Stitches

what size knitting needles should i learn with? and any other tips you have to offer!?

Okay so i have decided to learn how to knit, what type/kind/size needles should i use? any type of yarn i should begin with, i plan on learning making a blanket. any tips would be wonderful. thank you!

Public Comments

1. I started out with sz10, its not too small and i also chose plastic ones. The metal ones are slippery. I would just buy like Red heart the cheapy acrylic yarn just to play with at first because you can easily see the stiches and its easy to work with. You dont want to spend money on nice yarn that you might cut and start over etc. I started making purses and baby blankets they are small enough that you can finish them like in a couple weeks and you dont get overhwhelmed with not finishing. Just have fun with dont try something too huge and get frustrated and quit. I hope that helps, im totally addicted to yarn and crochet and knitting there a lot of free patterns on the internet too, you dont have to buy those expensive books. HAVE FUN!!!
2. I teach a lot of classes on knitting and suggest that first time knitters start with wood or plastic needles sizes 8, 9, or 10. Cheaper yarns are always best as one woman mentioned for the first project. Just make a simple scarf or potholder. My best tip is to not spend too much in the beginning. Get your yarn and needles at Wal-Mart and go to the library and internet for simple, cute patterns. For the best lessons look at the children's books. They usually have the best instructions and that are in the adult books. A copy machine and a three ring binder can be your best friends. Put the print out in a sheet protector and you can knit without a worry of coffee spills or greasy chips. The best of luck to you. And the best advice: relax and take your time. Enjoy the moment.
3. i just started a knitting club at my school (i am a music teacher) and here is my advice from these beginning students: mid size needles with good pointy ends (US size 10.5 or 11) wood, metal or plastic would be ok, its a personal preference. stay away from novelty yarns in the beginning (fuzzy, furry etc) it makes it hard to see the stitches a ball of "sugar and cream" cotton yarn. its cheap, easy to use, and even if you knit a small square, it makes a great washcloth. having a practice yarn is great so if you make beginner mistakes, your project isnt ruined. once you get the hang of knitting, there are a world of possibilities, and you can use any yarn you want for your blanket!
4. Size 10 is great to start if you're going to knit a scarf which is the easiest to start with. Size 7 is good to knit dishcloths. I have a group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MonthlyDishcloths/ Its for beginners.