8 things you need to learn how to knit
If you are here, it’s because one way or another you have found out about knitting and all it’s wonders, and you wanna join the club. You want to learn how to knit so many things, or maybe just a scarf for a loved one. Either way, you have no clue where to begin, what you need, or where to find it.
So, here is a detailed list of all the materials and resources you absolutely need in order to learn how to knit.
Picture from Margarida Afonso in Unsplash
Materials
Yarn. There is an almost infinite amount of fiber combinations, but if you are just learning how to knit, I advise you to get cheap acrylic for you to practice your stitches. Also, try to get a bright color so you can easily see what you are doing. As for the thickness, ask for yarn compatible with no less than size US 6 (4 mm) and no more than size US 9 (6 mm) knitting needles. You can get this kind of yarn in any craft store. If you are located in the U.S., you can get it at places such as Walmart, Michael’s, or your local yarn shop (LYS).
Knitting needles. As with the yarn, the possibilities are endless, but if you are getting your feet wet with knitting, also get the cheap stuff. Try to match the yarn that you already got with the size of the needles, and get something between a size US 6 (4 mm) and a US 9 (6 mm). These are good sizes because you will be able to comfortably handle them. As for the material, you have two cheap choices: metal or wood. Try the cheap bamboo needles, because the yarn will be stopped by it, and you won’t be loosing stitches so often. Also, try to get circular knitting needles, with a cord at least 24 inches (100 cm) long. They are way more versatile than the straight ones, and distribute the weight of your knitting better, so your hands won’t hurt.
Crochet hook. On the same size as your knitting needles, so you can pick stitches that may fall off your needles and fix mistakes. Or you can learn how to crochet too.
Tapestry needle. This needle is essential to finish garments, since it’s the needle you will use to sew the seams. It is also used to hide the yarn tails on your knitting, also know as weaving in the ends.
Resources
youtube.com: We live in the time of video, and knitting is no exception. You can almost learn any knitting technique on Youtube, so from the very start, keep this resource in mind. My favorite knitting channels are: Very Pink Knits, The Knit Show with Vickie Howell and of course, Kate Barrios Designs.
ravelry.com : Ravelry is the place where all knitters and crocheters gather (at least in the english language). Here you will find an index of ALMOST EVERY knitting or crochet pattern published in the last years. You will find free patters and paid patterns. You will also find many forums about all things knitting and crochet related. You will also find the designers (here is my profile, if you’d like to check it out), and the pattern magazines. The community here is amazing, and you can always find the help you need there.
The Craft Yarn Council: here you will find garment measurement guidelines, and most importantly, conversion charts. The conversion charts will show you the different names a certain needle size might get (US, UK, metric system), and the different names a certain yarn can get. This is important because knitting is pretty much global, and nowadays you can find patterns in english from all over the world. You can also find courses on how to knit, and more advance subjects.
Knit & chat facebook group. This facebook group is the best. You get a lot of inspiration because people is always posting their WIPs (Work in Progress) and their FOs (Finished Objects), and if you have a question for a particular pattern, you get help for sure in a couple hours. Go and join NOW.
Well, there you go. These are the absolute necessary things you need if you want to learn how to knit, and have no idea on how to start.
I hope you enjoy, and come back for more knitting tips!
Xo,
Kate
