4Real Forums: need knitting help!

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Our Lady's Loom, Larder, and Laundry
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Topic: need knitting help!

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folklaur
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Posted: Feb 23 2008 at 2:28pm \| IP Logged

Hi.

I would like to learn to knit, and dd5 would also like to, also. My dd18 can knit a little - she can only do a knit stitch, but she is making a really cool Dr. Who scarf with just that basic stitch. I think she can teach us that, but is there anything else in particular we should know? Will a 5yo have enough dexterity to knit? If so, what are the best size needles for a 5 year old? How about a total beginner who is a little older than 5?

Are wooden better for little ones? Is there a better, nicer, friendlier yarn that we should get? Anything at all that can make this any easier would be great!!!

I have tried SO MANY knitting books (many kids knitting books, too) trying to learn to do this, but I get kind of a mental block. But, I am determined! And when I saw Mary's new book, I am even more-so!!!

Kristie 4
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Posted: Feb 23 2008 at 4:40pm \| IP Logged

I am not the authority (Mary will probably chime in

). However my ds6 was a very avid knitter last year. I taught him just the basic stitch (although he figured out the other on his own I believe) and started him with 12mm needles and yarn called 'Bigga'. The yarn was literally very big and had about a 50% wool content so I found that the stitches did not come apart if the needle slipped off (which can be frustrating for little hands).

So, my humble opinion, would be large needles (I find them dirt cheap at the thrift stores) and a very bulky weight uniform thickness wool.

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KC in TX
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Posted: Feb 23 2008 at 5:59pm \| IP Logged

This is just from my experience as I am in no way an expert. My oldest learned to knit at age 5 with size 7 needles (short kind from Susan Bates) and with cotton yarn.

She's been knitting for about a year now and has finally mastered the knit stitch. We're on to the purl. I have a good friend who teaches the children in our homeschooling group twice a month.

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chicken lady
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Posted: Feb 23 2008 at 8:22pm \| IP Logged

Maybe size 8or 9, wood is much easier. You can feel the tension more correctly, they are warm in your hands, yarn does not slip off. I never use metal or plastic. My girls all learned around age 6 (I think) I highly recommend using natural fibers, the end product is beautiful, the process is fulfilling, and there are tons of options.

Have you tried Melanie Falicks Kids Knitting book? This is the book I use to teach students with.

Have fun, try to relax, you will get it and then you too can be totally addicted

Mary G
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Posted: Feb 23 2008 at 9:29pm \| IP Logged

I think you've got to try a few different things to see what will work ... you can definitely start them at 4 or so, but THEY have to want to do it.

As far as best needle/yarn .... I'd try a 7 or 8 with worsted weight yarn (like Lion Brand's Wool-ease or any other not overly fuzzy or fussy yarn marked as a "4". If that's too small -- especially for boys who don't have the nimble, delicate fingers of girls -- your could try a 10 or 11 needle with a bulky yarn like Knit Pick's Wool of the Andes Bulky or other smooth yarn marked a "5". There are lots of beginner kits out there, but many use novelty yarns or all-acrylic yarns which don't hold up to the constant unraveling/knitting cycles necessary for beginners. I'd recommend either a pure wool or wool/acrylic blend that is smooth.

I agree with Chicken Lady that Melanie Falick's book has great, clean directions. Kids Knitting is definitely the best of all the ones I've looked at (even for adults!) and has fun projects (including making your own needles -- which my boys really loved!)

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MaryG
3 boys (22, 12, 8)2 girls (20, 11)

my website that combines my schooling, hand-knits work, writing and everything else in one spot!

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