Knitting is a centuries old way to make cloth that has made quite a comeback in recent years. It’s no longer considered a pastime for grandmothers alone. More and more people of all ages have been learning to knit, and this simple needlework craft lets people express their creativity by making items that are both functional and beautiful. Whether you prefer low maintenance, machine wash items or luxurious and posh, there’s always something new to knit.
When most people think of knitting, they conjure up images of big, bulky sweaters or baby booties and hats. But knitting is far more versatile than many people realize. Some people enjoy making a sampling of different knitting projects. They may knit a scarf one week and delicate sweater the next. Others prefer to specialize in a particular item, like socks, for example. Hand knitted socks can be quite luxurious.
Still others combine knitting with other arts. By knitting large versions of patterns for mittens, slippers and handbags, the finished pieces can be shrunk in the washing machine to create durable felted items that will last for years.
The most amazing works of knitted art must be the incredible spiderweb lace shawls, however. They are so delicate it is almost like they are made of gossamer themselves. These shawls are usually made of luxury fibers like cashmere, mohair and the softest of wools.
Most knitted articles can be made out of either fine wools that require special care or out of acrylic yarns. Acrylic yarns are more affordable and more readily available at nearby stores. They are a terrific fiber to begin with due to their low cost and forgiving nature. Once you’ve gained some skills with your knitting needles, you may wish to try your hand on some more luxurious fibers. Merino wool is incredibly soft, and superwash merino is perfect for socks it doesn’t shrink.
Wool blends with mohair, angora, or cashmere are great for knitting items to keep warm in the winter, like sweaters, hats, and scarves. Wool yarns, like their acrylic counterparts, are available in an endless variety of colors and weights. The only limits are your creativity and your budget.
If you are just beginning to learn to knit, you may want to begin with a kit of some kind that will guide you along and teach you to read a knitting pattern while you learn the basic stitches. You can find these beginning kits for hats and scarves in almost any craft shop. Once you know the two basic stitches of knit and purl, you’ll be ready to try a more complex pattern. Most of the intricate work done in knitting involves these two stitches in one form or another. As you gain confidence, you can attempt a larger or more intricate project. Don’t overlook the finishing details. This can make the difference between a beautiful knitted piece and something that looks unkempt and unfinished. This includes small tasks such as weaving in the tail ends of your yarn and blocking your finished piece in the proper shape.
Knitting useful and beautiful pieces will bring you a sense of pride and satisfaction, especially once you begin to wear your creations. You’ll soon be creating lovely gifts that friends and family members are sure to cherish for years to come.