Knitters/crocheters

Anysunrise

I want to learn how to knit and crochet. I'm heading up to the crafts store tonight to pick up some stuff  to get started, but I'm not sure what to get. What items would you suggest (basic needle sizes, random doodads, etc), and do you have any good links for tutorials online? TIA.

dmiller9274

following on the "I'm not a grown up"...I read this as crotch eaters

Anysunrise

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_knitterscrocheters?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:026b3ada-8c4c-43fc-9f72-a9618d4bc3efPost:6ecf46a9-4f98-4b92-a41f-7c149a0e70cb">Re: Knitters/crocheters</a>:
[QUOTE]following on the "I'm not a grown up"...I read this as crotch eaters
Posted by dmiller9274[/QUOTE]

And that's all I'm ever going to associate the word "crochet" with, thanks Dmill :P

paprika28

I'd say a K sized hook for crochet should be pretty good- it all depends on what you're going to make. I've always sucked at it. I'm better at knitting, but I can't find my needles anywhere to tell you the size. This one is a good link for help with knitting --> Clicky

AllAboutTheBenjamin

I knit (scarves mostly).  I like thicker knitting needles - not OVERLY huge, but a little bigger.  They knit a little looser and are easier to hold.

KatyRoseM

getting a basic book of knitting patterns would be a good idea.  I would also look on youtube for a video tutorial.

Steph0871

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_knitterscrocheters?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:026b3ada-8c4c-43fc-9f72-a9618d4bc3efPost:654aff2a-d8a7-42a7-b58f-ef25f74cdc66">Re: Knitters/crocheters</a>:
[QUOTE]I knit (scarves mostly).  I like thicker knitting needles - not OVERLY huge, but a little bigger.  <strong>They knit a little looser and are easier to hold.</strong>
Posted by AllAboutTheBenjamin[/QUOTE]

<div>.... and you can finish a scarf way more quickly!</div>

missy68

For crochet, I'd get a pack of needles - they usually come in the most popular sizes you need. It will always depend on the weight of the thread and the size of the project, etc (for instance, baby weight yarn takes a smaller needle than a bulky wool yarn).

If you don't have one, they should have a good instruction book, and I'd start with a scarf and then go on to afghans. There's a plan for mittens online, and they're fun to make; if Max would quit stealing them, I could wear them.

Resources:
http://www.bernat.com/pattern.php?PID=4632&cps=21191
http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/winter.html#MITTENS

AllAboutTheBenjamin

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_knitterscrocheters?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:026b3ada-8c4c-43fc-9f72-a9618d4bc3efPost:b912cd0d-bb1e-4fb3-a1ed-61ac7edbb5f3">Re: Knitters/crocheters</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Knitters/crocheters : .... and you can finish a scarf way more quickly!
Posted by Steph0871[/QUOTE]

Yes!  It goes way faster!

marriedfilingjointly

I got a "Learn to Knit" kit by Susan Bates from Hancock Fabrics for $20.  It came with two sets of knitting needles, a guage, the tools for knitting in a circle (gloves, hats, etc) and some other crap.  Plus an instruction book and a book of patterns.  It was pretty easy to follow.

I learned to crochet from a book by the same author back when I was a wee lass.  The pictures in these books are hilarious (think ugly Christmas sweater parties) but the instructions are great.  Once you master the techniques, you can download patterns for free on Better Homes and Gardens website.

I don't know the hook names because I suck, but I like crocheting much better than I like knitting.  It seems to go faster.  Both are fun, though.

Anysunrise

Thanks guys. I'm hoping they'll sell starter kits or something similar at the store, but if they don't, I'm writing this down

Bubbalub

I knit a ton. I would suggest starting with size 8 needles. Here is a link to Knitpicks.com where they have some video tutorials you can watch:

http://www.knitpicks.com/tutorials/Beginner_Tutorials__L1001.html

I wish we lived closer and I would teach you how! I taught my sister a couple years ago.

Anysunrise

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_knitterscrocheters?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:026b3ada-8c4c-43fc-9f72-a9618d4bc3efPost:b6ee88d3-aed4-4b0a-84fa-cb221b03a53f">Re: Knitters/crocheters</a>:
[QUOTE]I knit a ton. I would suggest starting with size 8 needles. Here is a link to Knitpicks.com where they have some video tutorials you can watch: <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/tutorials/Beginner_Tutorials__L1001.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.knitpicks.com/tutorials/Beginner_Tutorials__L1001.html</a> I wish we lived closer and I would teach you how! I taught my sister a couple years ago. :)
Posted by Bubbalub[/QUOTE]

I was actually just thinking about posting this on E after I saw your Christmas wish list :D

Anysunrise

Wow, I totally missed half these posts before, thanks guys!

raynes

The Stitch'n'Bitch books are also really great.  I usually still refer back to mine for random things one doesn't have to do too often.

Another good starter project is washcloths!

Kristin789

You should take the Learning to Crochet class at your local Michael's or JoAnn's.  It's much easier to learn with an actual teacher than trying to learn it yourself from a book.

Anysunrise

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_knitterscrocheters?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:026b3ada-8c4c-43fc-9f72-a9618d4bc3efPost:912edec7-7d89-41e7-b5a7-c39e8495116e">Re: Knitters/crocheters</a>:
[QUOTE]You should take the Learning to Crochet class at your local Michael's or JoAnn's.  It's much easier to learn with an actual teacher than trying to learn it yourself from a book.
Posted by Kristin789[/QUOTE]

The closest Michael's is an hour and a half away :(

katiewhompus

I'll teach you! I wonder if it would be at all effective to set up skype or if it would just be confusing.

I just crochet, so my advice will go there
Ditto everyone else. I generally use a I, J, or K hook for my projects. I've also found that the hooks hat are rounded on the edge verses flat are easier for me to use (let me look for a picture because I realize that makes no sense).

I definitely second Kat Eyes about not using fancy yarn. The fuzzy yarn/pom pom yarns are fun but I still struggle a lot with them and would not wish them upon a beginner.

BecW2be

This thread makes me want to crochet. I want to make an infinity scarf!

SCBojangles1138

So if I can sort of thread jack...FI wants a crocheted beanie (he calls them bogans?). Is it a bad idea to try one for xmas if I've never crocheted before?

Anysunrise

Success! I have managed to knit two full lines =D Not too hard once I figured out what the instructions were saying, lol.