Desperate for help

#1

I am definitely a “beginner”, I have had an interest in knitting for a few years – but have always doubted if I could do it. I finally broke down and bought a kit at my local craft store, some yarn and needles. I am attempting to make a VERY BASIC throw blanket, nothing fancy. However, I am so frustrated … I am on the verge of trashing it and giving up (this is not my normal attitude).

The “pattern” is just knitting straight stitches across for approx. 45 stitches, turn and repeat. The biggest problem I am having is EVERYTHING !! I was doing ok in the beginning, I ran into a few issues like, extra stitches – but I overcame those problems. However, I had to put it down for about 4 weeks and now I am trying to finish. My problems include, stitches that feel WAY too tight, extra stitches, and more importantly I can not seem to get the motions or the knit and purl stitches.

I feel like an infant trying to drive a truck – not gonna happen.

Please help me.

#2

If you are really a very beginning knitter, I would put your pattern aside, grab your needles and some yarn and just knit. Don’t try and make anything. Just knit until you feel comfortable with the process. Then you can attempt to make something. Otherwise you will be frustrated that your “something” isn’t coming out right.

Watch the videos on this site and relax. Knitting is supposed to be fun but there is still a learning curve involved.

#3

I agree. Knit on a smaller piece now and save the pattern for the next project. Extra stitches, holes, etc is all normal for a new knitter. Click on the How-to Forum and at the top you’ll see a bunch of sticky threads that have help for some new knitter issues.

Watch the videos here in KH and if you need to print out or have a still photo to look at check these out.
http://www.community.knitpicks.com/notes

You can do it. Once you get the hang of it you’ll love knitting!

#4

Yeah-- those kits sell on the “anyone can do it”/“knit this blanket in a weekend” promotional headlines. You should never worry about trying to learn on an actual project. As zkimom said, just try knitting for a while. Get some yarn that’s brightly colored, maybe even varigated like the stuff in the second row, here ('cause it’s fun!): http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/productdetail.jsp?CATID=cat230018&PRODID=prd25204. US size 8/5mm are a great size needle to learn to work with.

Then just try knitting for a bit. If you run into trouble, there are videos on this site, and you can always ask folks for help, here.

#5

I definitely agree to try something smaller. My first ‘project’ was a dishcloth that was just straight garter (knit) stitches. I did the same things that are doing—the too-tight stitches, the added stitches (which ended being me adding yarn overs accidentally), etc. A small, simple project lets you get the feel of the needles and the yarn, without trying to make this big blanket that seems to have no end (I tried that, didn’t work too well, left me very frustrated). I just started with a simple dishcloth that was 36 stitches cast-on and went from there. Good luck!

#6

I agree with all these answers and I wanted to add that for me, learning to knit was like learning to drive a stick shift. It all feels awkward and frustrating and nothing meshes and you practice and practice and can never get it right and then BAM! you have an “ah ha” moment when it all comes together and it feels right and flows. All of us have to find our “feels right” moment when just beginning. Some of us take longer than others, but it will happen. I have been trying to teach my mom, but her situation sounds like yours and she is ready to throw in the towel. I see it as her not finding her rhythm with it yet; it is still in the frustration stage.

#7

I couldn’t agree here more. I still have moments, especially when trying something new, where the light comes on and things suddenly make sense. I’ll try and try and fail and fail and then suddenly it’ll make sense and it’ll become easy.

I do agree with everyone that you may have bitten off a little more than you are ready to handle just yet. Start off with some washclothes. They’re small, they’re usually pretty easy. If you screw one up you don’t get as frustrated if you have to rip it out, or it really doesnt matter since its just gonna be a washcloth anyway.

Don’t get frustrated and give up. Get frustrated and get determined. And remember that we have all been there, and we’ll all be here for you if you need help. Funny tension, inconsistent gauge, slipped stitches, added stitches. All normal for a new knitter. You’ll learn how to avoid them and fix them over time.

Don’t jump in the pool kicking and flailing and think you’re gonna swim. Sit in the kiddy pool and wade around a little first. Then venture out into deeper water.