Knitting, it's said, is a very relaxing and satisfying craft. Knitting is a hobby that you can learn and then do while enjoying other past-times like watching television and at the same time create wonderful knitted items for yourself and others.
Multi-taskers will find that knitting works well for them. Throughout time, groups of women have been known to sit and knit while chatting with friends and family. You can watch your kids and knit at the same time as well, making knitting a great hobby for busy moms and dads.
Many people find the idea of learning to knit to be daunting. When you're just starting out the needles feel foreign in your hands, making the process awkward and frustrating at times. Keep in mind though, that the initial awkwardness goes away and you're left with a great sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. Creating something with your own hands is one of the best feelings to have. Knitting can leave you with this feeling. Having the patience and correct supplies will help you achieve your goal of learning to knit.
If you're ready to learn the simple basics of knitting, the following easy steps can help you get going.
Getting the Right Knitting Supplies
Although it may seem complicated, all that you need to start knitting are a pair of knitting needles and some yarn. Some folks start out with a pattern, so if that's your plan you'll need an easy knitting pattern to follow too.
Your Knitting Needles
There are many different types of knitting needles to choose from, and not all are created equal. Most knitters will agree that the easiest needles to start out with are wooden needles. The yarn seems to stay on wooden needles better, allowing you to knit easier. Plastic or metal knitting needles cause the yarn to slip off easily if you're not advanced and know how to handle them properly. So, newbie knitters should stick with wooden knitting needles.
Start out with large wooden needles so that you can easily see your mistakes and complete your project quicker. If you drop a stitch you want to be able to see it quickly and fix the mistake easily.
Getting Your Yarn
Beginner knitters should start their first project using natural yarn such as cotton or wool. Natural fiber yarn will stay on the knitting needles better than a synthetic yarn will. Do not be lured by the fancy yarn you see in the stores. You will find working with them to be far too challenging and cause frustration at first. Start out with simple natural yarns and then go from there.
Learning Knitting Jargon
Just like almost any craft, knitting too has its own language or jargon. When you're starting out, you'll need to learn the jargon that goes along with knitting. Yes, at first it can seem overwhelming, but you'll get the hang of the lingo quickly. Crafting books, knitting dictionaries and online sources will help you learn what you need to know to get started. Here are a few basics to help you out.
K = Knit, KB = Knit-in-Back, BO = Bind-Off, P = Purl, EOR = knit every other row
Knitting - Get Going!
With anything that's worth doing, the first step is to just do it. Get your supplies, patterns, instruction books and start learning to knit. Don't go overboard with buying supplies, because you may find that once you've given it a go, knitting may not be your cup of tea after all.
You'll find once you've learned to knit that you may start seeking out others who share your passion and enthusiasm for the craft. You'll be able to make new friends as well as wonderful pieces of art and family heirlooms from your knitting skills. As a beginning knitter, you'll soon become advanced if you take care to buy the right supplies for your skill level and look for proper knitting instruction. These basic tips will help you reach your goal of learning to knit with ease. Have fun and happy knittin'!
Latest Hobbies Articles
Celebrate Christmas in Lindon
By: Gary Mattoc | 04/10/2008
A quick overview of celebrating elebrating Christmas parties in London
How Hypnosis Can Enhance Sports Performance
By: Peter James Field | 03/10/2008
Sports hypnotherapy has a long and honourable history, with hypnosis for sports being used by many top rank athletes and teams. Here, a leading British hypnotherapist talks about the many advantages of sports hypnosis.
How to Master the Mental Game of Golf
By: John Lynch | 02/10/2008
The mental game of golf is rooted in concentration. Concentration is the root of golf mastery.
The Silliness of Major League Baseball's Stupidity With Payroll
By: Ed Bagley | 30/09/2008
Richie Sexson of the woeful Seattle Mariners is simply the latest example of the silliness of Major League Baseball's love affair with high-priced superstars whose production is pathetic. Sexson's lousy 30 RBIs this season have cost the Mariners $290,226 for each and every paltry one. Learn how stupid this policy is.
Kathryn Martin Dominates on the Track at the 2008 Usatf National Masters Meet
By: Ed Bagley | 30/09/2008
The shining star in the prime running events at the 2008 USATF National Masters Meet in Spokane (WA) was Kathryn (Kathy) Martin, who won 5 national titles in the 800, 1500, 5000 and 10,000-meter races, and set an American record in the 2000-meter steeplechase. Get the full story.
