Tips for New Knitters
There is no one best way to learn to knit these days! It depends on your time, budget and learning style. If you learn better by watching someone “in action”, taking a hands on class is helpful, watching YouTube videos online, or an online class. If you are able to learn by reading a book, check out a beginning-knitting book from your library or borrow from a knitting friend. You might buy a book that comes with a DVD or even an app with knitting techniques. The Atlanta Knitting Guild (AKG) is developing a new knitters program; details will be announced when it has been finalized.
Take classes at a local yarn store. Check the list of AKG Affiliates on the Membership page here to see a long list of places that often offer beginning to knit classes.
Jan Stephens, a very experienced AKG member and knitting teacher recommends the instructions available at the Craft Yarn Council here. There are lots of tips and resources for new knitters on the website.
The Knitting Guild Association (TKGA) has a learn to knit starter lesson and other resources here.
A selection of online resources (most have commercial advertising):
Craftsy offers online classes for knitters of varying abilities. Knit Lab with Stefanie Japel is focused on beginners
A free ebook on learning to knit is available after registering with Interweave, publisher of several knitting magazines.
Basic instructions on how to knit from Wikihow are available here.
About.com has an article on a first project here.
Pick up the latest issue of knitting magazines. They are always full of fabulous designs with a pictorial of techniques and glossary in each issue.
Books Good for Beginning Knitters:
Debbie Stoller Stitch n’ Bitch Knitter’s Companion with DVD
Check out Ravelry and join in the fun. Your favorite designs may be found there with a wealth of tips from other knitters who are working on the same projects.
Ravelry will also turn you on to the best knitting blogs to follow.
AKG member Kathleen Pickens endorses the usefulness of Ravelry with the following knitting inspirational story. “While I was admiring a cowl worn by a friend, I wondered if that was something I could knit? I asked her, “Please tell me about your beautiful cowl!” And she did! It was a pattern on Ravelry. When I got home, I immediately looked it up and to my amazement saw that over 30 knitters were working on the project using different yarns and putting their own spin and embellishment on an already beautiful piece.
I spent some time reading all their advice and checking out the yarns they recommended. Then I planned my trip to my LYS where I had a great discussion about the construction and purchased my yarn and pattern. I am almost done and I can tell you that even though I have been knitting a while, I haven’t ripped out one row yet on this one and it is just stunning! Thanks to Ravelry and my LYS, I am really enjoying my knitting and I can’t wait to finish it!”
SHORT TIPS