Starting a new hobby like knitting can be equally exciting and confusing. Here are 10 things new knitters should know:
- Choose the right needles and yarn: Select needles and yarn that are appropriate for your project and your skill level.
- Learn the basic stitches: Master the knit stitch and the purl stitch, as these are the building blocks of most knitting patterns.
- Follow a pattern: Start with a simple pattern and follow it carefully to learn how to read patterns and understand knitting terminology. Good place to find free patterns would be Ravelry or our free patterns section.
- Pay attention to gauge: Gauge is the number of stitches and rows per inch in your knitting. It is important to match the gauge specified in your pattern to ensure that your finished project is the correct size.
- Don’t be afraid to rip it out: Mistakes are a normal part of the learning process. If you make a mistake, don’t be afraid to rip out your knitting and start over.
- Practice, practice, practice: The more you knit, the better you will get. Don’t get discouraged if your first projects don’t turn out perfectly – just keep practicing and you will improve.
- Try new techniques: Once you feel comfortable with the basic stitches, try learning new techniques such as cables, lace, and colorwork.
- Join a knitting group: Consider joining a local knitting group or online community to get support and encouragement from other knitters.
- Keep your tools organized: Invest in a knitting bag or basket to keep your needles, yarn, and other tools organized and easily accessible.
- Have fun: Knitting should be enjoyable, so make sure to relax and have fun while you are learning.
If you have any questions, don’t be shy and reach out. If you are local to Red Bank, NJ, please come visit our studio at 97 Broad street and our experienced staff will help you with any knitting or yarn questions.
PS. If you’re curious about knitting, you might also like our post about the History of Knitting.
