Idk the first thing about knitting. I tried getting into it a couple years ago but I grew frustrated quickly. For someone looking to get into knitting would this be a difficult project?
Is this beginner friendly?
I think the best for total beginner is to try knitting scarfs just so you learn or re-learn stitches. Once you get comfortable try to do patterns. But that is just my opinion.
Good luck and happy knitting!!!
4 Likes
The only thing I tried to knit was a scarf and it took me a lifetime to get nowhere with it. Some of that had to do with the awful yarn I bought but it just felt like a waste of time. The techniques in that video seem fairly basic and at least I would come out of it with something for my future child to wear.
1 Like
I did start with several scarves but the first sweater I did was the 7 hr toddler sweater by Suzetta Williams. I was probably about a year into knitting and it was pretty easy. You might look at that. I know when we start we want to get into the “good stuff” so this might work for you. And believe me it took a lot longer than 7 hrs.
2 Likes
I didn’t watch the entire video but the part I did watch looked like she does an OK job with her explanations and demonstration. I think you can do this. You’ll work on knitting flat, increasing, knitting in the round, even some eyelet lace to save you from the boredom of knitting stockinette in the round and that should keep you from giving up. The eyelet lace is something to look forward to and then to keep you going to finish because it will be lovely. I think it’s a good choice.
Beginner friendly varies from knitter to knitter. My first project was a button front, hooded cardigan with pockets because that’s what my grandson wanted. He was good with not perfect and your baby won’t care, he/she will be wrapped in love. Go for it!
4 Likes
Personally I would find this pattern much trickier than any sweaters I’ve made. Working in a small circumference in the round I find much harder than working flat or a large circumference and when I delved into magic loop I started out with lots of samples and swatches, not a project, even so when it came to working a project I found it extremely hard and frustrating. I would also have found the construction more complicated to get a grasp of with it being made all in one, to me this is more confusing than having separate pieces which are joined by seaming later.
Personally, if this was one of my first projects, I would have given up and thrown the needles out of the window.
You did ask.
We are all different and we all find different things easier or trickier which means I have no idea what you will find tricky or easy. There are lots of videos which give tips and help on magic loop, on how to avoid ladders in magic loop, how to close a hole under an arm on top down sweaters made all in one, and various other aspects that might be problematic. To me these are all things aimed towards someone who already knows basic knitting and is extending their toolkit of skills, not really beginner stuff (and what I learned ultimately is that I do not enjoy magic loop or even knitting small circumference in the round). Lots of the techniques on the video are not, in my opinion, shown clearly enough for a new knitter who has never used those techniques.
Having said all that, there are heaps of tutorials online so you can get more detailed help with each technique and there’s lots of help here for bits you get stuck on. Having something you really want to make is a great motivator.
If I was choosing a sweater for a new knitter, I would choose a sweater knit flat and in pieces, so they learn to purl just as smoothly as knit, it would probably still have increases or decreases too and some detail in the design to add a bit of interest. To me it is also easier to fix problems or errors if you don’t have to rip out the entire sweater, but instead just one piece.
And, hey, congratulations! Is new baby’s arrival imminent? Very exciting!
2 Likes
Also smaller sizes with 5 hr baby sweater. Free on ravelry. Knit flat all in one piece. Just fyi
1 Like
I appreciate the lengthy and knowledgeable reply. I think I’m going to steer away from this one for now and try out the above mentioned 5 hr baby sweater as it’s done in panels.
We’re having another boy in March 2025. We have a 2 1/2 yo boy already.
I’m giving myself lots of time on this project lol.
1 Like
Thanks I think I’m going to go with the 5 hour one. I imagine it will take quite a bit longer than 5 hours. As a crocheter I have certainly been dupped by the “_ hour blankets” before. I know it’ll take me quite some time but I still have another 4 months or so to get this done.
2 Likes
Thanks Gramma, after reading some of these comments I’m going to steer clear of this one for now. It seems manageable but I’m going to try a panel pattern to start. I think I’ll move on to the above video sweater as I get more comfortable knitting.
There’s just something about the look of a knit garment I like over a crochet garment.
3 Likes
Knitting often gives a more flexible, drapey fabric than crochet. IMHO, many crochet patterns would be better off in a lighter-weight yarn than they call for, as crochet stitches are comparatively thick. I’ve crocheted several sweaters, and most of them are quite heavy and VERY warm! I only wear one of them regulary, and it was made in sock-weight yarn.
It’s nice to be able to do both! You can knit the sweater and then add a nice crochet edging, for example.
2 Likes
Carol brunette has a 15 part YouTube video on how to knit a sweater. I found this tutorial very helpful. It is knit flat and seamed. She goes through every step and is very easy to follow.
I posted a link in the following thread:
Favorite books for learning how to design a knitted sweater/garment construction?
Here is a pic of the
sweater I made:
4 Likes
Hi, well done you!! I have knitted “in the round” using circular needles all my life, and also using them for back and forth “straight” knitting. I think if you really have not knitted before you start with making a scarf which will make you familiar with making stitches but not requiring any special techniques. If you look online at Garnstudio you will find lots of Drops free knitting patterns and you should choose a very simple scarf or cowl to get you started. I am a professional hand and machine knitter and have also taught. As with any other skill it really pays off to start at the very beginning. Perhaps get someone who knits to start you off. Best of luck, Jenny
That is a cute a sweater as can be. Well done!
I’ve heard this one worked well for beginner knitters. https://youtu.be/wtofisZp7EA?si=rs3yI3e2hju_4voz
The Step by Step sweater and the pattern is free.
1 Like
Thank you.
I’ll check it out. It’s a pretty long video so we’ll see if I find the time to finish it lol.
Here’s a scarf pattern that will teach you several basic stitch combinations:
And this one uses a basic increase/decrease combination:
But if you really want to do a sweater, you’ve gotten some good suggestions. I say go for it!
1 Like