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Learn to Knit

By User:AllieCashel @timeAndDate(1281031011) According to CraftYarnCouncil.com, over 50 million people know how to knit or crochet, skills that are not only fun and relaxing, but also practical. On the most basic level, knitting is just a series of connected knots; however, many people find the repetitive process of creating those knots to be one of the most soothing and satisfying things they do. They knit on the subway or the plane, during their lunch breaks, in front of the TV, and even at the bar (according at least to one gentlemen from Yelp.com who started a conversation entitled "Why are all the cool girls knitting these days?"). Regardless of your age or style, knitting is a fun and easy hobby to learn and it's sure to entertain you, even during the most boring afternoons. Take a look at the following information to prepare yourself before picking up your first pair of needles.

Knitting vs. Crocheting

Lots of beginners get confused about the differences between these two techniques. The primary difference is how many needles are used: crocheting only has one, while knitting requires two. Some people believe crocheting to be easier and faster than knitting, but it tends to eat up a lot of yarn and is most suitable for delicate designs. Knitting, on the other hand, is quite a bit simpler to learn, so once you master its two stitches, you can create loads of versatile finished products. Many people recommend that you start knitting before crocheting (the transition is a little easier that way), and then combine the two skills into one beautifully detailed finished product.

English vs. Continental

There are two different styles of knitting: Continental or English.  English style, which is what most people in the US tend to use, predominantly involves the right hand, whereas Continental knitting is largely left handstitch'>KnittingHelp.com for a series of video tutorials.

What You Need

If you have never knit before, it's important to make sure you have all the necessary materials before you start! Without them, you won't be able to finish any of your projects. Many people like to have a StitchDiva.com, a site with super tutorials for all things yarn-related.

Practice

Before you start your first pattern, practice connecting stitches on your set of needles. You probably won't be able to use the practice sheet in any finished product, but it's good to make sure you are used to the techniques before you start anything too big. Going back and fixing your mistakes is always possible, but it can be frustrating, so doing a practice sheet will help you avoid mistakes in the future.  A swatch like this will also help you get used to the yarn and see how it looks before you commit to it.  It is highly recommended that you make a gauge swatch before starting any project, so for more information on this, see Knitty.com. When it comes time to knit that first scarf or hat, make sure you choose a pattern that isn't too complicated. Like anything else, this hobby has a learning curve and it will take some time and dedication before you can make your own cable-knit sweater.

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