Are you new to knitting or do you want to take it up, but you’re not sure where to start? Here are three steps to help you get past the ‘blank page’ effect and choose your first (or next) knitting project.
1. Choose a design you love
Yes, it needs to be a beginner knitter or learn to knit level pattern, but there are lots of great ones out there. Search around a little, and let your imagination inspire you. Choose firstly based on a design you love, and then secondly for what skills you’ll learn. You’re so much more likely to finish a knitting project and learn along the way if you’re working on a garment or accessory that excites you and that you can imagine wearing.
2. Plan to learn 1 – 2 skills per project
In other words, set reasonable goals. Absolutely plan to learn with each project, but don’t expect to become an expert in a range of techniques overnight. Instead, plan to build your skillset progressively. Once you’ve found a few beginner knitting patterns you love, look for one that focuses on a couple of skills you want to develop. If you’re just getting started with knitting, these might be as simple as the knit and purl stitches. There are great, interesting, and unique patterns you can create with just these two stitches. If you’ve mastered knit and purl, consider a pattern that teaches one or two types of increase or decreases stitches. Planning on a manageable amount of learning for each project will help make sure your knitting stays engaging enough to be fun, but not so challenging that it becomes overwhelming or begins to feel like work.
3. Find a community
This is a big one. Learning something new is so much more fun when you have people to share in it. Whether this is taking up knitting with one of your friends or joining a group of beginner knitters new to you, find people to share with as you learn your new skills. A knitting community also offers great support if you get stuck on anything along the way. You’ll have people to ask for help, to share successes, and to commiserate over the inevitable occasional frustrating moments. There are lots of ways to connect with other knitters. One great option is joining a KAL (Knit Along) group, where everyone works on the same pattern and can share their progress with the group.
If you’re ready to get started with knitting, start perusing patterns, and remember to let your heart lead the way!
Check out our Knit Collections or try our unique Knitting Patterns and Knit Kits on your own!