Tips for Learning How to Knit or Crochet
Use a needle or hook size that is not too small or too large.
Sizes that are too small or too large will be hard to manipulate, and will give you just one more thing to worry about when you’re trying to learn how to make stitches. For now, try to stay with needles in the size 8-10 range, or hooks size F to H. They’ll work best with the yarn you should be using at this point, anyway.
Use a medium-weight, solid-colored plain yarn.
In the United States, this yarn is called “worsted weight.” In other countries it may have a different name, like “double knitting.” If you have any doubts about whether the yarn will work for you, check the label; most yarn labels now have a recommended needle or hook size. All you have to do is match the size(s) recommended above.
Also, look for solid color yarn. If the yarn is variegated, you’ll have a lot of trouble seeing the individual stitches, and it will be very hard to tell if you’ve accidentally added (increased) or taken off (decreased) stitches. The yarn needs to be plain, too; fancy yarn (for example, some of the “furry” yarn so popular now) is not only hard to see, but it’s difficult to handle, and almost impossible to rip out if you make a mistake. Even if you’ve fallen in love with a yarn like this, don’t use it when you’re learning; save it for later, when you’re past the “beginner” stage.
This does not mean that your “learning” yarn has to be boring. Plain worsted-weight yarn comes in many different colors, so pick a color you like. (It may be a good idea to stay away from black or a really dark blue right now, though.)
It’s also a good idea to use inexpensive yarn at this stage, so you won’t feel seriously guilty if you mess it up! Fortunately, the type of yarn recommended here-plain worsted weight-is about the cheapest yarn you can buy.
Start with an actual project.
Unless you really need extra learning time, try to make a usable item. If you don’t do this, you may find yourself with lots of little pieces of knitting or crochet that you can’t do anything with. And you may feel like you’ve wasted your time.
But, you may be asking, what kind of project can a beginner make?
Make rectangular shapes only.
When you’re first learning how to knit or crochet, it will be hard enough keeping your edges straight; you’ll find yourself having to count stitches frequently to make sure you have the right number. So at this stage, you don’t need to be trying to make something that needs to be “shaped”-in other words, a three-dimensional item like a sock.
Instead, start with a simple rectangle, like a scarf. It doesn’t have to be very wide; many of the scarves in style today are actually quite narrow. And if you don’t make it too wide, your scarf can also be used as a belt.
If you don’t want to something that long, but have no problem with making your rectangle a bit wider, you can always make a hat. You just need to sew the edges together and maybe run a piece of yarn across the width near the top to draw it in a little.
And if you find you really like making rectangles, you can always make a drop-shoulder sweater-two equal-size rectangles for the front and back, and two narrower and longer ones for the sleeves. Then all you have to do is sew the seams.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. There are many more ways to use rectangles; check out some knitting or crochet (or even sewing) patterns, or look online.
If you have trouble keeping track of your stitches, use markers.
You can go out and buy special stitch markers if you like, but if you’re trying to save money-perhaps because you’re not sure you’re going to like this new hobby of yours!-use safety pins or paper clips. They’re easy to see, and most people keep some around the house anyway.
If you have a good idea, write it down.
Keep a notebook or pad of paper handy. When you solve a particularly vexing problem, or find an easier or faster way to do something, make a note of it. Not only will it help you remember what you’ve done, but you’ll also realize how much you’ve accomplished.
Learning anything new can be challenging. But if you start simply, take it one step at a time, and take notes, you’ll soon find that what you’re doing is getting easier and easier, and you’re taking on more difficult projects. You’ll be past the beginner stage-and on your way to being an expert!
