Wilters - Knitting: Box Set: The Complete Comprehensive Guide on How to Knit

Table of Contents

Knitting: Box Set: The Complete Comprehensive Guide on Knitting Susan Wilters(2014)

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Tags: Knitting for Beginners Knitting for Beginnersttt

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Knitting for Beginners

Thank you for purchasing this book. If you are interested in learning how to knit from square one, this is the book for you. We will learn all about the equipment, yarn, and techniques you need to learn to become a knitter. Dont worry if you dont know anything about knitting. I wrote this book with the absolute beginner in mind with simple and easy to follow instructions. Ive also included 10 fun and different basic patterns for you to try out to practice your skills. So with these things in mind lets start!

Table of Contents

Chapter One: Needles and Equipment for Beginners

The first step well take is to learn about the various types of needles, what they are used for, and the proper way to use them. Next well move onto some basic equipment you should have to start out knitting. You dont have to spend a lot of money to start out, but try to purchase good quality needles and equipment right off the bat. They will perform well for you and last for many years if you take care of them properly.

Straight Needles

Most people think of straight needles when someone mentions knitting. They come in sets of two and one needle holds the stitches while you work the stitches off of that needle with the other one. Straight needles can be used for many projects and when you use straight needles it is known as flat knitting. You work rows back and forth with straight needles. When you reach the end of a row you turn your work and then knit back across the row.

The most commonly used size is US size 8, but straight needles come in a wide variety of sizes from very small used in lace knitting to very large which are used for bulky yarns. Straight needles also come in different lengths. Most patterns call for 10 or 14 inch straight needles.

One end of the needle is called the knot and keeps the stitches securely on the needle as you knit. The center is the shaft which tapers down to the point. Straight needles can be made from aluminum, steel, bamboo, or wood. For the beginner a nice set of 14 inch size 8 and size 10 straight needles are a good investment.

Circular Needles

Circular needles are used to knit large projects such as Afghans and for knitting in the round. Circular needles have straight points joined by a section of plastic or wire in various lengths. As you work the stitches rest on the section between the needles and you usually dont turn your work as you reach the end of a row.

When knitting in the round the right side of your work is always facing you. Circular needles come in the same sizes as straight needles, but they come in various lengths. For example the points on a US size 8 circular needle are the same as the corresponding straight needles.

But you may need a shorter or longer circular needle depending on the project you are working on. You would use longer circular needles for a large project like an Afghan, but for projects such as hats smaller needles would be more appropriate. Check the pattern before you begin to make sure you have the correct size before you begin to knit. You can also find sets which have various lengths of plastic and detachable point which come in a variety of sizes. These are a good investment if you like to knit in the round.

Use this handy chart for conversions from Imperial, Metric, and US needle sizes. Patterns reference all three types, so use this to tell what size of needle you need.

Double Point Needles

Double point needles are used to knit in the round on small projects such as socks and baby hats. They come in sets of at least three. When you knit with double point needles one needle is always the working needle while the stitches rest on the remaining needles. For example if you are using five double point needles four of them would have stitches resting on them while one of them is used to knit the stitches off the needles. As you knit the stitches transfer from one needle to the other. Double point needles can be made from wood, aluminum, bamboo, and other materials. Some are quite decorative and pretty.

Cable Needles

Cable needles are used to hold the stitches needed to create one leg of a cable. Cables are very easy to use once you understand how to knit with them, and although some brave souls will knit without cable needles, I highly recommend you use them as a beginner. Even advanced knitters rely on cable needles to help them create the lovely cable patterns you see on sweaters and other projects. Cable needles can be curved or straight. Curved needles are best for beginners since they hold the stitches more securely. They can be made of a variety of materials such as bamboo, aluminum or wood.

Stitch Markers

Almost all patterns have some sort of pattern repeat. When you are knitting across a row, or knitting in the round, you need to keep track of where these repeats start and stop. This is where you use stitch markers. Stitch markers can be slipped onto your needles and transferred along as you work, or they can be clip on. You can even use a paper clip or a contrasting color of yarn in a pinch. Ive been known to do that quite often since I have a bad habit of misplacing my stitch markers.

As you can see in the picture the stitch markers show where the cable pattern begins and ends. As you knit you would simply slip the stitch markers onto the right needle each time to come to it. When you are knitting in the round you would use a stitch marker to show where the new round begins. Once you join your knitting it is impossible to tell where the new round starts and the old round ends. Get in the habit of using stitch markers; they make your life so much easier.

Row Counter

A row counter is another handy little tool. Not only do you need to keep track of pattern repeats, but you need to know what row you are on as you knit. You can use a pencil or a pen and make hash markers or write down the row number as you knit. But using a row counter is faster and an easy way to keep track of which row you are knitting. There are several different styles of row counters from hand held clickers to small round plastic tools which fit onto your needle.

Miscellaneous Tools

Besides the previous tools I mentioned you also need a good quality pair of shears (scissors), a blunt tapestry or yarn needle. You also need a way to store your yarn and supplies. When youre just starting out a cute bag is a choice. A covered bin is also a good way to store your yarn and supplies and keep them safe. I have to keep my stuff in a big plastic tub with a lid to prevent my cats from getting my yarn and having a party. A good light source is also important. Look into full spectrum lights. These lights are easy on the eyes and you see the true colors of your yarn.

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