I’ve recently started knitting to deal with some of the stress that school brings and to hopefully (fingers crossed) work on my anger issues. Unfortunately I think I’m getting more frustrated actually knitting. Oh I like it so far I’m just so overwhelmed. I’ve learned to cast-on and found my favorite method. I’ve also learned to do the knit stitch as well as the purl. The only problem I’m having is I’m not sure how my work is supposed to look for a beginner. I’m really overwhelmed with all of this stuff about starting a project and learning all of this new lingo. So basically I’m asking you were do I go from here?
Pick a nice easy stitch (like the moss stitch or ribbing or just plain old stockinette) that you like a whole whole lot. Get a pretty color yarn and cast on for a scarf. There’s no increasing or decreasing, so it should be fairly trouble free. And by the end you will have tons of practice on your knitting and purling, it will give you time for your tension to begin to even out, and in the end you’ll (hopefully!) have a nice pretty scarf you can use to keep warm. Don’t worry too much about how your work should look. It takes everyone a little time for things to work themselves out and for you to get comfortable manipulating everything. And that time is different for everyone. If you need more help, just ask!
Do you have a local yarn store? Or a local knitting group? Try looking into that–you can find other knitters that can give you feedback on your work. If you post a picture here with any areas of concerned pointed out, I am sure you could get some good feedback here.
It sounds like you got the basics down. Think about what types of things you would like to knit–sweaters, hats, socks? Do you want to knit with synthetics, natural fibers, plant fibers? I reccommend trying out a variety of fibers to see what you like the best.
If you are interested in doing bigger projects, like a sweater, but as you say the lingo is confusing, I recommend the How To Knit a Sweater Book When I picked that book up, I knew how to K, P, cast on, bind off and do basic increases and decreases. The book walks you through step by step on how to make very basic sweaters. They aren’t the most shaped and attractive sweaters there are, but I found it to be excellent as a starting point. My mom, bless here, still wears the sweater I made for her out of HomeSpun from that book.
Something else I did as I moved along in knitting–I took a half a day workshop on finishing techniques, and it was amazingly helpful. So if you have the opportunity to do something like that a little down the road, you should give it a try.
Right now I just wanna start small and knit little things for my dog (sweater, scarf, maybe some booties? ).
Campbellmom: Thanks for those links. I really really like that rib stitch. Is a scarf normally what everyone starts on? I only have size 6 needles right now and red and white yarn. I didn’t wanna get any fancy stuff to mess up my first try.
Marria:
We have a knitting club at school but before I wasn’t very interested in knitting and didn’t think to join. We’re on break now and I’m not sure if the club will be up after we get back. But even so I think it was just a bunch of kids making up an excuse for a club. I’d like to actually take some knitting classes or join a group but I can’t seem to find any where I live. And I just want to knit some cute stuff for my puppy I’m working with wrosted (sp?) yarn right now. It’s 100% cotton.
Size 6 needles might be a little small for the yarn, what kind is it? If they’re too small for the yarn, the stitches may be too tight and add to the frustration if you can’t insert your needle easily. But just practice with it and your tension will improve.
I am absolutely addicted to color and texture and, then, watching the patterns take shape. I agree that a scarf or dishcloth is a great place to start… but before I did that even, I just worked different patterns in different yarns that I loved, trying different sizes and types of needles. I would simply work the practice swatch until I tired of it - then rip it and try another. Since there was absolutely no end objective but the pure joy of knitting with colors and textures that inspired me — it was impossible to get frustrated. I had no project to finish so there could be no pressure to do it ‘right’! It was a great way to improve my stitch while constantly experimenting with creative options for the future.
For me this is an absolute hobby and I refuse to LET it stress me out. The minute I start getting frustrated or mad at myself. I put it away for another time when I can enjoy it! And I never promise anything by a particular date - even to myself!
Actually, can I recommend you get size 8 or 9? Larger stitches are easier to work with and see, and shouldn’t make a big difference in whatever you make with the yarn.
When ever I want to knit for strictly theraputic reasons, or to try out a new stitch pattern, I usually will do a dish cloth or wash cloth. That way it is a quick project which eases the stress of committing to something big, and because it isn’t something I plan on wearing I am much more easier on myself if I make a mistake, or if it comes out looking sloppy. I don’t feel like I wasted my time or resources, because even an ugly washcloth is still useful. Cotton yarn is perfect for those projects because it is absorbant. Once you feel comfortable enough to get enjoyment out of the process of knitting you will be able to tackle more challenging or time consuming projects without feeling overwhelmed or anxious about it.
If you can do the knitting club, that would be great! You might also think about joining Ravelry–there are lots of great free patterns there.
About the cotton–cotton is not very “stretchy” and I believe wool or a wool blend is easier to work with. Not that there’s anything wrong with cotton–just so you know that it tends to show unevenness in stitches a bit more. But as you practice, that will get better.
I’ve been knitting for years and I still will cast on and practice knitting - different stitches, cables, patterns, etc… Not working on any project in particular, but just having the time to ‘play’ with the yarn and needles. When you do start projects - I usually have two to three projects going at one time - my grandmother told me to do this. When you get frustrated with one or tired of working on it - you have another project to switch to for awhile.
Knitting takes practice - keep practicing and you’ll see that it won’t take long for everything to click into place. It is a lightbulb moment - it just happens. The internet is a great resource for when you are stuck and when you are for looking for inspiration.
scarfs and dishcloths are a really good way to practice knitting patterns and techniques. A small blanket is just a bigger scarf - so you could knit a small blanket for your dog when you get bored with scarfs and I’m sure your dog would love it.
Don’t worry about being ‘perfect’ all handmade items have their variations in them - you are an artist - it is your work and your creation.
Hugs to you… keep up with the knitting… it will come, with time.
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