Knitting has been a method of making cloth for centuries. Lately, it has shed its image of being an activity for grandmothers and has been enjoying a resurgence of popularity with people of all ages. The simple craft of making stitches from yarn with a couple of pointed sticks allows one to create items that are both practical and beautiful. Whether you prefe wash and wear or fine luxury fibers, you can always find something new to knit.
Most people envision bulky sweaters and tiny baby booties when they think of knitting. But knitting isn’t just limited to these items. Many knitters enjoy the process of exploring a variety of knitting projects. They might, for example, create a scarf and hat set one week, and a delicate sweater the next. Other knitters enjoy specializing in one type of item, like socks. Hand knitted socks can be a simple but enjoyable luxury.
Still others combine knitting with other arts. By knitting large versions of patterns for mittens, slippers and handbags, the finished pieces can be shrunk in the washing machine to create durable felted items that will last for years.
Skilled knitters create some of the most intricate works of art. For example, spiderweb lace shawls are so fine and delicate they seem to be made of gossamer. These shawls are usually created with luxury yarns like mohair, cashmere, and incredibly soft wool yarns.
Most knitted items can be made from inexpensive acrylic yarns, or from wool yarns that require a bit of extra care. Acrylic yarns are the least expensive, and can be purchased at almost any store. This is the perfect fiber for beginners, owing to its low cost and durability. Acrylic will last through the multiple rounds of re-stitching that novice knitters often require. Once you’re a bit more skilled with your knitting needles, you may want to try working with some more luxurious fibers. Merino wool yarn is wonderfully soft, and superwash merino won’t shrink, making it the perfect choice for socks.
Wool blends with mohair, angora, or cashmere are great for knitting items to keep warm in the winter, like sweaters, hats, and scarves. Wool yarns, like their acrylic counterparts, are available in an endless variety of colors and weights. The only limits are your creativity and your budget.
If you are just starting out with knitting, it’s a good idea to start with a kit that can provide you with introductory instruction in reading a knitting pattern and learning to do the basic stitches. Kits for hats and scarves are available in just about any craft or fabric store. Once you’ve got a handle on the basic knit and purl stitches, you’ll be ready for more advanced patterns. Most of the detailed work in knitted pieces involves a variation of these two stitches. As you gain skill and confidence, you’ll be ready to tackle ever more detailed projects. Be sure not to ignore the finishing details. This can make or break your piece, and can mean the difference between a beautiful piece and one that looks hastily thrown together. Some important finishing touches to remember are to block the finished piece into correct shape and weave in the tail ends of your yarn to hide them.
You’ll feel a sense of pride and accomplishment once you finish your projects and begin to wear them. Before long, you’ll be adept at knitting handmade gifts for friends and family that will be cherished through the years.
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