Meet the Illinois Fighting Illini - the Most Overrated Team in the Ap's Top 25 Poll
By: Ed Bagley | 30/09/2008
Coach Ron Zook's Illinois team took the Big Ten by storm last year, tying with Michigan for the runner-up spot at 6-2, and going 9-3 in the regular season. All of last year's fight and hype moved Illinois into this year's AP Top 25 Poll. Find out why Illinois should not be in the current AP Top 25 Poll.
Forbes Touts Alabama's Nick Saban as the Most Powerful Coach in Sports
By: Ed Bagley | 30/09/2008
So who is the most powerful coach in sports today? Nick Saban of Alabama according to Forbes magazine (9-1-08 issue). Forbes wastes no time in anoiting Saban as the best of the best and ahead of the rest when it comes to being the most powerful sports coach in our time. Find out why.
Phelps' 8 Gold Medals Could Net Him $100 Million in Future Income
By: Ed Bagley | 30/09/2008
Sports agents that should know decided some time ago that winning a gold medal in the Olympics could be worth $12 million in appearances and endorsements. Michael Phelps' 8 golds at $12 million apiece works out to $96 million in possible income. Phelps' agent, Peter Carlisle, agrees, but will Phelps be a success or a failure as a marketable personality for companies seeking his services?
More from Sherry Frewerd
Lean Ground Beef is a Healthy Choice for Easy Family Recipes
By: Sherry Frewerd | 21/04/2008 | Recipes
Although health consciousness, along with industry and fast food beef scares in recent years have caused many folks to shy away from consuming ground beef, there are ways to prepare ground beef that are both safe and good for you too.
Celebrate Your Love of Fresh Salsa With This Easy Salsa Recipe
By: Sherry Frewerd | 21/04/2008 | Recipes
From mild to extra spicy hot, we love our salsa and I'm not referring to the sexy Latin dance, but to the popular dip that's added to everything from nachos to eggs and just about anything in between. People love salsa so much, it is now considered to be more popular than the beloved ketchup even! With this much salsa being consumed, it's a good thing that the sauce is a healthy and good for you food containing very few calories, no fat and plenty of vitamin C and other nutritious components.
Easy and Delicious Egg Facts and Recipes
By: Sherry Frewerd | 13/04/2008 | Recipes
Despite the bad press eggs received in the past, these days they have been deemed a healthy food choice after all. Eggs have many uses for cooking, and are the main ingredient for nutritious and easy main dish recipes.
Easy and Delicious Asparagus Facts and Recipes
By: Sherry Frewerd | 13/04/2008 | Recipes
Asparagus is a delicious vegetable, but in addition to being good tasting, asparagus is full of nutritional benefits that are good for you. Rich in Folic acid, potassium, fiber and other vitamins, asparagus is a low calorie, fat-free food that is also low sodium and cholesterol free. With all of the bonuses that come with adding the vegetable to your recipes, there's no reason not to give asparagus a try.
Easy Tips for Choosing Quality Meats
By: Sherry Frewerd | 10/04/2008 | Cooking Tips
For most folks, meat is an important part of their balanced diet. Meat provides protein and vitamins along with zinc, iron and other nutrition factors. Although it's easy to just pick up any old steak or pork chop from the meat department of your grocery store, knowing what to look for when choosing meats is an important part of being an informed consumer.
Family Favorite Mexican Crock Pot Recipes
By: Sherry Frewerd | 10/04/2008 | Crockpot Recipes
There are so many different delicious crock pot recipes available now days. You can feed your family well, and with variety too. If your family loves Mexican dishes, but you're tired of the same old tacos for dinner, try one of our simple Mexican recipes. Start your meal in the morning and come home to an easy evening of dinner with the family.
Family Favorite Asian Crock Pot Recipes
By: Sherry Frewerd | 10/04/2008 | Crockpot Recipes
There is a multitude of interesting and delicious crock pot recipes available these days. Keep your family well fed and looking forward to coming to the dinner table. By using your crock pot to prepare your meals, you can start it all in the morning and have supper waiting when you come home.
Important Tips for Finding Your First Home Mortgage Loan
By: Sherry Frewerd | 10/04/2008 | Mortgage
If you're a newbie home buyer, one of the most important first steps you should take is to remember that you should approach the entire home buying process with care and do your research before even looking at a house.
Hobbies 
