Are you a crocheter that wants to learn how to knit? I am a crocheter at heart with a passion for adventure, and that’s how I ended up in the knitting aisle feeling all sorts of out of place. Learning to knit can be a painless – and inexpensive – endeavor! My sister, the knitting wizard of my family, has graciously provided this list of things you DO NOT need when learning to knit. Thankfully the list of things you DO need is a short one! š Find the short list of what you DO need at the bottom of this post.
Photo byĀ Kelly SikkemaĀ onĀ Unsplash
4 Things You DON’T Need When Learning to Knit
As I stood, dumbfounded and cross-eyed from staring at the knitting implements at the craft store, I found myself wondering if IĀ really needed the row counters. And what about those needle stoppers?! If I DO need them, what size?? Surely I can count my own rows… and I don’t THINK I’ll need to stop my needles. Or will I? What do they do exactly?
Thankfully my sister Meadow, a knitting pro, is just a phone call away! Since she was such a help to this concerned crocheter, I have asked her to write up a guest post spelling out all the things you DO NOT NEED when learning to knit. Thanks, Meadow!
1. Cable Needles
Cable needles (like these) are useless for all knitters. Cabling without a needle is a bit of an advanced-knitter skill, but cables themselves are too, so this accessory isnāt necessary when learningĀ to knit.
2. Counters
Counters, either tangible devices or apps, are useful. Advanced projects will require keeping track of your place in a pattern, the number of rows or stitches worked, etc., butĀ beginner projects should be straight-forward ones that can be easily counted and probably small in size. Pass on the counters until you’re ready for more complex projects.
I am a notebook and pen addict so I use the excuse of needing to keep trackĀ of my knitting to have a dedicated notebook (or 7) to do so. Iām old school in that I prefer penĀ and paper to digital formats for most things. (And, I have a fewā¦43?…notebooks ready toĀ have the first 15 pages used up only to be lost under a pile of yarn and junk mail while IĀ move on to fall in love with yet another knitting notebook and start the whole cycle againā¦IĀ canāt be the only one!).
3. Double Pointed Needles
Double pointed needles (DPNs) are for small projects worked in the round. Typically they are 5-8ā in length, have points on both ends, and come in packs of 4-5. I loooove DPNs. IĀ like making small projects so that I actually finish them. (And even then, letās be honest, I have approximately 96 WIP, heh). And I also like working in the round.
DPNs are great forĀ gauntlets or gloves, socks, small sleeves or pant legs, parts of plushies, etc. But, DPNs require a high level of dexterity and yarn management skills, mastery of picking up stitches,Ā ability to keep an even tension like a boss, and a willingness to be patient in your frustrationĀ at times. Dropped stitches is terrifying as a new knitter and DPN projects are asking forĀ them. I donāt recommend beginners tackle DPNs or their projects while still learning theĀ basics.
4. Novelty Yarn
Novelty yarn has specific purposes but learning to knit isnāt one of them. The stitchĀ definition achieved with a medium-weight (worsted) acrylic or wool yarn canāt be beat whenĀ you are beginning to knit. It is essential to learn to count stitches, count rows, pick up theĀ correct bar of a stitch, pick up the whole ply and not 2 of 4 strands, frog back (rip out stitches) easily, etc.ā¦allĀ things that novelty yarns are not known for. Stick with plain ol, size 4/worsted weight/Aran yarn (like this) when learning to knit.
learn to knit
In short, all you really need when learning to knit is good, sturdy yarn like this and a regular ol’ pair of knitting needles. I recommend using a larger set of needles (6 mm or larger) while you’re learning. When learning to crochet, my brother told me that “It’s just one string of yarn, you can’t screw it up so badly that you can’t rip it out and start again”. That really stuck with me, and I’m learning to embrace it while I learn to knit! Stay tuned for more in this knitting series, including a beginner pattern!
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