Knitting Cotton
So You Want to Learn to Knit?
So have you caught the knitting bug? Have you learned the basic stitches and are now wondering what to do? With a little practice and tips from experienced knitters, you can be creating awesome creations in no time.
Once you learn three basic techniques you will find that there are numerous projects you can learn to knit. The three basic foundations of knitting are casting on, the knit stitch and the purl stitch. Once you master these three techniques you can begin to add more advanced knitting skills.
You can learn the basic stitches from other knitters, online or from a book. You can truly only become a functional knitter from practicing as much as possible.
Starting out you will want to use medium gauge wool yarn which is the easiest yarn to start out with. It may not be the prettiest, flashiest novelty yarn, but it’s the easiest yarn to learn how to knit with. You do not want to use cotton since it has no give in it. Wool has just a bit of stretch so it is much easier to learn with.
Your local yarn shop is a great place for both beginners and veteran knitters. It is an excellent place to have your questions answered when you begin to choose your yarns and patterns.
Knitting has always been a social hobby. Similar to scrap booking where women meet to work on their scrap booking in gatherings called “crops”, knitters have sessions called “stitch and bitch”. Women bring their projects, knit together and chat.
These knitting groups are a great place to learn to knit from experienced knitters. They can give you advice and show you hands on skills. Advanced knitters are also able to improve their skills by watching the talents of others who can share various techniques.
Lessons are a great way to learn basic knitting skills. It is usually worth the money to have someone teach the knit and purl stitches. The local shop usually offers individual or group beginning knitter classes. It will take you just one or two classes before you feel confident enough to attempt an easy project. Of course, outside of class you will want to practice as much as possible.
When you start to knit you will not really begin with a project. Most likely you will learn by knitting a swatch about 2 feet long just for practice. Once you can complete that you will rip it all out, roll it up and start all over again. It is not necessarily fun but you will begin to feel comfortable with the knit and purl stitches. You should not start a real project until you can successfully knit the swatch with no dropped stitches or gaping holes.
The easiest first project is a scarf. It is simple and you really do not have to worry too much about gauge. It is the best project to begin with to practice your skill. If it is summer and a scarf does not sound too appealing, try a decorative scarf in a lightweight cotton yarn that can be used in place of a necklace, or used as a belt.
Knitting is a really fun hobby. You will find it relaxing and enjoyable. You will love all the colors and textures of fibers available. You will love to make things and give them as gifts. Knitting is a great hobby for all seasons and all ages.
About the Author
Kelli is the owner of Monetina Creations, an online store showcasing her hand-made knitted creations. You can see her unique knitted purses at http://monetinacreations.com.
How to Knit with Cotton, from Knitting Daily TV Epsiode 608, Sponsored by Tahki Stacy Charles
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Toockies Multi-purpose Scrub Cloths, Organic Cotton, Hand knit, Dish Cloth Pattern, 3-Pack $10.99 Help the environment and empower poor women from Calcutta, India with Toockies organic cotton hand knit dish cloths. This three pack of hand knit dish cloths is suitable to clean anything from the kitchen to your car. Each dish cloth is handmade of 100% organic cotton and is soft enough to clean a baby’s face, yet tough enough for a dirty pan…. |
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Toockies Multi-purpose Scrub Cloths, Organic Cotton, Hand knit, Dish Cloth Pattern, 6-Pack $19.99 Toockies Dish Clothes are socially responsible, and a part of American tradition that dates back to the early settlers. These special dishcloths are great for cleaning everything from Children to Cars. They’re great for use in the class room too!! When they’re dirty, simply throw them in the wash, and reuse. Not only does the 100% cotton make these clothes more absorbent than the traditional cloth… |
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Bobbin Lace: Video Workshop [VHS] This course covers the traditional art of bobbin lacemaking. You will learn about tools and equipment, and how to read and make a pattern. The lace may be made in a wide range of sizes and threads to pleasre the individual lacemaker. Projects in this course are of graduated difficulty, and you will learn the basic twist and cross and many stitches including the whole new stitch, cloth stitch, half… |
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Kroo Soxx Sleeve for Netbooks up to 10 inches (ND10SX02 ,Gray) $7.38 You won’t regret your purchase!!!… |
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HP mini 1000 XP, HP mini 1000 mobile broadband, HP mini 1035NR, HP mini 1099E… $19.95 You won’t regret your purchase!!!… |
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MSI Wind U100 / U120, Samsung NC10 & Sylvania Magni Elite Edition Netbook PC PINK BROWN Soft SOXX SLEEVE Cover Carrying Bag $9.99 … |
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Harrisville Designs a-Lotta Loops – Makes 8 Potholders $14.96 Lotta Loops Replacement Set contains enough cotton loops to create 8 additional potholders. Made in the USA…. |
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Harrisville Designs Potholder $12.54 Do you remember making potholders when you were a kid? It’s as much fun as ever with this classic craft kit. In addition to a sturdy, 7-square-inch metal loom, the kit includes simple instructions, a plastic hook, and enough cotton loops to make three to four potholders. (You also get a form for ordering additional loops.) Children learn basic weaving skills while building hand-eye coordination a… |
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Harrisville Designs Potholder Deluxe $14.75 Potholders are the perfect craft for anyone, young or old, who loves to make things. Make six potholders from the illustrated instructions that include tons of ideas, or just make a creation all your own. The Potholder Deluxe includes a seven-by-seven-inch metal loom; three bags of custom-sized, multicolored 100% cotton loops; two hooks (one metal for loop weaving and one plastic for finishing.) Y… |
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Cable Knit Cotton 8 ft x 10 ft Braided Rug $144.49 Cable Knit Cotton 8 ft x 10 ft Braided Rug |
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Livs Women’s Knit Cotton Boots $41.49 Women’s knit boots are sure to keep your feet warm on those chilly daysWomen’s footwear sports a comfortable build that is matched only by its sumptuous feelBoots include a carrying bag for easy transport |
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Piccolo Bambino Pink Knitted Cotton Checker Blanket $24.85 Piccolo Bambino’s super-soft, 100-percent cotton knit blanket features a mosaic of checkered knit stitches and is at home in any nursery. Measures 30 inches x 36 inches. |
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LA Baby Fitted Compact Crib Sheet $18.49 Your baby will have a cozy night’s sleep on this adorable LA Baby compact crib sheet. Knitted cotton makes a breathable and sturdy sheet that is easy to clean. |
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Tags: crafts, knitting, knitting cotton, knitting cotton dishcloths, knitting cotton patterns, knitting cotton socks, knitting cotton yarn, patterns, shopping, yarn
This entry was posted on Saturday, November 13th, 2010 at 2:54 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.