Quick Question
January 25, 2008Has anyone attempted to learn to knit? If so, was it (is it) difficult to learn, etc? I am honestly thinking of picking up this fantastic, productive hobby but know no one that does this in my real life . . . . anyone?
I was taught the basics at a young age and then, regrettably, forgot all about it until about 18 months ago. I’ve pretty much started to learn new techniques on my own, although in rare moments have been fortunate to have my Mother to turn to for help. It’s a great skill to have and although it does require some patience when you do start to get the hang of it you’ll wonder why you ever hesitated.
I think the main thing to focus on is you have the internet! there are tonnes and tonnes of great sites that can help you get started.
http://www.knittinghelp.com/ for example has some great videos on there and a knitting forum so you can chat to other knitters of various levels.
I guess another good step to make is go into your local yarn store and have a chat the staff there about learning to knit, perhaps they do classes or may be willing to point you in the right direction.
good luck.
Yes I have attempted and Learned…Not great you know like making sweaters or anything…I enjoy it. It is a wonderful way to pray too
I really should knit more 
Go give it a try, don’t be discouraged by the high prices at “yarn stores”… walmart, bimart, fredmyer carry yarn too… especially when you are learning. Hey by the way I am on the Oregon SouthCoast…near Coos Bay. Howdy neighbor 
I will pray for your family.
peace be with you
Kim
My daughters learned how to knit. They are 9 and 13 and said it was not too hard. Now I am another story, I am not patient enough. My mother in law like it too.
If you have no one in your area who knits, try http://www.knittinghelp.com . It has videos instead of just still photos froma view where it looks like you are looking at your own hands. Also, you could google to see if you have a local yarn store. Most small yarns stores love getting someone hooked! By the way, you came up on wordpress’s tag surfer under knitting! There are a ton of wordpress knitters.
I’m learning right now, too. The basics of knitting are very simple. Go for it! I ordered a DVD from Amazon.com called The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Knitting by Nici McNally, and I love it. It is very clear and is a great tool to help you get started. I am in no way affiliated with her or the product…just a happy customer. Hope this helps!
I had the same problem, no one that I knew in real life knew how to knit. So I got mad, purchased a kit from Lion Brand & I learned to knit. All this happened in June of ‘06. I’ve been going strong ever since.
If you just have yarn and needles though you could look at knittinghelp.com. There are loads of videos that show you how to cast-on, knit, purl, and anything else you want to do.
Do you crochet or have you ever? If you can crochet, you can knit. I was taught crochet, but never liked the end product, so I didn’t do it very much. But because I knew how to crochet, I was able to figure out how to knit continental (i.e. holding the yarn in your left hand) fairly easily. Anyway, if you have any more questions just let me know!
Have a great day! And good luck knitting!
I had nobody around me to teach me so I learned to knit looking at knittinghelp.com’s videos and I also use a book named Knitspeak that is real useful.
Otherwise most local yarn stores usually have classes to teach people how to knit.
I *lurve* knitting myself. ;o)
I taught myself how when I was about 18. I saw someone doing it in my college English class, and fell in love with it. I just got a book with lots of pictures along with the instructions and muddled through. 22 years later I’m still obsessed with it.
If you live in a city where there is a yarn store, go in. There are usually classes you can sign up for, or they may offer to help you through it themselves.