s/o Knitting

1Thess517 · November 2011

Hey ladies! Speaking of learning to knit, I have been having bi-weekly get togethers with DH's grandma, and we're almost done going through and typing ALL of her recipes, so we're kind of looking for something new to do. I'm thinking I need to learn how to knit. Grammy is really good, like, used to knit sweaters for everyone, stuffed animals...so I'm almost positive she'll know how to do whatever I need to do (and I'm a visual learner like PP).

Anyway, what tools do I need to start? Some cheap yarn to learn? Or can I buy something nicer to learn how to do a scarf that I would actually wear? What size needles (or does it say on the yarn what size?)? Anything else?

Rock-n-Voll · November 2011

A set of needles and a skein of yarn is all you really need to learn--knitting definitely has low startup costs if you're just looking to try it out. If you get into it though... Wink

The quality of yarn you get depends on what you want to do. If you just want to practice for now, maybe get some cheap yarn for a couple of bucks at Joann/Michael's and just knit and purl your way to a dishcloth.

On the other hand, you could spend a few more bucks and get a decent skein or two to make a basic scarf. Either project would be fine to start with.

Reinedumonde · November 2011

Not to be that guy who advocates spending a boatload on yarn, but if you want to splurge on something that feels really nice when you're starting out, there's no reason not to. You'll probably be spending a lot of time with that ball of yarn, since, not to scare you, but you'll probably start over a couple of times. And unlike fabric, if you make a mistake, you can just unravel it and start over.

Unless you pick a really "sticky" yarn, like mohair or angora, it's hard to "ruin" a ball of yarn.

Also, regarding needle size, you'll get suggestions from the pattern you use or on the yarn wrapper.

1Thess517 · November 2011

Reinedumonde:
Not to be that guy who advocates spending a boatload on yarn, but if you want to splurge on something that feels really nice when you're starting out, there's no reason not to. You'll probably be spending a lot of time with that ball of yarn, since, not to scare you, but you'll probably start over a couple of times. And unlike fabric, if you make a mistake, you can just unravel it and start over.

Unless you pick a really "sticky" yarn, like mohair or angora, it's hard to "ruin" a ball of yarn.

Also, regarding needle size, you'll get suggestions from the pattern you use or on the yarn wrapper.

I'm thinking I'll start with a scarf because I really do not see myself using a dishcloth. I do crochet, so I have a little bit of an idea of yarn quality (though I mostly just make baby hats and just buy the softest stuff I can find), so I suppose I'll just buy whatever needles the yarn wrapper says and go from there. lol

1Thess517 · November 2011

Rock-n-Voll:
A set of needles and a skein of yarn is all you really need to learn--knitting definitely has low startup costs if you're just looking to try it out. If you get into it though...
The quality of yarn you get depends on what you want to do. If you just want to practice for now, maybe get some cheap yarn for a couple of bucks at Joann/Michael's and just knit and purl your way to a dishcloth.
On the other hand, you could spend a few more bucks and get a decent skein or two to make a basic scarf. Either project would be fine to start with.

I just re-read this and totally LOL'ed. Totally quilting...except the start up costs are more expensive. lol You start liking designer fabric and fancy sewing machines and then you think you need the fancy luggage and fancy rulers and, and, and...

Mrs Acorn Blue · November 2011

I would pick a nice sport weight yarn. I've found 100% wool at Michaels and it's really nice for a scarf...easy to work with and not expensive. For needles, I prefer bamboo or aluminum...they are easier to work with than plastic, for me.

Also...off topic 1Thes...congrats on your sticky baby! I hope you don't mind that you have been in my T&P for a happy and healthy pregnancy this time around...you and your family certainly deserve it after what you have been through.

clea · November 2011

She probably has more yarn and needles than either of you will ever need. I'd use something she has to learn on before investing in something you don't know much about yet. She is your best resource on what she uses.

Dr.Loretta · November 2011

IMO you can buy a yarn like Cascade 220--real live wool yarn, but it's not very expensive and comes in some great colors. That way you're not blowing the bank to make something, but you'll have a better-than-basic-acrylic piece to get you started.

It won't say on the yarn what size, but basic scarf (or even potholder) patterns will give you a size as well as a weight of yarn. I'd start with either a worsted cotton and size 7 needles for a potholder, or a skein of Cascake and size 8 needles for a basic scarf.

Have fun!

Rock-n-Voll · November 2011

1Thess517:
Rock-n-Voll:
A set of needles and a skein of yarn is all you really need to learn--knitting definitely has low startup costs if you're just looking to try it out. If you get into it though...
I just re-read this and totally LOL'ed. Totally quilting...except the start up costs are more expensive. lol You start liking designer fabric and fancy sewing machines and then you think you need the fancy luggage and fancy rulers and, and, and...

Yeah, I figured it was a sentiment most crafters would understand, regardless of their specific craft!

1Thess517 · November 2011

Mrs Acorn Blue:
I would pick a nice sport weight yarn. I've found 100% wool at Michaels and it's really nice for a scarf...easy to work with and not expensive. For needles, I prefer bamboo or aluminum...they are easier to work with than plastic, for me.
Also...off topic 1Thes...congrats on your sticky baby! I hope you don't mind that you have been in my T&P for a happy and healthy pregnancy this time around...you and your family certainly deserve it after what you have been through.

Thank you so much for the T&P...I am still sort of shocked that we will get another baby. I'm so thankful that DD gets a sibling and all that fun stuff. We had our u/s last week and it was just so awesome seeing it again after the not-so-good ultrasounds we've had the last three attempts.

Thank you for all the tips, ladies! I am seeing Grammy Thursday and I will ask her if she's got the needles to spare, and go from there. I'm getting really excited!

ss+el · November 2011

I'm by no means an excellent or adventurous knitter, but am very proficient in the basics. I usually recommend new knitters to try needles in about a 7, 8 or 9 just because they're big enough to see what you're doing without being so big as to make a terribly loose object. For yarn, I think a wool/acrylic blend like Lion Brand Wool Ease is good to start with. Not terribly expensive and if you decide to start out with something like a scarf, it has a decent finish to it.

s/o Knitting

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