Can you help me learn to knit?

[HeirToTheIronThrone]

Approximately 90 billion of my friends, family and colleagues are pregnant (possible exaggeration). I would LOVE to be able to make them something for the babies - a little hand knitted cardigan or something. I can do basic knitting in a straight line (well I could, sure it would come back to me) but that's it. I can sew a bit, and enjoy crafty stuff - just made 200m of bunting for my wedding for example.

My question is - could I learn to knit to a level where I could make say a baby's cardie in the next few months? What are the best methods if so? I also have a possibly misguided idea that this will also be a little cheaper than buying them all sleepsuits/soft toys/whatever - is this a wrong assumption?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

[goodjambadjar]

Hi. How about winter hats instead of cardi's?

I re-learnt how to knit about a year ago by making a scarf for my DD. All I knew how to do was a straight line of garter. I taught myself to cast on and off and a few more basic stitches. Then I joined Ravelry for some easy patterns and inspiration, and my favourite YouTube tutorials are by very pink knits, I've learnt some new stitches through that. I think hat and scarf sets would be lovely, depending on the age of the child when they're likely to use them!

Maybe a hat and matching blanket for the car seat/buggy?

[Bluecarrot]

It depends on the wool you use and what brand sleep suits you were thinking of but handmade things tend to be more expensive.

Ravelry have some good basic cardigan patterns if you want to give one a go though!

And look at videos on YouTube if you need help recalling how to do something ( I self taught knitting and crochet via YouTube)

I'm more into crochet as its faster but I completed a cardi in 8 hours and I'm a whatever the next baby step up from a novice is.

[MoaningMingeWhingesAgain]

honestly? not cheaper. but lots more fun.

can you purl? cast on and off?

[Imsosorryalan]

You tube taught me everything I know! Unless your fast though ( unlike me) it would be a mission to knit a cardi. I did some bootees, and they were ok but took a few months

[Speckledy]

Definitely not cheaper but more personal. Baby hats are fairly quick to knit and cute.

A site I've found really useful for video tutorials: www.knittinghelp.com/

[BabsAndTheRu]

Sorry to hijack thread but learning to knit again after many years, why am I getting extra stitches when I purl. What am I doing wrong?

[goodjambadjar]

Babs ate you doing a while row of purl or are you alternating your stitches? If alternating, are you moving the wool either to the front or back of your work depending on the stitch?

[BabsAndTheRu]

Alternating, when purl wool to the front I think but keep ending up with two stitches instead of one when I take it of the needle. I think I know where I'm going wrong but can't work out the right way. Think I'll have a look at that website above. I thought knitting would be a good way to chill at night but ending up making myself stressed.

[goodjambadjar]

So knit one purl one, or a version of it? You would not believe how much I got that round my neck! Then again, maybe you would!

So, when you knit a stitch, the yarn should be behind the needles.
If you then do a purl, you bring the wool forward between the needles so the working yarn is in front of the work, so between you and the knitting, IYSWIM?
You then do your purl stitch as normal. Then put the yarn back between the needles for the knit stitch, so the knitting is between you and the yarn.
When doing this, make sure the actual yarn passes over the needles fully, as you might get a bit tangled as the yarn goes towards the ball.

[BabsAndTheRu]

Oh thank you, I was putting the wool round the needle but not bringing the actual yarn round in front of me. Will try again tonight. Thanks for your help goodjambadjar.

[goodjambadjar]

Me too! I eventually got the hang of it, but I still talk myself through it! (back, knit, front, purl)

Let us know how you get on.

[BabsAndTheRu]

It worked, thank you so much, and I was right it does chill me out now I know what to do.

[BabsAndTheRu]

HeirToTheIronThrone once again sorry for hijacking your thread.

[HeirToTheIronThrone]

That's alright - I will come to you for help when I get stuck purling :) I think I might go for blanket and hats to start with, thanks all

[tribpot]

The baby surprise jacket is lovely, a classic and all knit. It's slightly crazy but awesome and I'm happy to do a Knitalong if people want to have a go.

[goodjambadjar]

Trib, that's lovely! I could see my DD in one of those!

Sorry for the hijack Heir, let us know if you join Ravelry so we can look for you! And post a profile pic when you've finished your first project? You can always have a cardigan as a practice project, but the hat and scarves as a back up, safe, quick(ish) and easy option. Good luck!

[roguepixie]

Join Ravelry -they have a host of patterns for free.
Fire up YouTube - again, masses and masses of helpful tutorials.
The baby surprise jacket is excellent - looks bonkers but is quick and easy.
And take your time. Practice and enjoy it.

Plus, of course, ask here. Lots of knitters and crafty peeps on MN - an excellent bunch, always willing to help.

[BeansAndCheese]

A book called knitty gritty is excellent for the basics. I already knew how to knit but hadn't for years, so had forgot the abbreviations etc. It has really good pics and some basic patterns to practice with. Otherwise you tube is great, have learn loads of new skills from tutorials.

[ElizaCBennett]

I am the same as beansandcheese, not knitted for many years. I got the Knitty Gritty book; it is excellent!

[kellestar]

Kelly Brookers Puerperium is quite good once you understand the pattern and no seams to sew up.

I am happy to meet anyone locally who needs a spot of help/advice with Knitting or Crochet. I am based in Somerset near Bath/Bristol, just send me a PM.

[whatdoesittake48]

How about going along to one of these knitting clubs held at libraries or crafty shops. they are a great way for a beginner to get some expert advice and help.

I would also be willing to offer my help - I am in North Hampshire. I am a crochet expert, but love to knit too.

[emsyj]

Y Y to Knitty Gritty - I couldn't knit at all (literally no prior knowledge) and I am now about halfway through a cardigan for DD2. It takes some time and concentration, but it's all there.

[littleomar]

Another vote for baby surprise jacket. I think I've made five now. The pattern is weird but there are so many tutorials, KALs, threads on Ravelry that you can easily work out what you're doing. Only problem is the pattern is a PITA to get hold of - has anyone managed to find it in the uk?

Perperium is easy and quick - and free.

When I started out I had a Debbie Bliss book called baby knits for beginners, which was good for learning basic techniques as you went along. once I'd got the hang of it, though, i started going for patterns with minimal seaming.

Have fun!

[AppleYumYum]

Not a hijack but hoping to add to the thread. I am pregnant with my second and also thinking of getting back into knitting, though I have only ever knitted half a scarf before which my mum had to finish for me!

Experienced knitters where is the best place online to order needles and nice soft wool at a reasonable price? What would you suggest re a 'starter kit' of needles etc?

[Dutchoma]

Deramores? Very quick delivery. The Stylecraft DK is quite soft and not squeaky. Nice colours. And on offer at the moment James Brett is nice yarn too. You want some 4 mm needles to go with that.
Then baby surprise jacket is a nice thing to start on as it is all done in garter stitch (knit every row)

And no, I got my pattern the proper way from the Schoolhouse Press.