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Learn to Knit (or Teach Someone Else) This Holiday Season

November 20, 2017 by Sarah White

complete knitting skills giveawayI know we’ve all got a million other things to do right now aside from learning new skills, but once the actual holiday stuff (eating, unwrapping presents) is over, sometimes there’s extra time you don’t quite know what to do with.

So why not fill it learning new skills or teaching someone else to knit?

I’ve got just the thing to help one of you do just that.

Complete Knitting Skills by Debbie Tomkies is pretty much just what the title says. This book has tons of information on all the tools and supplies you need to get started; knitting basics like casting on, knitting, purling, increases and decreases; blocking and finishing; altering patterns to fit; choosing the right increase, decrease, cast on or bind off for a project; more advanced skills like knitting in the round, lace and cables; fixing knitting errors and more.

Even better, the book is linked to a website with 27 videos that will help you gain confidence in your knitting skills if the words and photos in the book aren’t allowing you to understand what’s happening.

This book is a great guide for a new knitter or someone who wants to learn how to knit better.

The cover is just a little bit worn, but you could even give it as a gift if you like.

If you’d like a chance to win this book, leave a comment on this post before the end of the day Sunday, Nov. 26. I’d love to know either who taught you to knit or someone you’ve taught to knit or would like to teach to knit. My grandmother and mother both taught me, and I’ve taught lots of people, though of course I’m proudest of my daughter enjoying the fiber arts!

Thanks for visiting, commenting and sharing, and good luck!

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Comments

  1. Lee says

    November 20, 2017 at 11:41 am

    I was taught by my mom and great grandmother. I am teaching my daughter -I would love to gift to her! thank you!

  2. Kitra Woodall says

    November 21, 2017 at 7:01 am

    My mom never got a chance to teach me to knit before we lost her last year and I really want to learn!

  3. Anita says

    November 21, 2017 at 8:36 am

    I took a class years ago and then got into a group at work to knit. I have tried to teach my granddaughters but without success. Would love this book to help teach them!

  4. deb says

    November 21, 2017 at 8:38 am

    I started learning from friends & have self-taught via internet. I’ve taught a friend, starting w/ dish cloths. I work w/ Alzheimer’s patients & could use this book for good reference w/ those who want to refresh their knitting skills

  5. Kim says

    November 21, 2017 at 9:08 am

    I taught a friend while I kept her company during chemo treatments. She’s doing fine now,

  6. Anne Sias says

    November 21, 2017 at 9:38 am

    My aunt knitted and crocheted too. My mom didn’t. I taught myself watching my aunt then a friend when we were in college

  7. Margie says

    November 21, 2017 at 9:46 am

    I taught myself to knit but love sharing this craft with others. Last year, I taught my cousin to knit and after the holidays, I’ll be teaching my sister. This book would be a great gift for her. Thank you!

  8. Karey says

    November 21, 2017 at 10:46 am

    What a great way to help someone learn.

  9. Jennifer Martin says

    November 21, 2017 at 11:49 am

    I took a class as a teen and though I am right-handed, taught my leftie college roommate to knit! That was years ago now. Would love the book to help me teach my grandchildren to knit! Thank you for the opportunity to win this nice book.

  10. Linda Schroeder says

    November 21, 2017 at 12:35 pm

    LI love to knit and would love to know how to pass on the craft. Not the best teacher, so I’d like some hints. I tried with my nieces but would like to show some of the kids in school.

  11. Deborah Jankowski says

    November 21, 2017 at 1:12 pm

    I would love to have the book for my daughter, whom I am teaching to knit! I am carrying on the tradition started by my mom and grandmother!

  12. joyce hancock says

    November 21, 2017 at 3:15 pm

    I was taught to knit by my mom and her best friend. I have 3 grandchildren so far and can’t wait until they become old enough to teach knitting to.

  13. Joan says

    November 21, 2017 at 7:52 pm

    My mother in law taught me to knit. When I first met her she was knitting socks on 4 needles. She was so fast at it. She was very inspiring and only to happy to share her skills. Since then I do both knit and crochet. I like to do both on my projects. I taught my daughters to knit and crochet. I am happy to teach and share.

  14. Donna says

    November 21, 2017 at 8:13 pm

    My sister taught me to crochet when I was a little girl but I’ve never learned to knit. It has been on my bucket list since I retired but I haven’t gotten around to it yet. Twin grand babies have been keeping me busy. But it’s still on my list and a comprehensive book would help immensely! Thanks for the chance!

  15. Toni says

    November 23, 2017 at 7:26 am

    My Mother and Grandmother taught me to knit, my Great Grandmother taught me to crochet.
    I now pass my skills on at community recycle workshops, turning pre loved materials into lovely craft makes.

  16. Andrea S says

    November 25, 2017 at 7:01 am

    My Mum taught me to knit when I was very young and my Nan helped as well; she was an amazing knitter. After a 25 year break though, I’ve picked up my needles again and I’m teaching myself, although Mum helps out if I get in a pickle.

Have you read?

Knit a Classic Aran Cardigan with this Free Knitting Pattern

Not too long ago I did a test knit for another designer that was for a cabled cardigan. It’s really cozy and nice but it just about broke me in a ton of different ways. I couldn’t get gauge, which I suppose is my own problem, but mainly I was somehow both bored and forced to pay attention at the same time. 

Because it used the same cable all over, I always had to know what row I was on, but nine out of ten of those rows, nothing in particular was going on. So I couldn’t stop paying attention, but what I needed to attend to was boring. 

It may have ruined me for knitting cabled sweaters, but maybe I just need something that’s more engaging. Like this Modern Aran Cardigan pattern from Lion Brand Yarn. 

This is a reworking of an old pattern from their archives, and you can tell that form the classic look of the cables and the oversized feel (nothing cropped about this one!). It has allover cables, but like a classic Aran sweater it’s not the same cable, so you’ll have to pay attention to what row you’re on and what cable turns happen for which cables on that row. 

Because of this, it’s considered an intermediate knitting pattern, but if you’re comfortable working from multiple charts at once it shouldn’t be a problem for you. There are three different charts and seven different cable moves. 

Also because the pattern is so big and boxy there are only two sizes available, with a finished chest measurement of either 49 or 63 inches (that’s 124.5 or 160 cm). It’s up to you to decide how much ease you would like and whether that will work for your body. 

The pattern uses worsted weight yarn (and calls for another classic, Lion Brand Fisherman’s Wool). It calls for six buttons and includes pockets to make it extra cozy. 

This one looks like a great winter project to make and to wear if you’re up for a bit of a challenge. You can grab the free pattern or buy a kit with the yarn needed direct from Lion Brand Yarn. 

[Photo: Lion Brand Yarn]

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