Stitches - Knitting for Dummies (:?

Knitting for Dummies (:?

My best friend and I have jobs in an office as relay operators and when there are hardly any calls, it gets boring. I have already filled out a book and a half of search a word and fill-it-in puzzles, as well as coloring to pass the time. I decided to start cross stitching again. After I am done cross stitching, I would REALLY like to learn how to knit. My grandmother used to crochet but she passed when I was 8 so I was never able to have anyone teach me how, but I think I would really like to learn how to knit. I was in Micheal's today and saw they had a Knitting for Dummies book. I love the For Dummies series, but I don't think that I would be able to learn how to knit from pictures. So I am curious, from those who didn't learn how to knit from family/friends, how did you learn? A book? Videos? And websites with video, or suggestion of books would be great! Thank you!

Public Comments

I spent a lot of time looking at books trying to "get it". I finally took a look at the Coats & Clark CD-Rom "Knitting Made Easy". I was able to pace myself while watching the videos. I could speed it up, slow it down, repeat, and it included some knitting patterns as well. After that, I've been able to look at books and feel like I know what they're talking about. I'm not as afraid anymore.
Try this website for a free, online video: http://www.knittinghelp.com/ Good luck, and have fun!
the way that i learned to knit is a tv program called "knitty gritty" they show the work from a knitters point of view and they take it easy from step to step. you can take a look at these websites and see what will help you. have fun knitting!
I think that "Stitch and Bitch" has the best clearest instructions, and good patterns. I like knittinghelp.com for videos and to see clearly how to do something. I found a really nice video on youtube on how to knit continental style. Knitting is a great way to spend your time, it is relaxing, and you have something at the end. I learned to knit using a book, though I also watched friends knit, so I had a sense of how to do it.
I learned to knit socks and mitts when I was a child, but that is all I could make until I was expecting my first child. I bought myself one of those learn to knit booklets, (I've seen them in walmart), a ball of baby yarn,and a set of needles and taught myself to knit booties and baby hats. after a while that got old, so I bought myself another book and taught myself to knit adult stuff like hats and sweaters. It didn't take me very long to learn, and soon everyone was asking me to make stuff for them. You do need to practice every day, though. Oh, I just remembered, I bought myself a stitch dictionary too. That really helped me learn how to make different stitches. Hope this helps. Go on line and google "knitting instruction" or "knitting how to" or even "knitting for beginners" and you will find all kinds of instructions, some with videos. If you google "free knitting patterns for beginners" you will find all kinds of free patterns, too.
I learned by watching and reading so maybe it depends on the type of learner you are visual,handson or both there is another one but I dont remember it I think dty has it on tv also you can google sites there are a tremendous amount of teachings online
Try the DIY network website or try www.knitting patterncentral.com for some good directions. Also, go to a yarn store and ask if they have classes. I learned to knit and crochet from an aunt when I was young and then did not pursue it until I was much older. I used books to refresh my memory. Now crocheting is my "therapy" for a stressful day!
Try taking a beginning knitting class at your LYS (local yarn shop). I have learned alot from the classes and made some new friends too!
I recommend Maggie Riggoti's "Knitting in Plain English". It didn't exist when I learned to knit from the "Learn How" series (one volume with knitting, crochet, embroidery & tatting for 50-cents at Newberry's). I've seen *lots* of other books and I'll recommend Maggie's. You may be able to borrow it from a library. It doesn't have everything, but all it does have is correct, in logical order and user-friendly.
Everyone learns differently. A combination of videos, either as VHS,DVD or online, and illustrated books works for a lot of folks. You see the video doing the techniques, then pull open the book to study the pictures to work out the steps that are unclear. I learned from illustrated books. Back in the Dark Ages when I learned to knit and crochet, there were no videos on the subject. That was okay for me because I could study each picture as long as I needed. I still prefer clear line drawings and step by step instructions when I am learning a new craft. I would grab the For Dummies! book in a heartbeat. My suggestion is to visit your local library and check out a few books and videos and try them. Find the one that works for you. They probably have the For Dummies! book and Knitting in Plain English as well as other books. Find the one that works for you. After you have "test driven" the library copies and found your favorite, you can go to the book store and buy your own copy of the one you want to keep for permanent reference.
K for D is good. Another book you might want to look for is the first of a series by a Canadian designer called Sally Melville. I've been knitting for "ahemty-five" years at least, but I still found her book _The Knit Stitch_ quite interesting. The first one is strictly garter stitch, plain knitting, but she has several patterns that are great looking! I also have the second book _The Purl Stitch_ which adds the other stitch (yup, only two!) so you can do textures, ribbing, and most anything you want. I haven't gotten the third book yet on adding color, but I may get the fourth, which I've heard is about holiday and gift knitting. A good online source with tons of links is http://knitting.about.com/ Hope this helps!