Knit a scarf for a first project--what next?

#1

I am new to knitting and this forum. I just finished my very first project, a simple scarf–I am wearing it while I type :smiley: . I used size 19 needles, and Homespun (Lion brand) yarn. I cast on 12 stiches, knit the whole thing with a double strand of yarn and now it’s done.
So…Now what do I make? I am wondering what would be easiest to try. I have 2 little girls and thought of making a sweater for one of them, but that seems like it might be too complicated for a second project, not to mention that by the time I finish it will be summer. Since the scarf directions consisted of just two sentences, I am still not sure of my ability to follow a “real” pattern. Any suggestions about where to go from here would be appreciated!

Thanks!

#2

okay have you done any purling yet? couldn’t tell for sure from your post.

you might want to go to www.knittingpatterncentral.com and check out the patterns there. maybe a more complicated scarf? i am always an advocate of hats (i have only ever knit hats in the round and it reeeeeeally is very very easy!) dishclothes are always good too.

dive in…you will find lots of help here! don’t worry about the pattern…if you are brave you will get all the help you need here. if you are a little more timid don’t do anything TOOO scary cuz you don’t want to get frustrated and quit! we will help you all we can…i promise! :wink:

#3

Thanks for the encouragement! I have made little practice squares in the past where I have knitted and purled. I didn’t purle for this scarf though. I am looking through free patterns at the moment. I will probably post what I find before I start to make sure I am not in over my head!

#4

My second project was a baby blanket !!! LOL I was soooo proud of myself. It’s like knitting a really fat scarf lol.

Another thing you could try is a cell phone case. That was my 3rd project. It’s like a little scarf.

Hope you find something you like.

OH OH OH !!! A poncho is super easy too !!!

#5

I don’t own a cell phone LOL! I thought a poncho looked like a possiblility. I have been wondering something. I casted on 12 stitches for my scarf and it was 7" wide. If I were going to make a blanket, say 70" wide in the same manner, that would mean I would cast on 120 stitches. How would I get that to fit on my needle. Do you piece big projects like that together or do you just stuff the stitches on really tight? I have been pondering that since yesterday…

#6

I do my big things on circular needles. All you have to do is keep swapping hands when you finish a row. But for something 70 inches wide… well, i don’t know how to do that but you could make it 70 inches long. Or like you said you could peice it together.

#7

well the best thing to do would be to get a nice long circular needle. easier on the hands and arms…lots of room for stitches and circulars are incredibly versatile. i have never used regular straight needles since i started knitting…ever.

of course you can piece them together too and may be able to stuff them on the needle but i don’t think you would like that at all.

#8

Thanks for the answers! I thought that circular needles were only for things that turned out round, like hats-LOL! I didn’t know you could knit something flat with them. I have a lot to learn!