How to Start Knitting

What do Julia Roberts, Vanna White, Madonna, Courtney Thorne-Smith and Bob Mackie all have in common? They all love to knit. Knitting is one of the hottest hobbies around, and it is very affordable.

Knitting is made up of two stitches; the knit stitch and the purl stitch. How these two stitches are put together determines the texture and style of your project. What you can make varies about as much as the type of people who enjoy knitting. Most people know you can craft beautiful sweaters, elegant scarves and funky socks, but did you know that you can create purses, slippers, and even jewelry with knitting?

There are two different methods to knitting; Continental and English. Both methods achieve the same result, but knitters are very adamant that their style is the best. Continental knitting may also be called picking because the needle is used to "pick" the yarn from the loop on the left hand needle. English knitting may also be called throwing. This involves wrapping, or "throwing" the yarn around the needle rather than picking it. Which method you use is personal preference.

To get started you will need a few basic supplies; knitting needles, some yarn and a tapestry needle. These three things will allow you to create anything. The type of needles you use are a personal preference. Needles come in metal, plastic, bamboo and other types of wood, straight, circular and even needles with lighted tips to allow you to knit in the dark.

The size of needle you use will depend on the project you are creating and the type of yarn you are using. The yarn will have a code on the label to indicate what size needle is recommended for that particular yarn. This is not a hard and fast rule, but it is a good starting point if you are a beginning knitter.

Yarns vary greatly in price, texture, ease of care, and number of yards per skein. Many people start knitting with a worsted weight yarn. It is inexpensive and has an easy texture to knit with. It is easy to see any mistakes due to the smooth texture and its price makes it conducive to practicing. As your skill level increases you may want to experiment with more elegant, and expensive, yarns like mohair, silk, angora or even custom dyed yarns.

How you learn to knit depends on the type of learner you are in other aspects. There are many instructional books available to teach you how to knit. If you are easily able to read and comprehend directions, it may be the best way for you to learn. If you are more of a hands-on learner you may want to attend a class at a knitting or yarn store, or use a video that shows you each individual step.

Whichever method you choose, head to the craft or yarn store and see all the fun yarns that are available and what you can create with them. You will soon be addicted.