Learn to knit kits?

[pirateofthecarolinas]

My DD9 wants one of the LTK kits. I want to buy one that she will be able to complete an easy project. ...........Or should I just take her to knitting lessons?

BTW she is left handed. Will being a lefty make it more difficult, just like everything else she encounters.

Lori

 

[rhanditresmom]

I would do it, buy the kit...I mean. It will be something really relaxing for her. I know what you mean about the leftie issue. My DD10 is a leftie and is dying to learn how to crochet. I am trying to teach myself to crochet left-handed, so I can help her. I don't know about knitting, though. I think most of the kits have left-handed directions! Good luck...and happy knitting to you DD!

 

[SC Minnie]

DD11 is a leftie and I am a rightie. I knit right handed and taught her to knit. She doesn't have a problem knitting right handed because you use both hands to knit.

When I first tried to teach DD she got so frustrated because she didn't pick it up right away. She went back to it several weeks later and did much better. She has made her Grandmother and her Aunt scarves using 2 strands of yarn.

Some craft stoes like Micheal's has knitting classes that are that expensive.

 

[NMAmy]

Do you know someone who knits? Most of us who know how are happy to teach others--the basics are quite easy. Those classes can be pretty pricey.

I taught my niece (who is in her late 20's) and she got too frustrated on her own. She lives an hour and a half away so it wasn't like she could run over when she got confused. Now she's stuck the needles into the ball of yarn at odd angles and uses it as a modern sculpture.

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

Now she's stuck the needles into the ball of yarn at odd angles and uses it as a modern sculpture.

I do have a friend that knits. That's a good idea. She is usually "knitted out" by this time of year if you know what I mean.

Lori

 

[drgnfly30]

I just bought the Knifty Knitter (I never could get the concept of knitting with needles)... it was SO easy!!! Everyone's getting scarves in their stocking this Christmas.

 

[solferino]

At the school I work at we do a knitting segment with the kids (1st thru 6th grade) for 6 weeks over the winter. We've found the Kids KNitting book by Melanie Falick is good, plus there are some good projects in there that they can move on to based on skill level from year to year.

Don't get needles that are too fat (10 or larger) or too small (6 or smaller) 8's are ideal. Stay away from yarns that are fuzzy, fringed or textured in any way. Stick with a plain, lighter colored yarn, worsted weight. Wool if possible. I think it's Lion Brand who makes something called wool-ease which is washable. A simple project, such as a rectangle that can be sewn into a change purse or bigger purse is good. Scarves are easy, but they go on forEVER. Hats are another good first project.

Unfortunately I don't have any advice about teaching a leftie, aside from perhaps trying to knit in the continental way, which I do. The way most people knit here in the US is with their right hand wrapping the yarn, I think it's called the English method. (and looks so awkward to me!!!) But with continental the left hand carrys the yarn while right hand picks. It's hard to explain without actually being able to demonstrate it, and for that I apologise.

With the kids we have I tend to get the ones who are more advanced and adventurous because of my experience.

Let me know if I can help anymore. I'm passionate about knitting and love to see kids want to learn how to do it.

 

[NMAmy]

Let me know if I can help anymore. I'm passionate about knitting and love to see kids want to learn how to do it.

I think this is so great, solferino, to teach kids at school. I learned from a wonderful woman--my third grade teacher, Mrs. Macy. (I'm 42 years old and I still remember her name!) She taught me something that's brought me great joy & relaxation. I even ended up teaching my grandma how to knit--she only knew how to crochet.

 

[solferino]

I think this is so great, solferino, to teach kids at school. I learned from a wonderful woman--my third grade teacher, Mrs. Macy. (I'm 42 years old and I still remember her name!) She taught me something that's brought me great joy & relaxation. I even ended up teaching my grandma how to knit--she only knew how to crochet.

Thanks NMAmy! It's a lot of fun and I remember the first week of school I had BOYS asking when we were going to start knitting! They are so proud of their accomplishment when their project is done.

Oh, one more thing to the OP about starting- see about getting bamboo or wooden needles. They move a bit slower than metal which makes it easier for a beginner. Actually we have the kids make their own- we use 1/4" wood dowels cut to 12" lengths, sharpen with a pencil sharpener, sand with fine grit paper and polish with some mineral oil. They make endcaps with fimo clay. The only tricky part about the homemade endcaps is they have to be relatively small and uniform. We've had some pretty unique ones made that were rather tricky because they aren't balanced. I loved seeing what they came up with, though.

 

[ashjohnson80]

when i first read the title of this i thought it said "learn how to knit KILTS" and I was about to say where do i sign up?!

 

[binny]

I just bought a little kit at Costco. I think it was $13 or so.


I havent tried it yet but Im hoping to soon