Before you go getting obsessed with knitting, here are some rules and some basic information for you to keep in mind. Please note, if you ever need me to explain something I’ve written, or don’t know how to do something, please write a comment in the blog stream, or email me so this blog is always helpful and clear.
* Knitting takes a lot of practice and it is time consuming. So get used to it. After a while, some projects will take no use of your brain at all, but some others will take some concentration.
* It is best to read the entire pattern all the way through before starting. That way there are no surprises at the end. Know what the abbreviations and follow them exactly. The pattern will always tell you when to change stitches, needles, yarn, etc. (I’ve tried to include extra instructions of methods that are mentioned in patterns for those who are beginners. I will also try to link a website or YouTube video if I feel my explanation will not suffice.)
* Always always always always finish a row before putting your work down. If you absolutely must put it down and resume your work then always make sure that your yarn is coming from the correct direction i.e. the ball of yarn is always on the right hand needle.
* I knew I would be messy and sloppy on my first project so I didn’t try anything too difficult. I tried to make something that could easily hide my mistakes. Some classes recommend you make a scarf, but after making some “swatches” I wanted to make something I hadn’t made before. A beanie like my grandma makes every year for the family. See my blog about my first project (a beanie). It will also teach you more about knitting to apply to other projects.
* Yarn is expensive. Needles are average in price. My suggestion is to only buy the few necessary needles you will need for A LOT of projects. Don’t just buy needles if you don’t know what they are for. Secondly, I suggest buying cheap yarn whenever you see it. Believe me. That means Wal-Mart, Target, Dollar Tree, Big Lots, etc. or else you will be very surprised at how expensive yarn is at your local yarn or fabric store. It takes close to one whole ball of yarn to create one piece. Obviously for large pieces it takes more.
* Go to a knitting class or find an expert to show you when you get stuck. I found a store where they offer classes for free when you buy something and also have a rewards program for all the purchases you will be making over time. It’s called Chics with Sticks in Santa Cruz, CA.
* Flashcards are a great help. Copy down your pattern or a special stitch so you can always remember it and carry it around with ease!
* Carrying your projects can be difficult if not wrapped up securely and placed in a proper bag to prevent it from coming undone or knotted. You can even knit a large knitting bag! I use one that my great-grandmother made and used.
* You need a crochet hook. A small one: size E is what I have. It will save your life! I have a great manual for how to fix dropped stitches. It happens, it will happen to you but don’t worry you can fix it.
* A big fat sewing needle just for yarn. It’s also called a blunt darning needle. You will need it to join two pieces of knitting or to make a seam for some items.
* Stitch markers help a lot when you have a lot of stitches, or when knitting in a circular round. Small key rings or small paper clips, they even sell packets of special markers at the knitting store and they’re super cute charms for your needles.
* Sometimes it’s just better to rip out your knitting and start over. If you do, don’t be upset because starting over and doing it the second time makes it come out a lot nicer. If you are really far along in your project and found a big mistake you can’t fix then go to an expert before you make it completely unfixable. Sometimes you can alter the pattern to make it work and no one will know except you.
* Once you get to the intermediate or advanced levels you can start having a couple knitting projects going at the same time. I always have an easy one and a hard one so when I don’t need to focus I can work on the easy project.
