Knitting Patterns
Knitting isn't just for mothers and grandmothers anymore. Now it’s a fun, creative hobby for anyone. Athletes, celebrities, college students, even school age kids are taking up this enjoyable craft. Part of the reason for this is that it's so easy to get started. All you need are yarn, knitting needles, a pattern and a good book on learning how to knit (see the book featured at the top of this page for our recommendation). Let's talk about patterns.Your knitting pattern is your "roadmap" telling you how to create what you will be your finished item. When you are just starting out, it's best to choose a simple pattern that can be created fairly easily. This is so that you a) won't get frustrated when you make a mistake (and you will make some), and b) you'll be able to produce a finished item relatively quickly, giving you incentive to start another one! Look for a pattern that just involves the basic knitting stitch. No need to get fancy at this early stage.
There is a specific way to read the patterns. First, look for the skill level required. The pattern will tell you how difficult it will be to make. These are usually classified into beginner, intermediate or advanced patterns. Although you may be tempted to start with an intermediate pattern, We strongly recommend that you save that for your second or third project. Consider your first pattern as your "learning" project. It probably won't be perfect, but you'll learn a lot and have a better idea when it is finished whether you are ready for a more advanced pattern.
For the beginner level patterns you will see things like different types of scarves or shawls, hats, or even some easy sweaters. A piece of clothing like a sweater can be easy to make in terms of the stitching skills required, but there are obviously a lot more stitches so it will take a lot longer to finish. Other beginner patterns include handbags or mats. For medium or intermediate levels you can also make scarves, shawls, sweaters and hats, but they will require more complex stitching skills. At the advanced level, the sky is the limit. Fancy stitches, multiple colors and different types of yarns will let you make beautiful items that anyone would be happy to have as a Christmas gift!If you are an absolute beginner learning from a "How To" book, just start knitting without any
particular pattern in mind. This will let you make mistakes and learn as you go and it will also free you up to go through the lessons in the book without having to start from scratch each time.
Just start the next lesson on your "training project". You can start by knitting with a combination of the two basic stitches, knit and purl. You could knit a nice pashmina style stole with just about three hundred stitches.Whatever you decide on for your first project, try to keep it simple and enjoyable. Remember, you're learning a new craft that you can enjoy for a lifetime. There's no rush. If you put in a little practice every day just imagine where you'll be at the end of a year. Enjoy your new hobby!
