Seasoned knitters, I need help

[jipsy]

I have crocheted and cross-stitched for years. I decided I wanted to learn how to knit.

I found instructions for knitting a basic square. The instructions say to cast on 28 stitches, using a #8 needle which should be about 7 inches.

After trying three times, the longest I got was 4 inches. I must be casting on too tight, but I thought knitting was supposed to be tight?

Also, after I cast on, the next row is to be knit. I can't seem to get the hang of throwing the stitch back on the right needle.

Help! Any good websites with pictures/instructions that you know of would be fabulous.

[Breezy_Carol]

Jipsy, I have knit for many years but would have trouble describing it in writing. One thing, when you cast on, it is smaller than when you knit a few rows. If you can knit, then measure, you might come closer to 7 inches. Are you casting on with one or two needles? It is easier with just a twist and slip on on one needle but better with the two needle method. I learned from my mom so really don't have a website. I will look at a book I hve. Maybe I could send you the title and you could check the library. If you want more info E-mail or PM me. I am not getting to the boards often and this thread may be buried by the time I get back.

[jipsy]

Carol I'm using two needles but I can see how it would be easier to twist and slip with one.

Maybe the instructions I have are wrong; or maybe I didn't read them right, but I am pretty sure it said 7 inches from casting on, not from the first row of knitting, but I can check again.