Does anyone knit ?

[Florian]

My nan taught me when I was a nipper and I have decided to give it another go (mainly to give me something to do when watching TV) and so have purchased some needles and wools this weekend.

I know there are some good tutorial videos online to get me back on track (hopefully!) but does anyone have any recommendations for books featuring nice things to make? Or any tips in general?

[JanieB]

I can knit, and I'm good at it. I have no need to do so. I was taught by my grandmother so I don't know about any books to teach you. I do know that if you know plain, pearl, miss one, cross one over, you've got the pattern sussed.

We have a Hobbycraft near us with good books, if there's one near you try it.

[jojo2910]

I knit, slowly and badly. Like you I picked up the needles last year to try again. I got this book from the library and found it very useful.

Start Knitting: The Beginner's Book of Basic Techniques and Stitches.: Amazon.co.uk: Betty Barnden: Books

I have put my needles down as I am spending all my time gardening but will try again in the winter months.

Good luck

[Florence Fennel]

There are some expert knitters on here Florian (the one that springs to mind is Shirl the Girl who amongst other things knits beautiful shawls). I was taught by my mum and when I started knitting for the children many, many years ago I started with the simplest of patterns and progressed from there. I remember I had a neighbour who used to help me out if I got stuck. I'm sure there must be books, magazines or videos you could use, or perhaps there's a forum you could join? Good Luck.

[Two_Sheds]

Here's a knitting forum (I'm not a member, so can't comment on quality, although obviously it's not as good as this one )
Knitting & Crochet, Craft Forum | Crafts Beautiful

Ravelry is superb

[vicky]

I'd love to be able to knit, but like jojo I'm saving it for the winter. Why did my nan never teach me to knit....

[Florian]

Thanks all for your suggestions and support! My initial plan is to start knitting squares to make a blanket and go from there.

@Two_Sheds Obviously no forum could be as good as GYO

[Florence Fennel]

Thanks all for your suggestions and support! My initial plan is to start knitting squares to make a blanket and go from there.

@Two_Sheds Obviously no forum could be as good as GYO

Good idea Florian and really good practice.

[Alison]

I started knitting again last autumn and found that pretty quickly I got the hang of it again. I reminded myself of a load of stuff by using this book which I bought cheaply from the book people when they came into work.

[Newbie]

I have been learning to knit for almost a year now, i go to a class at our local sewing/craft shop run by the lady that runs the shop. I believe a lot of little local crafty shops do this - may be worth asking around. I have found the internet a wealth of knowledge for knitting how-to videos and the Ravelry website is great for free patterns etc.

[elsie-scot]

I restarted knitting couple of years ago.

Remember if you are knitting squares to make a blanket then you will have a lot of sewing up to do (the bit I don't like!)

I second Two Sheds Ravelry suggestion

[Hilary B]

Can't remember what it's called but there is a very basic little book (really more a think booklet, because it is just pages held together with staples) with pictures that show how to do all the straightforwad stuff, and a few patterns of a 'progressive' type (ie each is best done after having mastered the skills used in the previous one). It also does crochet, and is how I learned to crochet, which I much prefer. It's slower, but I find it much easier to keep the tension even in crochet. Last time I knitted anything it was a pair of mittens, and they were very different sizes!

[shirlthegirl43]

I knit a bit. My granny taught me when I was knee-high to a grasshopper so I am sorry I can't recommend a book. If you ask at your local yarn store they may be able to help you with classes or lessons. Best of luck - it's a brilliant hobby.

[cptncrackoff]

Being a self confessed burly 27 year old man, i'm not afraid to admit that I can knit!

I was actually taught at school.

Well I say I can knit, every row dropped at least one stictch, I only ever managed triangles.

[shirlthegirl43]

Well done you! I think knitting should be taught in all schools - it is good for kids to learn creative things.