UPDATED on: December 15,2000  Since Feb 17, 1999 |
 This page will help you understand what you will need to begin learning the art of knitting. You will only need a few tools to start out with, and some guidance in learning the first basic steps. This page will provide you with some helpful advice and links to knitting resources. The links to great knitting TUTORIALS are located towards the bottom of this page! First, you are going to go SHOPPING! Yes, shopping. Joy! If you hate shopping, and I know there are a few anti-shoppers out there, then take a friend who loves shopping (I know you have at least a dozen of those) along with you for fun and guidance.  In my humble opinion, it is much better to start out with quality yarn, it will make your endeavors feel special to you, and important. You may decide to start with a single skein (ball) of yarn to hone your basics skills with, or you can do what I did, choose a simple pattern (almost all patterns are rated with a skill level, choose "Beginner" and you'll be fine!) and get the amount of yarn necessary to complete it. Besides the yarn, you will need a pair of needles recommended for that particular yarn. There is more in depth discussion of this in Knit-O-Rama's Supplies page, but basically these things will be all you need to get your feet wet! You can also browse online for yarns, but I believe a beginning knitter needs to get out there and handle the abundant and beautiful goods available to you. It really helps to lock in the obsession you will soon have with your knitting. By visiting the shops, you may also make valuable contacts , as many knitting stores are run by a "knitting guru", someone who you can call on for help (they are often glad to rescue you if you have purchased the yarn for your project at their store, some also offer free knitting software services). Knitting shops also often conduct classes, sometimes privately, or know people who will teach you knitting, if you feel you need a personal tutor. Your local Yellow Pages is bound to have a section for "Yarn- Retail", or a section under "Knitting Supplies". In the UK, you need to look up "Wool". I would avoid the large craft superstores, as they carry what I call "craft yarn", strange synthetics (can you say "orlon"?) and bizarre space-dyed acrylics. A lot of charities that ask for yarn donations won't accept synthetics/craft yarns, and if you can't give it away, then...?  Supplies- Learn about the many kinds of natural and
synthetic fibers, types of yarn and yarn weights, needles and other wonderful
knitting gadgetry, and get some advice ('cuz we
all need some). Link-O-Rama! - Various links to sites about
knitting, knit designers, fashion, and yarn/knitting shops that have ONLINE
color cards, free catalogues, and lots of sweater piccies.Tutorials-
Tom's Knitting Online - An illustrated tutorial on the "Continental" knitting technique, or "picking", which has been associated with European countries, which I ALSO use! There is less yarn manipulation, but some say it is hard to keep even tension with this technique, and your knitting will be looser. I find it easier and faster, but others say the opposite. Find out for yourself! This is a very friendly and informative site, Tom even says you should buy the cheap stuff to start with. Although this may be prudent, one skein of nice wool won't break ya, and it just FEELS nicer! (I think you are more likely to give up if you think you can afford to just toss your efforts out the window!)This is an outstanding web site with an outstanding photo illustrated How-To! Look, guys! Knitting IS enjoyed by more than just the ladies. Vogue Knitting - A link to the illustrated knitting tutorials on the Vogue Knitting website. The illustrations are a bit pale, but readable, with excellent instructions. The Knitting Wool Store- This site from New Zealand has wonderful illustrated tutorials that start at the very beginning, and progress to finishing techniques. I suggest you do the lessons in numerical order, you will learn the basics of everything you need to know to make a sweater: Stitch Gauge (VERY important , don't skip this one), Casting On, Casting Off, Holding the needle & yarn , Basic Stitches, Increasing Stitches, Decreasing Stitches, Cables, Knitting in the Round, Working with More Than One Yarn Colour , Button Holes, Edges, Seams, Finishing Techniques. Borealis Sweaterscapes - Many useful tutorials : Learn "intarsia", a method of changing colors where the yarns are not carried across the back (that's called "Fair Isle"), also learn a great shaping method (esp. for collars) called "short row wrapping", how to attach front to back by binding off the shoulder seams together, converting a cardigan to a pullover, and more! Terrific photo illustrations, and a free pattern to try intarsia. This site also has special knitting design graph paper that you can print out, and gives you tips on designing your own intarsia "sweaterscape". Entrelac at a Different Angle - This tutorial is not for beginners, but I included it since it may be something you want to try in the future. This website explains much about the technique, and there is a tutorial with some photos for reference. There is also a link to a photo illustrated "Multi-color, Textured, Double Knitting" tutorial. Knitting.About.com- This page from a great knitting website has detailed tutorials for beginners, everything you will need to know to get started and knitting. The website in general is full of knitting knowledge, tips, and know how! It's definitely worth a click around.
©1999 Helen Ralph |
