Mnemosyne Posted November 26, 2013 Share Posted November 26, 2013 Hey all, I'm really interested in picking up knitting and/or crochetting. Does anyone have any good resources for a very very very new beginner to learn the basics? I'm coming from the spot of not even knowing the difference between the two... so I have a lot to learn. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenn- Posted November 26, 2013 Share Posted November 26, 2013 I would choose crocheting because it is much easier to fix mistakes on. Youtube is your friend, but this website has a ton of easy videos as well. You will need to go as far back into her previous post to get to the beginning steps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyandbob Posted November 26, 2013 Share Posted November 26, 2013 youtube is the best. A friend introduced me to knitting basic stitches one evening. Whenever I need a review I look up a video. I decided to try crochet. I thought I'd make simple ornaments. Who knows if I'll get any ornaments done, but I got some yarn and a hook and found what I wanted on youtube and started. I was going to get back to the next step of the project last night, but my internet was down for over 12 hours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lavender's green Posted November 26, 2013 Share Posted November 26, 2013 I taught myself how to crochet this year! I'm at an intermediate-advanced level now. I started with this: http://www.marthastewart.com/266676/how-to-crochet because I prefer written instructions and illustrations, but I supplemented it with youtube videos when needed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenn- Posted November 26, 2013 Share Posted November 26, 2013 Oh, I will say if you are going to do crochet, you will probably find different hooks are better. I personally love the Susan Bates brand and cannot for the life of me use the Boye brand without trying to rip my hair out. This is a good starter set of the Susan Bates. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murphy101 Posted November 26, 2013 Share Posted November 26, 2013 Revelry website is great. TONS of stuff and people to ask for help. I also took a class at a local yarn store. NOT a craft store, an actual yarn store. I took it for fun mostly and to learn to knit. I also took crochet to learn with my daughter and to better my skill. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Occasionally Posted November 26, 2013 Share Posted November 26, 2013 You might want to browse a little on Ravelry to see what types of projects you'd be most interested in making. Then you could decide which of the two crafts you'd rather take up. If it's knitting, I found the videos at knittinghelp.com to be just what I needed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Okra Posted November 26, 2013 Share Posted November 26, 2013 You tube is best. You can stop and rewind all the time and actually see someone doing it. Very Pink Knits you tube channel is GREAT for learning how to knit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redsquirrel Posted November 27, 2013 Share Posted November 27, 2013 I say get thee to a yarn store and sign up for a beginner class. They might have both crochet and knitting so you could pick. I love knitting classes. I am an experienced knitter and I still take classes. There is always something new to learn. But, there are usually regular classes that teach the very basics and you will not be expected to know a single thing. Really, consider it. Ask for knitting lessons for a christmas or birthday present! Once you knit or crochet people will always know what to get you for a gift (a gift certificate to the yarn store!) And taking a class is, I think, a better way to learn because you will have some dedicated time. You can't put it off until tomorrow etc. With a class you have to work on the skill because you want to go back next time with some work accomplished. And many yarn stores have drop in times when you can go with questions or bring your project and sit and knit or crochet and meet other people. It is really fun! And don't feel like if you buy your yarn at, say, a craft store that you can't go to the yarn store for help. They are very nice and just want you to be successful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amo_mea_filiis. Posted November 27, 2013 Share Posted November 27, 2013 Dd and I both crochet and use a knitting loom (when my wrists aren't hurting!). I've tried knitting. For me, crochet was much easier to learn. I learned with youtube videos. I learned knitting in a class. I learned the knitting loom with youtube. Get a pack of crochet hooks, knitting needles, or a knitting loom, a skein of yarn (big, cheap, light colored) and cuddle up with some youtube. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Live2Ride Posted November 27, 2013 Share Posted November 27, 2013 Hey all, I'm really interested in picking up knitting and/or crochetting. Does anyone have any good resources for a very very very new beginner to learn the basics? I'm coming from the spot of not even knowing the difference between the two... so I have a lot to learn. :) Beth in TX on You tube has great crochet videos. The camera is set up behind over her shoulder making it easy to see what is going on. I taught myself through her and a few others on youtube. Knitting...I'm no help there, lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kbutton Posted November 27, 2013 Share Posted November 27, 2013 Once you get the basics down, the knitting reference by Margaret Radcliffe is excellent. Crocheting is easier. Knitting is more fun (imo) and provides endless new skills and techniques to learn. I think knitting is also easier on the hands. It took me three tries to learn how to knit because no one really knew how to get me to knit more loosely--Margaret Radcliffe's book has information this and bunches of other stuff. I would also encourage you to find someone IRL who will cast on for you and make an inch or two of nice even stitches. Then, knit more onto what's already there. It's so much easier to see distinguish what you are doing right from mistakes, holding the work in your hands, getting tension right, etc. I also recommend starting with some wool yarn that isn't too fuzzy. It's a little costlier, but you can use it to practice all kinds of new stuff. Use medium sized needles and at least worsted weight yarn. If you can find really short needles (like 7 inches or so), that's a great size to use to learn on. If you can't, you can get some rubber point protectors and stick them onto a set of double-pointed-needles that length to make them into regular needles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mnemosyne Posted November 27, 2013 Author Share Posted November 27, 2013 Thank you all, you gave me some great resources to look at! I think I'm more interested in knitting at this point, I'll budget for the basics in the next couple months and let you all know how I'm doing. