Start a Knitting Project

Starting a knitting project can be overwhelming. There are a variety of factors to consider when beginning a new craft. However, with some time and research you'll find yourself getting into a new project. Spend some time choosing a project that's right for you. From there, select the right supplies. Then, get started on your new work.

Steps

Choosing Your Project

1. Find Free Knitting Patterns If you want to start a knitting project, you should find patterns that work for you. There are hundreds of free knitting patterns available online. You can also purchase craft books that include knitting patterns from many stores or check them out from the library.
   • There are many bloggers who blog about knitting. You can try browsing websites like Tumblr and WordPress for knitting blogs. Many bloggers share their patterns.
   • If you have friends who knit, ask them for patterns. Most knitters are willing to share patterns with those interested in the craft.
2. Consider a simple project if you're starting out. If you haven't knitted much before, you may want to consider a simple projects. The following projects may be a good option if you're new to knitting:
   • Coffee cozies
   • Scarves
   • Baby boots
   • Shawls
   • Hats
3. Go for a more complex project if you have a wider skill set. If you've been knitting for years, you may be ready for a bigger project. Consider taking on something more complex, like a sweater. You could also look into typical projects, like hats or scarves, where you knit a certain design using your yarn.
   • Try knitting a sweater or a blanket. These are longterm projects, but if you've been knitting for awhile, the challenge can be fun.
   • Look into knitting designs. For example, you can knit shapes of animals, trees, and wildlife into a scarf, blanket, or shawl.
   • Look up more complex knitting patterns online. Try to find one that's doable for you.
4. Consider the purpose of your project. You may be knitting something fun for yourself. However, a homemade knitting project can be a fun gift for a birthday, wedding, holiday, or baby shower. There are also many charity organizations that may take knitting projects as donations. You can also look into selling your knitting projects. You can find a local craft fairs or look into selling online through websites like Etsy.
   • If you're knitting someone a gift, make sure the recipient likes to wear handmade clothing or accessories before committing to a project. You should also check what they need. For example, maybe this person does not have a lot of scarves or socks.
5. Consider joining a knitting circle. If you're worried about staying on track with a knitting project, consider joining a knitting circle in your area. You can find knitting circles through websites like MeetUp. You can also look for flyers at local craft stores, community centers, and art centers in your area. A knitting circle can be a fun way to connect with other knitters, find new projects, and keep yourself motivated as you knit.

Gathering Your Supplies

1. Read yarn labels carefully. When selecting yarn for your project, make sure you read labels carefully. You want to make sure you're getting high quality yarn that works for your specific project needs.
   • Watch the dye and color numbers. The dyes and colors used in yarn are assigned specific number. The dye number will usually be labeled "Lot no." and the color number will usually be labeled "Color no." If you need more yarn for a project than is found in a single ball of yarn, make sure you get the same color and the same dye. Even slight differences can become noticeable.
   • The yarn will also recommend what size knitting needles should be used with it. The pattern you're using usually recommends you use a specific size of of knitting needles. Make sure the yarn you choose is compatible with those size needles.
   • Pay attention to any advice regarding how to wash this type of yarn. Many types of yarn are not machine washable. You may also notice you cannot use bleach on certain types of yarn. Consider if and how you plan on washing your knitting project in the future. Make sure you choose a yarn that's easily washable if you're making something like a sweater, which will require frequent washing.
2. Choose the right sized needles. Refer to your knitting pattern when selecting needles. Choose the size recommended. Some patterns may require you switch between needle sizes throughout the project, so you may have to get several different pairs of needles.
   • If you're not using a specific pattern, keep in mind the larger needles make larger, looser stitches while smaller needles make firmer stitches. If you're knitting something like a scarf, you'll get done faster with a smaller needle. However, the stitches may be looser than you would like.
3. Look into straight, circular, and double-pointed needles. Depending your project, you'll need a different needle type. Traditional straight needles are used for most beginner projects. However, some projects require circular or double-pointed needles.
   • Straight needles have one pointed end. They're the needles people typically think of when thinking about knitting needles. Things like scarves, baby blankets, and shawls would require straight needles.
   • Circular needles are two needles with pointed ends joined in the middle with a cord, typically made of plastic. Circular needles are usually required for projects like sweaters, very large blankets, and horizontal scarves.
   • Double-pointed needles are needles with sharp points at both ends. They're typically used for projects like socks and baby hats.
4. Decide on the material of your needles. If you're buying new needles for this project, consider the material. Most needles are made of wood, plastic, or metal. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of needle. Take some time deciding on the right needle type for your project before selecting your needles.
   • Wood needles are the most often used in the knitting world, and the easiest on your hands. They're less susceptible to wear and tear. However, wood needles tend to be more expensive. If you're on a budget, consider a cheaper needle.
   • Metal needles are usually made from aluminum, brass, or nickel. They're more durable than other cheaper options, like plastic needles, but may hurt your hands after longterm use. If you're working with a thicker, rattier type of yarn, metal needles may be your best option as they make for a smoother knitting experience.
   • Plastic needles are generally considered the worst option, as they tend to be the least durable. However, if you're new to knitting, plastic needles may be a good choice. They are lightweight, causing less hand strain, and tend to be fairly inexpensive.

