Knitting is a traditional craft that has been enjoyed for centuries, and right now, it’s firmly back on the fashion radar. From high-profile fans such as Tom Daley to the many knitting influencers showcasing their fresh and funky designs on social media, there’s never been a better time to get started with this popular hobby.
A hobby with benefits
The great thing about knitting is that you can enjoy the finished articles you make or spread the love by gifting them to friends and family. Nothing beats the thrill of getting to say, “Thanks, I made it”, when someone compliments your one-of-a-kind beanie or jumper. And knitting is also proving a great respite for anyone feeling stressed out, as this article highlights:
It’s easy to get started, too, with specialist sites such as https://www.woolcouturecompany.com/collections/knitting-kits offering a comprehensive selection of tools and yarn, as well as complete knitting kits for projects such as beanie hats, bags, or blankets. The only tricky part will be deciding what you want to make next.
Getting started
If you’re a total beginner, then one of the many knitting kits available will make for a smart choice. A knitting kit will typically include everything you need to complete the project, such as knitting needles, yarn, and the pattern itself. Choose your kit according to your skill level, and you’ll be good to go.
Now, you’ll need to master the cast-on process, which creates the initial stitches of your project. Try a simple method as directed by your pattern or look for tutorials online if you can’t get to grips with a particular technique. The “knit” or “wrap” ways to cast on are both great options for beginners.
Then it’s time to get knitting! For a first project, look for something that requires “garter stitch”. This simply means that you’ll only need to make knit stitches, rather than trying to tackle purling as well. Garter stitch makes a lovely squishy fabric, so it’s a great choice for all kinds of items. Then it’s simply a case of knitting till it’s time to cast off.