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizzie in Ma Posted November 28, 2013 Share Posted November 28, 2013 When I wanted to relearn knitting, I bought this book, it was very helpful. Youtube has been fantastic to learn or relearn stitches and techniques I've forgotten or need to learn. I always start people out on these knitted dishcloths. and from there into circular knitting. I hope you have a wonderful time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MomtoCandJ Posted November 28, 2013 Share Posted November 28, 2013 I crochet, I'm not coordinated enough to knit :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soufflegirl Posted November 28, 2013 Share Posted November 28, 2013 Not sure if you're a lefty or not, but if you are, make sure you include that in your YouTube video search. A lot of videos are for righties unless is specifically says otherwise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mnemosyne Posted November 28, 2013 Author Share Posted November 28, 2013 Not sure if you're a lefty or not, but if you are, make sure you include that in your YouTube video search. A lot of videos are for righties unless is specifically says otherwise. I am! Thanks, wouldn't have thought of that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommaduck Posted November 28, 2013 Share Posted November 28, 2013 http://www.knittinghelp.com/ This site helped get me started. I'm left handed and learning to knit helped make learning to crochet much easier. I tried crocheting for twenty years and once I had the knitting down, crochet videos went easily. I can now do both. As a lefty, I hold my yarn differently also and "throw" the yarn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redsquirrel Posted November 28, 2013 Share Posted November 28, 2013 Knitting doesn't change if you are right or left. The yarn moves from left to right. I have heard that crochet does change depending on handedness though. I have taught both my boys to knit and one is a lefty. The process is the same for both. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kbutton Posted November 28, 2013 Share Posted November 28, 2013 I've heard that some left-handers prefer "continental" style knitting--they hold the yarn in the left hand. There are other advantages to learning continental knitting--if you like to change colors in your knitting styles, knowing how to hold the yard in either hand allows you to hold a color in each hand as you knit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soufflegirl Posted November 29, 2013 Share Posted November 29, 2013 I think you can technically do left handed mirror knitting, you just run into trouble when trying to follow a written pattern. I don't know from personal experience, though - I knit righty but crochet lefty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppy Posted November 29, 2013 Share Posted November 29, 2013 Can anyone recommend a beginners crocheting book for left handed people? It doesn't have to be all made for left handers, just one that keeps them in mind. I was all set to buy the Happy Hooker until a review says she doesn't give instructions for lefties at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momtoamiracle Posted November 29, 2013 Share Posted November 29, 2013 I prefer crocheting. I began this year. YouTube was best for me cause I could stop and rewind. After I did a coup,e of videos and found some very simple patterns online, I'm now able to read the patterns. I haven't learned all the stitches yet, but I am enjoying it soo much. Enjoy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppy Posted November 29, 2013 Share Posted November 29, 2013 Update to my own question about crochet books for lefties- in case someone else will benefit - 'Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Crochet' shows illustrations for left and right hands for every stitch. Got the rec from Ravelry, where there is a whole group devoted to left handed knitters/crocheters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Georgiana Daniels Posted November 29, 2013 Share Posted November 29, 2013 Youtube really is awesome for learning. That's how I learned about 4-5 months ago, and now I've moved beyond scarves to hats, socks, dog sweater, etc. If you decide to pick up knitting before crochet, I highly recommend learning Continental style for the sake of speed :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1pageatatime Posted December 8, 2013 Share Posted December 8, 2013 Becky in TX on You tube has great crochet videos. The camera is set up behind over her shoulder making it easy to see what is going on. I taught myself through her and a few others on youtube. Knitting...I'm no help there, lol. sorry to hijack... did you mean beth in tx? i'm not finding becky in tx on youtube. thx! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KrissiK Posted December 8, 2013 Share Posted December 8, 2013 I love to crochet. I found this website www.classycrochet.wordpress.com and have been making the diamond lattice infinity scarf. Basically, if you can master the chain stitch and count to five you can make a pretty scarf, esp. if you use nice yarn. I made a scarf last night during a football game. I'm going to make these for Christmas presents. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mytwomonkeys Posted December 8, 2013 Share Posted December 8, 2013 NM I just saw that you are interested in knitting more than crocheting :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Live2Ride Posted December 9, 2013 Share Posted December 9, 2013 sorry to hijack... did you mean beth in tx? i'm not finding becky in tx on youtube. thx! Yes, Sorry! Typing too fast and no proofreading. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SadieMarie Posted December 9, 2013 Share Posted December 9, 2013 I do both and I found crocheting easier to learn. I think it sets you up nicely for the continental method for knitting too. But if knitting is what you want to do I would take a class or get a friend to teach you. I would suggest starting with chunky yarn and wooden needles. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommy22alyns Posted December 9, 2013 Share Posted December 9, 2013 This is my go-to tutorial for crocheting. http://www.nexstitch.com/Tutorials.html I took a class for knitting and supplemented with KnittingHelp videos. I taught myself crochet. I'm better at the knitting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1pageatatime Posted December 9, 2013 Share Posted December 9, 2013 thanks! not the OP, here, but i'm wanting to learn how to crochet. beth in tx does have really good videos! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaxMom Posted December 9, 2013 Share Posted December 9, 2013 I'm surprised that so many people find crocheting easier! I taught myself to knit using knittinghelp.com and Youtube videos and now I'm pretty good at it - able to knit socks, little stuffed animals, etc. I've tried to do crochet, but I end up getting so confused I give up. I think these are the videos I used to get started knitting. They are for teens but I thought they explained things really well. :) You're not alone. I've knit for 35 years and can't figure out what to do with that one hook to save my life. I both pick and throw, too, depending mood and project. Maybe I have some weird mental crochet block. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murphy101 Posted December 9, 2013 Share Posted December 9, 2013 My go to book for crochet is Basic Crochet Stitches, 250 stitches to crochet By Erika Knight From interweave press It has step by step color photos of exactly how to make every stitch and what it should look like when done. I think crochet is much easier than knitting, but I'm just learning to knit and like it too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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