Planning for a successful knitting project involves several important steps. There is more to making a beautiful knitted piece than having the appropriate knitting needles and the perfect yarn.   The right preparation and visualization are key to ending up with a gorgeous knitted garment.

Knitting patterns are abundant, especially online. This should give you a clue as to why preparation is so important.   Oftentimes, people write patterns as best as they are able, but mistakes are inevitable. To be sure, these pattern writers are accomplished knitters, but they are not always professional-level pattern writers. For this reason, it is imperative that you read the pattern before casting on. If the pattern calls for felting, be sure to have the right felting supplies on hand.

Examine the photos of the fitted garment.  Will it flatter your body type?   The yarn you choose should result in the right drape. Considering these important questions will ensure you end up with a project you can wear with pride.   When you look at the photos, it should be clear how many pieces make up the garment.  Few projects are knitted in one piece. The written instructions should be complete, with no instructions for any portion missing.

The pattern details should include a minimal amount of information.   It’s chancy to knit a pattern without knowing the gauge, or stitches per inch.  You could end up with a project that is far too small or impossibly large. There are so many different knitting stitches; you’re bound to come across one or more with which you’re unfamiliar. Practice these on a gauge swatch ahead of time to save yourself the trouble of ripping back (“frogging”) any mistakes. If the pattern includes charts, be sure that they’re all complete and clear to read.   In the case that something is unclear, just take the time to work everything out in your head before beginning.  Even if you need to re-write the instructions yourself to make everything clear, do it, you will not be sorry you did!

Having the right tools on hand is important before you embark on a new knitting project. Taking time to prepare adequately is critical to success. Keep in mind that knowing what challenges lie ahead will mitigate mistakes, and that the time spent is well worth it.   By following these simple steps, you’ll find your projects move along smoothly. Your end result will be stunning!

Knitting and crochet are enjoying a vibrant resurgence of late.   Yarn arts are no longer something left to grandma, as young people everywhere are discovering the crafts.  To get started, all you need are a few simple supplies. First, buy a set of straight knitting needles.    Also, for a first project, a thick, light-colored yarn is ideal.

With just a few dollars, you can get started learning to knit.   Free knitting patterns are widely available.   Online is the easiest place to find free patterns.  All major yarn manufacturers offer free patterns on their official websites.   If you look on the opposite side of the paper wrapping your store-bought yarn, usually you’ll find a free pattern there. Numerous personal hobby blogs have patterns devised by knitting enthusiasts the world over.   The large social networking sites offer yarn fan communities, that offer free patterns, tips and tricks.

After getting the hang of knitting, you may want to try you hand at felting. Felting supplies are easy to obtain, and you can learn the technique quickly and easily. An important thing to remember about felting is that it shrinks your project, so the knitted piece needs to be bigger than the final product.  Felting is ideal for projects that benefit from rigid texturing.  For example, felting is popular for knitted toys as well as knitted handbags.

Heat and agitation are the ingredients for successful felting.  This is why most home felting is done in the washing machine.  Setting the machine to the hot water setting and the most vigorous agitation should achieve the results you desire.

The perfect first project, whether felted or not, is the traditional scarf. Scarves are a great starter project for several reasons. First, you need not worry too much about gauge, or “stitches per inch,” that has a significant affect on the sizing of knitted garments.    Since scarves are not complex garments enveloping the body, whether it comes out thinner or wider than the pattern calls for is unimportant. Your neck is still going to stay toasty warm! They’re also fairly quick projects that provide a quick sense of accomplishment.

Knitting and other yarn arts are a great activity that can relieve stress. It is portable as well, going with you practically anywhere you decide to go. If you’re seeking out a new hobby, try out knitting!