Knitting for Beginners

• Knitting needles come in a variety of materials and sizes (figure A). Wooden needles are light in the hand and are sometimes embellished with decorative touches. Other types of needles include reinforced nylon and aluminum.

• Yarns are available from around the world--from North America to Asia--and are made from many different sources such as silk, wool, camel hair, angora and blends of different materials (figure B).

• Ribbon yarn used for knitting is made from microfibers (figure C) and is machine washable.

• One way to get children interested in knitting is by using interesting materials, such as this beautiful, textured Italian yarn (figure D). Knitting kits made especially for children are available at craft stores.

Materials:

yarn
knitting needles

1. Hold knitting needles and wrap yarn around your finger.

2. Pull the loop loose behind your finger, then pull the yarn through.

3. Put your fingers between two strands of yarn. Hold both with your little finger, open finger and thumb (figure E).

4. Bring the knitting needle down, then poke the point up and loop through (figure F).

5. Catch the yarn over your finger and bring it back through the loop (figure G).

6. Take your thumb out, then snug your loop out. Repeat.

* Note: Classes are usually available for those interested in learning how to knit. Check local yarn shops, craft shops or adult-education courses for details.