A Scarf Knitting Pattern for Learning How to Knit

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about learning how to knit, and what would be helpful or what essential skills are needed to get from that first project to other projects with confidence.

I know a lot of people start with a garter stitch scarf, but I also know that can get boring once you feel like you have the knit stitch down. And there is more to learn that you could learn faster if you threw in some other stitches.

What I came up with was this sampler scarf knitting pattern.

It’s made with bulky yarn so it works up pretty fast, even for a new knitter, and it’s easy to see your stitches because they are big.

It starts with garter stitch, of course, but then moves on to stockinette so you can learn how to purl (and learn about the dreaded stockinette curl) and then to ribbing so you learn how to switch between knits and purls in the same row. Then you repeat the stockinette and garter sections to finish the other side of the scarf.

The beauty of this one is you can make it as long or as short as you want. I have versions in the post that are 6 feet long and a little over 3 feet long, depending on how much yarn you have and how much time you want to devote to this project.

It also includes the option of increasing a few stitches before the ribbed section so the width of the scarf stays consistent, and decreasing them on the other side. We also take a closer look at each kind of fabric we’re making, how to count stitches and rows and what the stitches look like on the needle.

There’s a lot going on but I really thing this would be a great first project because you would learn so much so quickly. Check it out and let me know what you think!

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How to Knit with Circular Knitting Needles

Getting ready for back to school makes me think about pencil crafts, so let’s take a look at some pencil themed knitting patterns!

I recently made a pencil on a circular knitting machine, and it was a fun, quick, easy project that uses little bits of leftover yarn (and if you don’t have yellow you can make it a colored pencil using whatever color’s your favorite). And if you want to make a bigger version check out this pattern from Orange Olive Road on Etsy.

If you want to knit a pencil pillow by hand, check out Sketchy, available on Ravelry from Shana S. Cohen. This one uses worsted weight yarn and has two size options and the choice to make a pencil with an eraser or a colored pencil.

Pencil scarves seem to be the most popular kind of pencil knitting pattern, and there are lot of cute ones. This one from Cosy Craft UK mostly uses garter stitch, with some welts to add texture and what looks like an I-cord edging. It calls for DK weight yarn.

If you want to go all garter stitch try this version from Emsley Co Creations, which uses five colors of DK weight yarn and just a little shaping to make the point of the pencil.

There’s also this fun, mostly stockinette so it looks like it curls a bit, pencil pattern that looks like it’s worked in chunky yarn from Little Knits Studio. This one uses just a little garter stitch and easy shaping for the point.

If you don’t want a pencil scarf, how about some pencil socks? The No. 2 Pencil Socks from The Yarn Enabler are available from Ravelry and use five colors of sock yarn. They feature wide ribs to mimic the texture of a pencil and have options to be worked from the top down or the toe up.

Needs Sharpening by Alexander Walker is a free pattern on Ravelry that uses five colors of sock yarn to make a sort of shortie sock. The little bit of black at the tips of the toes inspired the name. These, too, can be worked in either direction and are available in three sizes.

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