Easy Knitting Hub

I don't profess to be an expert by any means, but as i have begun my journey to teach myself the art of knitting I have come up with this list of eight things you must do in order to get started on a project. Hope you find it helpful! If you would like to track my progress as I complete these steps feel free to check out my Easy Knitting Blog where I will be outlining my learning process in detail.

Step #1 - Decide on an easy knitting project. I would recommend something that is a square or rectangle shape. My mom knits adorable hot pads but the cutest ones are a bit complex for me. I opted for a simple scarf to start out with. You can find easy knitting patterns online, from beginner knitting books, or just ask a knitter how to do a basic scarf/hot pad/etc.

Step #2 - Obtain your needles. Once you have chosen a pattern you need to decide which needles will be best suited for it. Oftentimes a pattern will tell you which gauge (size) of needles to use, usually between 2 and 15. You can use circular needles, long straight needles, or get an interchangeable knitting needle set that offers a combination of these choices. For most easy knitting projects a good pair of straight needles will be sufficient. The larger the gauge, the bigger your "rectangle" will end up and the faster it will be finished. Just a little hint there.

Step #3 - Purchase the yarn. This is perhaps the most fun step. I love perusing craft stores and now that I am interested in knitting it has opened up several more aisles of adventure for me. Look through your weekly newspaper ads and you will probably find several coupons for Michaels or Roberts 40% off. Grab one of those and head to the store. For your first easy knitting project, stick with an inexpensive synthetic yarn. You can upgrade your yarn when you move on to more advanced items. Make sure to try to purchase enough yarn for your entire project at the same time so that your yarn all comes from the same batch. It is more likely to have an exact color match that way. If you are starting with a scarf or pot-holder, one skein should be enough.

Step #4 - Learn how to cast on. A knitting pattern may read something like CO 50 which would mean to cast on 50 stitches. That means you need to get 50 loops onto your knitting needles from which you will start knitting your project. Any basic easy knitting book should have instructions with diagrams on how to do this. If you prefer to see it visually, look online for instructional videos. I will post a great one in the "link" section below.

Step #5 - Learn the basic knitting stitches. K = Knit, P = Purl. If you have any other letters in your pattern it is NOT an easy knitting pattern and you should start with something else. If you knit or purl every row, you will get a bumpy type design. If you alternate a knit row with a purl row, one side of your work will give the nice classic v's you see on most knit items. This is sometimes called a Stockinette or Stocking Stitch. To learn these stitches follow the instructions in an easy knitting book or watch some online tutorials. There are some great ones online. There are two methods of knitting: continental and English. I believe that the continental method is the most common, and that is what my mom uses, so that is what I would recommend here. Make sure to watch the correct videos for whichever method you choose.

Step #6 - Knit away! This step could take you anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks depending on the size of your project, how much time you spend, how many times you have to start over, and how slow you knit. The best advice I can offer is to set some time aside each day to work on it. Make it a reasonable amount so that you are making progress on your project but not burning yourself out early on.

Step #7 - Learn how to bind off. Binding off is the process of getting the yarn off of the needle in a manner that won't allow it to fray. Again, take a look in an easy knitting book for instructions or watch an instructional video online. Tuck or sew any loose yarn ends into your project so they are not hanging out.

Step #8 - Wash and dry your project. Rinse your completed project in cold water and lay out on a flat surface and allow it to dry. That should be sufficient finishing for an easy knitting project. When you get into more complex projects there are other procedures that may be necessary or preferable but for now the simple wash and dry will be fine.

Step #9 - Show off your work. Wear your scarf, use your dishcloth, wrap your baby in its new blanket. Whatever you decided to make, let the world see it. One word of advice though, don't plan to give your first easy knitting project to someone as a gift ;) Chance are there will be mistakes or things that will bug you about it. Keep it for yourself and use it as a learning tool. If you plan to make it as a gift you will just feel frustration when it doesn't turn out perfect.

Step #10 - Decide on your next project! You are just getting started. Pick a new project before you lose your momentum. Try another easy knitting pattern and make sure you really get the hang of it before you move on to more complex projects.