Knitting - be honest, how hard is it?

emoflamingo

My MIL and SIL both know how to knit and they make these super cute hats. I am considering trying it, but I get frustrated easily sometimes. And I'm a visual learner. Is it hard?

scott&kim

I'm a beginner and it isn't hard but I tried and tried to teach myself with books and online videos.  It wasn't until I got someone to show me how in person that I was able to get it.  

Good luck. 

Reinedumonde

Honestly, no it's not hard.  There is a bit of a learning curve and, like anything else, it does take some practice.  If you're a visual learner, you might have success with Youtube videos, taking a class, or asking for help at a LYS.  Maybe start out easy with a garter stitch washcloth and then branch out from there.

I think a lot of the frustration in learning knitting comes from trying too much too soon.  Yes, I'm all for challenging oneself and learning new techniques with difficult projects, but you need to lay a foundation of basic skills first.  Try washcloths or scarves, then easy hats, then mittens, and then try tackling a sweater.

I don't mean to make it out to be harder than it is--it's NOT hard.  Please do give it a try--a couple of tries, even.  I just mean that you should manage your expectations and don't anticipate finishing a cabled sweater by the new year.

Psalm_23

Have you asked MIL or SIL to teach you?  I learned to crochet first, but then I picked up knitting and I haven't found it that hard. 

emoflamingo

Psalm_23:

Have you asked MIL or SIL to teach you?  I learned to crochet first, but then I picked up knitting and I haven't found it that hard. 

I told my SIL I was going to have to learn soon (we sell them and we have TONS of orders right now) so I'm considering asking if one of them will help me learn over Thanksgiving/Black Friday when I have a 4 day weekend. Until then, though, I'm working non-stop at my day job AND on our business, so I'm just trying to test the waters while I find time.

Mrs Acorn Blue

Having someone teach you is the best route.

Knitting is not hard...it's really only two stitches with optional variations.  Each stitch is just the way you wrap the yarn.  I'd start with a scarf or something flat.  Knitting in the round can be a little more advanced but not beyond a 2nd or 3rd project. 

Dr.Loretta

Not hard. I started about 5 or 6 years ago when DH's cousin got me a Learn to Knit book so I could bond with his grandma. I took a beginner class at AC Moore (visual learner here too) and started spending time at my local yarn store.

Nowadays I'm happy to say I can make just about anything (though not on a Reinedumonde level just yet without embarrassing myself. So yeah, pretty easy.

WishesSheCouldCook

I just got a set of knifty knitters which are the round knitting looms. They were the easiest thing to learn! I've made 3 hats in just the short time I've had it.

AmandaJLewis

I think it comes down to how determined you are to give it a good go before giving up.  I don't think it is hard (I have been knitting for a solid 7 years now).  once you get down the muscle memory, and then figure out how to fix mistakes without tearing everything out it becomes even easier. But it does feel clumsy at first.  using both hands, figuring out what works best for you it takes some time. I have taught a lot of people. Some pick it up really fast and others struggle (I swear my MIL has been knitting for 5 years and still makes beginner mistakes) Then beyond the basics, knitting is as hard or challenging as you want it it be!

emoflamingo

AmandaJLewis:

I think it comes down to how determined you are to give it a good go before giving up.  I don't think it is hard (I have been knitting for a solid 7 years now).  once you get down the muscle memory, and then figure out how to fix mistakes without tearing everything out it becomes even easier. But it does feel clumsy at first.  using both hands, figuring out what works best for you it takes some time. I have taught a lot of people. Some pick it up really fast and others struggle (I swear my MIL has been knitting for 5 years and still makes beginner mistakes) Then beyond the basics, knitting is as hard or challenging as you want it it be!

I don't think I give up easily, though I get frustrated easily. Just gotta walk away when that happens!

I'm going to ask MIL or SIL to help me learn. I mean, if I can make this:

Then I will be super happy. (That's my Monkey, how is he so big?!)

runnergirl79

I highly recommend learning to knit!  I seriously am surprised I kept with it, because I tend to get pretty impatient if I don't understand something right away.  So, I will say that if I can keep with knitting, pretty much anyone can!

Rock-n-Voll

emoflamingo:

I'm going to ask MIL or SIL to help me learn. I mean, if I can make this:

Then I will be super happy. (That's my Monkey, how is he so big?!)

FWIW, that looks like crochet, not knitting.  I'm sure there's a knit version too but just FYI before you run off and learn the wrong craft for what you're trying to accomplish!