So you want to Knit
You want to learn to knit and you don't know where to start. Well, here is a short list of the items you need to start, listed in order of importance. Knitting can be a stress reducer. Focusing on all the skills needed like: yarn tension control, counting rows, counting stitches, following patterns, can be truly zen like. The great thing is it gives you an opportunity to learn a skill that can produce artisanal gifts and useable items for yourself, family and friends. I personally find that the focus given while knitting lessens the chronic pain I feel from my service connected injuries.
Take a look at this study on knitting and its effects on chronic pain that was conducted by author Betsan Corkhill and Carol Davidson of Pain Management, Royal United Hospital in Bath, England.
You may even find this article published in The NY Times written by Jane E. Brody on "The Health Benefits of Knitting."
With all the benefits of knitting, is there a reason not to knit?
To start off with a solid learning foundation you will need only two items.
The following links to items are shared using the Amazon associate program and provide me with a small commission that helps offset the costs and time of providing content. I only provide links for items that I have used, tested or currently own, all purchased at my own expense. I will provide cost conscious options and for those that prefer the highest quality options links to those items as well. There will be an upcoming page listing all the knitting items I personally carry and use daily, as well as links to purchase them.
1. Set of circular knititng needles - these can be just a simple needle. I would recommend a Chiaogoo Red Twist fixed circular or an Addi Rocket fixed circular in a 16" length that can be used for knitting hats and scarves. They have two needles and cable that connects them. Circular needles are versatile and can be used to knit complete projects after learning basic stitches either flat or joined in a circle. A nice circular needle to start will cost you about. I would suggest a size 7/4.5mm. I feel from my personal learning journey that if you skimp on your first circular needle set you will find out that dull tips will make it harder to insert into your stitches. A rougher texture will not allow the yarn to slide into place. and you will struggle with a stiff cable. A good quality circular set can be bought for around $15.
2. Yarn - Pick a worsted weight yarn. I find that picking a wool or wool blend is a good yarn to learn with. The diameter of the yarn is easy to see the stitches. Using wool will give you a nice feel on the needles and flow smoothly and provide stretch so that your needles can enter even if you have used a high tension. $15-35 per skein. A skein is a length of yarn coilled like an extension cord and then twisted tightly. When you undo a skein, you can wind a ball of yarn to knit from. one of the most user friendly beginners yarns is Cascade 220 To learn a lighter color yarn such as grey or tan/camel will allow better viewing of the stitches. the two choices below are excellent for learning.
Optional items:
3. Scissors - Any scissors will work. if you want to purchase a set specifically for this look at a small set of quality scissors to make perfect cuts for finishing. A good set of scissors will last a life time. you can buy a set of italian made Gingher embroidery scissors for $20-30. The set below are the first pair I purchased and fit a mans hands better than most embroidery sets. the embroidery set listed after is great it is smaller but has the room for mens fingers.
4. Bulb safety pins or stitch markers - You only need 5-10. I prefer silver as it stands out against the color of fabric. and they can be removed easily as opposed to the fixed plastic markers. The build safety pins are also small gauge wire and eliminate problems where a thicker gauge marker could cause a gap in your knitting because of spreading between the stitches.
5. A sewing tape measure - any cloth measuring tape will work to take a measurement of your head circumfernece, foot, hand so that you can make your first knit project.I humbley suggest a hat as they require minimal knowledge of stitches. You will use only a cast on, Knit stitch , and k2tg (knit two togehter) to decrease the circumference and finish the hat. $4.00. I prefer black as it is a more gender neutral option for male knitters. White is also a great option
You can start knitting only spending $27 for yarn and a set of needles. The optional items will be needed for your first real project after learning 5 basic skills.
As you continue on your journey learning to knit you will find many more items to add, including a bag to hold it all. Over time you will accumulate many items for each project or technique you learn; stitch counters, stitch. holders, more needles in various lengths and sizes, yarn, Double point knitting needles, maybe an interchangeable Circular needle set, darning or wool needles to finish your projects, crochet hooks to fix dropped stitches, Project bags, a small bag to hold stitch markers, scissors, maybe a neck light to illuminate stitches more easily, reference books,cabling neeles, a needle gauge, buttons, zippers. but remember none of this is required to start the journey and you can add to your supplies as you continue to learn.
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