Knitting

Knitting is a Fun and Relaxing Craft

Knitting has also been around for a very long time. Generally, it takes two knitting needles and a ball of thread and you can have a lovely scarf, hat, pair of socks, purse, or even a shirt, skirt, or vest in any color of the rainbow. Or even a combination of colors that you like the most. There are knitting machines out there and they may be fine for some people but using your hands to create a beautiful piece of clothing or accessory to share with your friends and loved ones is really all it’s about.

Learning this skill does not take a lot of money only time and patience. Once you have learned it you can teach your children and/or grandchildren as well. It is a lovely craft to pass on and the things that are created generally last a lifetime. Since this is just a beginner’s lesson on how to get started if you want more information then please check out Amazon or you can even look on YOUTUBE for video lessons from others who love to knit.

Definition and History of Knitting

According to wiki: “Knitting is a method by which thread or yarn is turned into cloth or other fine crafts. Knitted fabric consists of consecutive rows of loops, called stitches. As each row progresses, a new loop is pulled through an existing loop. The active stitches are held on a needle until another loop can be passed through them. This process eventually results in a final product, often a garment. Knitting may be done by hand or by machine. There exist numerous styles and methods of hand knitting. Different yarns and knitting needles may be used to achieve different end products by giving the final piece a different color, texture, weight, and/or integrity. Using needles of varying shape and thickness as well as different varieties of yarn can also change the effect.” And historically: “One of the earliest known examples of knitting was cotton socks with stranded knit color patterns, found in Egypt from the end of the first millennium AD. Originally a male-only occupation, the first knitting trade guild was started in Paris in 1527.”

Where Can You Learn to Knit

There are over 4 million hits when you put the phrase “Learn to Knit” into the Google search engine. And the top choice today is from http://www.knittinghelp.com/ but I think I like the second one http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/learn-home.html. Both sites have lots of information, some patterns you can learn fairly quickly, and even some video “how-tos” that you can view. If you really would like to learn the easiest way, of course, is for someone to teach you. It doesn’t take that long to learn and once you get the basics of knit and purl stitches you are off and running. One last site we would recommend is from Lion Brand that makes yarn but they have some excellent lessons for beginners: http://learntoknit.lionbrand.com/.

Good Luck and Happy Crafting!

Here is an extremely popular video on the Basics of Knitting on YouTube:

Have Questions or Want to Share Your Own Knitting Projects

If you would like to share your creations, a lesson, or a pattern for knitting that would be helpful for beginners please go to our Contact form and send us the information about your creations and we will get back in touch with you as soon as possible.