Beginning Knitters

Many, many resources exist for someone who wants to learn how to knit. Books, DVD’s, magazines, even TV shows like Knitty Gritty will show you the basic knit and purl.

Here are a few of my tips that I learned the hard way.

Choose a smooth, thick yarn

This is pretty important, because if a beginner picks a froo-froo yarn with eyelashes and fuzz chances are you won’t be able to see what you’re doing, get frustrated and give up.

Just a good, basic, inexpensive wool you can find at Jo-ann, is a good choice. Try
Patons Classic Merino Wool Yarn – 100% Wool

Yes, froo-froo yarns are very pretty, but perfectly formed stitches are too!

Choose bamboo needles

Bamboo needles are a beginner’s best choice. Bamboo has a bit of grip which will prevent dropped stitches (another frustration for new knitters). Again, Jo-ann is a good source for needles. Try Clover Bamboo Needles

Plastic needles may be less expensive, but some plastic needles have a ridge where the molds met in the manufacturing process. That ridge can tear at your yarn making it difficult to knit – AND making your project look awful. One solution is to take fine grit sandpaper or an emery board to that ridge.

Metal needles are absolutely, positively the WORSE choice for a beginning knitter. Metal knitting needles are built for speed as fibers just glide off with little effort. That can be very frustrating for newbie knitters. Save those for when you’re more advanced.