I want to learn to knit or crochet.

eclair

9 years ago

I have no one to teach me.

Which is easier to learn for a beginner?

Is it possible to really learn by watching those how-to videos on the internet? Which one(s) are best?

Thank you for your advice.

Featured Answer

lascatx

9 years ago

I also learned both before the internet. I started with a magazine and the basic instructions in the back and sat down on the sofa and kept trying. My grandmother had tried to teach me to crochet and that was a major frustration for both of us. A guide is needed, but in the end, you need to practice until your hands get comfortable doing something new -- holding the yarn in a way you have some control on tension as well as the hook or needles and then manipulating them to make loops and pull more loops through them. In the end, it's just a lot of variations on that theme.

If you have a yarn shop, they probably have classes and may be a good source for help when you can't figure out what you've done or need to do next.

It might help to have a book, magazine, pamphlet or something printed in front of you. A computer screen might work for you, and you can do video tutorials. I' sure there are you tube videos as well as classes. Craftsy is another source for online classes. I've taken a couple of baking classes that I thought were very good and suggested them to my sister when she wanted to learn knitting. I'm not sure which one she started with, but she found it helpful. You get online videos you can stop, start and easily come back to (they remember where you left off), can ask questions and my baking classes had printed materials too. Start with one to try -- both so you can see if it works for you and because they have had some sales. I wouldn't buy ahead until you've tried one, liked it and they have a sale. But that's me.

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Comments (9)

frostythesewman
9 years ago
Thank-God for DVDs.
Also, buy an "h" crochet hook; a skein of white or a
very light yellow or pink acrylic worsted #4 yarn; a pair
of bamboo #11 knitting needles; a pair of bamboo #2
needles. Your question cannot be answered without
sending you to a business site. We Can't do that.
I will say that learning from a DVD is the way to go.
You can stop it and go slow, run it over and over...
Good luck...
justlinda
9 years ago
I have found that the YouTube videos really great. These also may be stopped, turned back, etc.

Just type in: Learn to Knit Tutorial

Good luck.

Here is a link that might be useful: YouTube Learn to Knit Tutorial
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frostythesewman
9 years ago
I saw some titles being used, so I will mention Lucy Neatby
DVDs. They cover knitting from start to finish. If I can't mention
them, they will be cut. But if you get the beginning one, it will
take you into many phases of the basics. Then order the more
advanced concepts as you progress. I may have broken the
rules by mentioning her DVDs. I saw other titles mentioned
so I thought I would give it a try. Well, good luck. There are a
lot of details that must be learned by the new knitter. It is nice when they are all touched on in a lesson plan, more or less.
Your situation can be frustrating. The best way to learn
is knee to knee with a master knitter. But, not everyone is
that fortunate. So, go to on line tutorials, buy DVDs and let
people know that you want to find a teacher. Word travels,
and someone may know someone who knows a teacher.
You will find a way...
Lindsey_CA
9 years ago
Eclair, most local yarn stores (LYS) offer knitting classes. And virtually all of the LYS allow folks to come in and sit at the table any time and get help.
melissa_thefarm
9 years ago
I learned to knit in the days before Internet, so I have no direct experience; I do think it's a good suggestion. My teenage daughter learns all kinds of things from Internet tutorials. All these suggestions are good. Also, while I learned beginning knitting from a flesh-and-blood person, I early got myself a book on knitting, techniques and patterns, and taught myself from that, becoming pretty good in time.
On the subject of supplies, frostythesewman's list sounds good, except that I always found worsted wood yarn more stretchy than synthetic and so easier to work with, and I like wool for wearing better than synthetic.
Melissa
alicesadventures
9 years ago
Craftyminx has great crochet lessons on the internet. You can go at your own pace and she also has the lessons for lefty's. Check it out.

Here is a link that might be useful: Craftyminx
alicesadventures
9 years ago
Craftyminx has great crochet lessons on the internet. You can go at your own pace and she also has the lessons for lefty's. Check it out.

Here is a link that might be useful: Craftyminx
sweetkate01
9 years ago
I learned both knitting and crochet in a matter of weeks of each other and practiced for a year and still love it. I found videos very difficult to watch. I got a book, some yarn and hooks and needles and practiced the basics for weeks until I was faster and satisfied with my stitches. I would do rows and then pull them apart and start over. I kept additional pieces nearby so that I could practice just casting on for knitting and chaining for crochet. I have discovered that crochet is much faster, more forgiving and easier to begin. Trust me, review some books and do what the pictures tell you to do. You can usually find someone who would be willing to teach you the basics too if you find yourself hung up.
Good luck to you.