Sunday Knitting Blog

Knitting blog – getting started

The easiest projects to start with are a scaft or hat; the result will come in handy when it’s cold outside. But shopping in a yarn or craft store with so many different yarns in different colors could be overwhelming.
Learning to knit is easier than ever. There are tutorials on YouTube, lessons on Ravelry and Craftsy and your local yarn shop will offer knitting classes too.
One of my favorite yarns is Cascade. It’s made from 100% Peruvian wool and comes in a medium 220 weight and an extra chunky yarn. One skein will be enough for many projects. The store will wind the oblong coil shape of the skein into a ball for you.
Blended wools like Plymouth Encore are inexpensive and great to use when you’re still learning. The acrylic-wool blend is soft and washable.

Best knitting needles for beginners

Bamboo or wooden needles like Clover Takumi 9-Inch Single Point aren’t as slippery as metal or carbon needles. Size ten needles let you produce items quickly.
After a few projects, you can graduate to circular, double pointed, and cable needles.

Best knitting accessories for beginners

To confirm the size of needles, a plastic card, called a needle gauge, is great to have. You might as well get one shaped like a fuzzy sheep.
A little scissor that’s sharp is important for cutting your yarn. Embroidery scissors work well.

To finish your scarf, hat or neck warmer, you’ll have to weave in the dangling ends of the yarn. A tapestry needle or plastic yarn needle is useful.

Other notions that are useful include a crochet hook, stitch markers, and highlighter tapes. You’ll also want books and a bag to hold your project.

If you start now, you should have a number of items to give as gifts next December, and maybe something for yourself.

Wishing you all a Wonderful Holiday Season and a Happy New Year.