Learning to knit

I want to learn how to knit. Does anyone have suggestions on what size needles to use and what yarn, or the best book. Every time I tried to learn, so far, I end up knitting so tight I can't move the needles. I can crochet, but do not follow patterns well. I wonder if the crocheting habits get in the way? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

I'm a life-time crocheter who hasn't been knitting but 4 years so I know what you are going through. Actually being a crocheter helps a whole lot as your hands are familiar with handling yarn. I'd recommend using a standard 4-ply yarn but be sure to use a white or light color so you can easily see your stitches. I'd use a fairly large needle, maybe a straight bamboo as they are not slippery. Make just a standard scarf, knitting, maybe some purling so you can get the feel of stitches to be even. Be patient, it takes practice. If you can find someone that knits to give you a hand, it sure helps A LOT. Knitters are generous people so start talking, you may be surprised who can help you, or ask at a yarn shop. The internet is a great source, google it. On the tightness issue, I was the same, what I did was each time I made a stitch, I'd give it an extra tug to loosen it before I moved on. Eventually it becomes automatic. I'm sure the folks on here will have better advice. Don't give up, if this old lady can learn something new, so can you!!

I started the 4 ladies at work knitting wash clothes, they are using needles from size 6 to 10 and Sugar and cream cotton.

We are here to help you out. You don't need a book there is a ton of info on the web. Look in the 101 thread and some of the other sticky threads at the top of the forum.

What do you want to make?

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"Fiber is just that way, it teaches us to look differently at how things connect, to know that everything is tied together somehow."

Jacey Boggs

Crochet does not get in the way of knitting! Since you are used to having the yarn in your left hand, you'll probably have an easier time with Continental (or German) style knitting where you hold the working yarn in your left hand and 'pick' the yarn instead of 'throwing' it when knitting English method.

As for the tightness ... relax! (Really, just relax!) and make sure you are knitting through the front leg only of the stitch.

If knitting Continental, just 'pick' your stitch and slip on right needle without tightening it.

And remember to breathe while you're working! If you concentrate on your breathing, you'll feel more relaxed and have less time to concentrate on pulling that stitch too tight!

I love the videos at knittinghelp.com

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I suggest watching you tube videos. I have been knitting for about a month and I feel that watching someone do it is so much easier than reading it in a book. I started with a few cheap needles (bought a set at tuesday mornings) and the yarn that I had leftover from crocheting. I've done several scarves (first one started with 16 stiches and ended up with 32, I was picking up stiches with each turn...oops), and a few purses. I can promise that it gets better with time.

Hope this helps.

Sarah

I have to agree with relaxing you are trying to make every stitch perfect. This is why it's best to start with potholders or wash cloths because you don't have to make something public. Allow the stitches to be big, bigger than you think they should be. The knitting may end up kind of sloppy, but in time, as you get faster, you will find the stitches will start to behave. It's like raising a child, you love and guide with open arms, not closed arms.

Make your first two or three wash rags on large needles, make your third project on needles two sizes smaller. I would also not use peaches and cream because it splits and does not stretch. Get a wool blend worsted (wool-ease), much more forgiving.

Thanks for the great advise ladies. Haven't had internet for a few days. Is there a difference between long needles and short needles? The needles seem so long and awkward compared to a crochet hook. Thanks.

I prefer to use circular needles when knitting items that would require a long needle.

With knitting, you do need a place to hold all the stitches. Not only are long needles akward to hold for me, they get pretty heavy too. By using circular needles (and knitting back & forth instead of in the round), your work is resting in your lap.

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I learned from the book "Stich and Bitch"
Had little beginner projects, good illustrations, and the writing made me laugh when I was ready to throw my knitting across the room in frustration.
Fun patterns too!

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The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. Or the one. -Spock / James T. Kirk
Live simply, so others may simply live. - Ghandi

I will be going to the library on Monday to look for some books. I knit last night, about a three inch swatch. It is awful! Lots of mistakes! Had to call my girlfriend to help me with some of the mistakes, she could only help so far on the phone. It wasn't too bad. Will try again tonight.

Dawnpacz Those mistakes can also be called learning opportunities. We can really only learn from our mistakes so keep going and pretty soon you will have it down. We are also here for you if your girlfriend isn't available.

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"Fiber is just that way, it teaches us to look differently at how things connect, to know that everything is tied together somehow."

Jacey Boggs

After a frustrating weekend of trying to knit, I decided to wait until I can find a group that I can watch and study and try with. I will stick to crocheting. I am taking an on line course right now that will finish in the spring. Crocheting is relaxing for me, so for right now I will do that. Thanks for all your suggestions they were very helpful. I am going to learn to make a sweater. Although I have been crocheting since I was eleven, I am not really good at reading and following a pattern. That will be my next quest! Thanks again, you all are really wonderful to help.

I teach knitting classes. I start all beginners on bamboo, circular needles and we run through 5 projects in a 6 week class that covers the basics and more. If they can't knit AND read patterns at the end of the class they get their money back (and that's happened once in 26 years of teaching).
First project, a garter stitch scarf, then onto the 'corner to corner' cotton dishcloth.
I tell my beginners that it does take about 5 to 6 attempt to understand the rhythm, which is essential and getting some sort of tension adjustment downpat.

For 'tight' knitters, we giggle quite a bit and talk about being 'loose' women... and I point out the muscles in the neck and shoulders that they are tensing. For extremely tight knitters, who can't let up, I suggest relaxation techniques that depend on personal preference. While the AVERAGE person should not drink and knit, those tight knitters can sometimes be loosened up a bit with a glass of wine (at home, not in class!).

Wait for a time when you're not tense anyway, and try again... and I DO suggest that if you've tried and feel that you need help that you find a class at a local yarn store or a sit and knit group with helpful sorts and try it that way.

Best wishes to you with learning to knit!
dawn

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Exactly! I just couldn't knit English no matter how hard I tried. It just didn't seem comfortable to me. The yarn WANTED to be in my left hand. Once I surrendered to that, it was easier for me.

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Charleen in Western NY www.harperhillfarm.com

A bite of butter greases your track. ~ Gramma Sarah

Also - check your library for knitting videos. I know Elizabeth Zimmermann has a couple and there's another good one by Lori Somebody (can't remember her name). EZ knits continenta. Lori knits English but her video has written instructions in addition to visual. Have fun!

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Charleen in Western NY www.harperhillfarm.com

A bite of butter greases your track. ~ Gramma Sarah