Somehow the link got doubled! Try this one:
I think you have to look at each stitch pattern separately. After each one, it lists some qualities. Garter stitch is “2-row repeat. Reversible. Lays flat”. Stockinette just says “2-row repeat”–i.e. it looks different on each side, and it does NOT lay flat.
As these are all knit/purl patterns, most of them will come out the same width, although some of the ribbing ones do tend to pull in a bit. Should be fixable with blocking.
This is how I really learned knitting skills… I had the good fortune to be in her class. Find this on Ravelry: Designer-Michelle Hunter. Under publications-Building Blocks. This is a digital copy. You may find a hard copy in a yarn shop. This book will teach you different stitches & techniques by making a nice block. When finished they sew together into a beautiful afghan.
I understand the expense of high quality yarn to begin. Maybe try some of these blocks to practice & see what you like. You can always buy high quality yarn later when you feel ready.
Michelle Hunter is a fantastic designer and instructor! Enjoy!
Thank you for this! I’ve begun the sampler scarf and will follow through on that first, but this is just what I was thinking of in my original query. Into the queue it goes… Based on just a little bit of reading, I can imagine it was a fabulous experience to be in Michelle’s class. Lucky you!
I forgot to mention, Michelle has some of the best teaching videos. You can find them at: knitpurlhunter.com
Like others I’m very new to knitting and started with bobble hats and scarfs.
I went through the knitters handbook and created a Swatch of each different stitch they showed, but rather than create something with them, I have added a label with details of what cast on/bind off I used, size of needles etc and now have my own reference box so when I want to knit something that requires that stitch or cast on/bind off with one of them, I can see how it looks and remind myself that I can do it. It will also enable me to add more texture to any plain pattern in the future with the examples showing my and my family what it will look like.
What a wonderfully organized and handy project! I’ll bet they’ll be a useful reference in future projects. What’s next in your knitting plans?
Just started a tank top for hubby! 5 rows of rib only so far (I don’t get much time to do my knitting)
This is a great idea! I ended up making a sampler scarf, which was fun.
More recently I’ve embarked on Learn to Knit in 50 Squares by Anna Pantelous. The squares are small so you don’t get bored, and each one adds a skill. It’s a clever idea and very well presented. When I’ve made all 50, I’m hoping to have the patience to sew them together into a blanket. We’ll see! Having fun so far.
I love this.
I also have a few things i just keep to remind myself the same.
The only place I buy my yarn at is KnitPicks.com. The prices are very reasonable for real wool yarn as well as cotton and bamboo yarns for dishwashing use.