Our Thoughts & Experiences

We asked our favourite knitters what their advice would be for a novice knitter! Here are their top 10 replies!

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help and advice! Find a local yarn shop or another knitter and have them help you. Find a welcoming knitting group to help you along, talk to people, connect and have fun!
• Just do it! There is nothing like learning as you go no matter how many stitches you drop or massive holes you create you will learn by just doing.
• Start with small projects like wash cloths with larger needles unless the large needs are an issue with aching in which case, go for medium needles or smaller needles and smaller projects – less weight less motion were the solution for one knitter and another started with fingerless mittens!
• Take it slow, take breaks, don’t overdo it in the beginning, your muscles and tendons etc. have to slowly get used to repetitive motions. It is just like with the gym, rest day, warm ups, stretching/fascia rolling!
• If you’re a complete beginner, your knitting “tension” (how tight or loose your knitting is) and it might take a while to hit your stride – do not let this freak you out! The more you knit, the neater and more even your knitting will become.
• Knitting is a skill, and like any skill, it takes time to master. So take time to learn while enjoying the process, which can be very relaxing yet challenging. Even knitters of fifty years or more are still learning.
• Surround yourself with beautiful and colourful yarn and textile fibres, which are bound to brighten up any of your days! Happy splendid knitting!
• Be patient with yourself and your project. Enjoy learning about patterns and yarns. There are infinite possibilities!
• The awkwardness will pass. Remember the first few times you spoke a new language, rode a bike, etc. you felt a bit awkward but it got easier- the same with knitting, if you stick with it you’ll have a new skill that will bring you so much enjoyment. Don’t give up. Be kind and gentle to yourself.
• Ask knitting friends for donations. Several friends gave skeins of yarn that they no longer wanted and it is nice to experiment without having to worry about the cost of yarn.

Thank you so much to our knitters for their responses! Our knitting tours welcome all knitters of course, although some may be more relevant than others, depending on your skill level. All of our instructors are patient and everyone helps each other. If you want to know more, give us a toll free call or email!