I am about to learn how to knit any advice??

[dyzzidi]

Having thought about a new hobby to take up I am about to learn to knit. Do any of you have any advice on what sized needles/wool to begin with?

I am going to buy a learn to knit book do you have any reccomendations?

[suenorth]

I know there are lots of good books out there but I don't know any in particular to recommend. I think as well as the book you need to have someone who can knit show you the technique as the diagrams can be a bit hard to follow. How about asking your local wool shop (if you have one)? I'm sure they'd be happy to recommend a book and get you started. Good luck!

[NotQuiteCockney]

Sorry, didn't see this!

Simply Knitting (a magazine) runs something every month with the basics. There's also a lovely site with free online knitting \link{http://www.knittinghelp.com/knitting/getting_started\videos} here. There are some good free patterns \link{http://knitting.about.com\here}.

I would start with some sort of wool yarn (as in, 100% wool), and 4mm needles.

I would also recommend the first Stitch'n'Bitch book, if you're a book sort of person.

[tamum]

I second NQCs suggestions. I think it's good to start with a yarn with a bit of elasticity to it- Rowan Cashoft is great for that, and Jaeger Merino, but both rather expensive.

[NotQuiteCockney]

We need a new knitting thread, btw. My "I made an armpit" is a) not a great title and b) inaccurate, as I have since unmade said armpit a few times, and become entirely uninterested in the whole thing. Hoping to get more knitting done on holiday, though.

[Pruni]

I really recommend the Stitch'n'Bitch book, it's very clear, very good diagrams etc.

There are two styles of basic knitting: English and continental/German. English is the one I learned and the one that everyone I know uses - but those continental knitters like NCQ and the woman in my local wool shop keep telling me it's so much easier to do it continental stylee. Trouble is I can't get the hang of it! So, try to learn continental style then you won't be bugged byt not being able to do something that people say is faster, easier and better!

When I took it up again, I used very chunky wool - simply because it's easier to get something going, you don't knit for hours and have just a square inch to show for it (v demoralising). I used Colinette Point Five and Rowan Biggy Print, and knitted scarves, hats and a simple child's sweater to begin with. Those wools are about the chunkiest you can find but are also expensive.

[dyzzidi]

I have ordered the stitch n bitch from Amazon and have been to Hobbycraft to pick up some needles and Wool. I am going to stay with a friend for Easter and her mum is an expert knitter so am going to see if she can help me if i am stuck.

[dyzzidi]

sorry meant to say thankyou for your advice ladies!

[jenny74]

Debbie Bliss How to knit is very very good, I learnt to knit using this book, and the first thing i knitted was a cable jumper!!!

[ItalianJob]

Di - I have trillions of spare needles (have loads myself, and then inherited DH's gran's collection). Let me know if you want any, then next time there is a stockport meet, I can bring them over.

the indecisive MNetter formerly known as MTS and TBB.

[shellybelly]

was also thinking of taking up knitting, I ended up buying a cross stitch set however with dd teething/ear infection and dh working lots i've not had time. When I bought the cross stitch I asked the lady in the store about knitting for beginners and she suggested buying the scarf packs but then I thought well the weather is going to be getting warmer (but we had snow yesterday!) so I didn't bother wish i had now

[sunshinedays]

Hi - Dyzzidi
I used to love crotchet and hate knitting. I get bored easily and like the way crotchet grows alot faster than knit one pearl one. Guess I'm more of a hippy chick though