Beginning Your Project

1. Roll your yarn into a yarn ball. Usually, when yarn comes out of the package, it is not rolled into a ball. This can make it cumbersome to work with. Before beginning your project, roll your yarn into an easily manageable ball.
   • Take one end of the yarn and wrap it around your middle and index finger. This will be the base of your yarn ball.
   • Wrap the yarn in a few loops. Continue wrapping the yarn, changing directions with every few wraps. A ball will begin to form. Slide the yarn off of your fingers.
   • Continue wrapping until all the yarn is in a neat ball. This will be much easier to work with and transport.
2. Cast on. If you're new to knitting, you may not know how to cast on. Casting on means getting your yarn on the needle. Casting on is a fairly simple process, but can be tricky if you're new to knitting. Go slowly. You may have to do a few practice rounds before you cast on successfully.
   • How you cast on depends on your knitting project. There are different ways you can cast on, and it depends on the types of needles you're using and the project you're creating.
   • Refer to your specific pattern's instructions for information on how to cast on for that project.
3. Begin knitting. Follow the knitting pattern instructions and begin knitting. Make sure you refer to your pattern as you go. You may have to add or drop stitches throughout the project, and you may also have to change needle sizes at a certain point.
   • A project like a scarf may not require a specific pattern. You can simply knit until you feel like your scarf is long enough.
   • Make sure to count stitches with each new row of a project. You want to make sure you do not accidentally drop or add stitches.
4. Knit anywhere you can. Take your knitting everywhere. You'll be surprised how quickly your project comes together when you're knitting in your free time. If you take a train to work, bring your knitting with you. Take your knitting to school if you're a student and knit between classes. Knit during downtime at home. Knit while you're watching TV or waiting for dinner to cook.
5. Set goals. If you want to stay on track for a craft project, work on setting goals for yourself. You can decide that you want to finish certain aspects of the project by certain dates. Make notifications for yourself on your calendar, reminding yourself to get your project done in a timely fashion.
   • You can also set small daily goals. For example, you can strive to knit for an hour a night Mondays through Thursdays.
6. Don't get discouraged. Knitting can be somewhat discouraging, especially if you're a beginner. The process is slow and it can take a long time to finish a project. There may be times when you find yourself setting a project aside for a few weeks or months. Understand it's normal to get bored with knitting. As knitting is meant to be a fun hobby, don't be too hard on yourself. Allow yourself to work at your own pace and, eventually, you'll complete a project.

Related Articles

• Knit
• Knit the Purl Stitch
• Cast On
• Cast Off
• Choose Knitting Yarn
• Choose Knitting Needles
• Anchor Your Knitting Yarn

Sources and Citations

See also

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• Find Pretty Knitting Patterns
• Make a Knitted Heart Shaped Box
• Purl Front and Back
• Picot Cast Off
• Picot Cast on
• Knit the Rice Stitch
• Knit Ribbons
• Knit the Waffle Stitch
• Knit a Two Color Italian Cast on

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