVDs/online videos featured by different broadcasting companies, a person would have the chance to gain even more insight and knowledge of knitting.
Accept and Embrace Change
Interestingly, some people are their own worst enemy when it comes to growth. In relation to knitting, some individuals will master the beginner level but have no interest in becoming better or they struggle with accepting change.
Once a level of knitting has been mastered, it is essential to be challenged by moving on. Sometimes the problem has to do with fearing change and in fact, millions of people get comfortable with a situation whereby the thought of even the smallest modification is frightening.
Of course, a struggle with advancement could be from a different type of fear. In this case, if someone does exceptionally well as a new knitter and receives lots of compliments for all the beautiful things completed, fear would be in the form of failure. After all, if knitting as an intermediate with more challenging projects, the risk of completing lower quality projects would increase.
Rather than be afraid of transition from beginner to intermediate knitting, a positive mindset should be adopted, one of success and unlimited possibilities.
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