(Part 3) Top products from r/knitting

Since I started with crochet, and just an avid crafter in general, I'm a little bit picky with my tools. I really liked working with these bamboo needles since they were readily available at my local craft shops. I couldn't find a good set of them, so I ended up opting for a knitpicks interchangeable set since I could use whatever length I wanted, and work both straight knit and circular knit on this kit. Its a good quality, they have a little more grip than metal, and the bonus is that they are nice to look at! If you haven't ever knit before, it wouldn't be a bad idea to pick your project, and buy the needles needed for that project just to see if you like it. Its also a good idea to try a pair of metal, and a pair of bamboo to see which you prefer before buying a full kit.

Maybe some other knitters have some better suggestions! But I found trying a pair of bamboo, and one pair made of metal made it easier for me to decide which worked best for me in a full kit :) Happy knitting!

Knit Socks is the book I learned from. It assumes you have basic knitting knowledge, but takes the process of knitting socks very slowly.

However, I highly, highly recommend starting with the tutorial sock. Use a worsted weight yarn, and large needles (size 10?) so you can see what you're doing. Once you've made a cute little sock (use it for a Christmas ornament!), then you can go full-size using the book I mentioned.

After that, I found Sensational Knitted Socks to be very good, if a bit dense. It fit very nicely with my programmer mind. :)

My current favorite method to make socks, is toe-up, using this generic pattern. And this bind-off for the cuff.

I dunno, I think it comes down to learning styles - I'd take a book over a video 9 times out of 10, and I get frustrated when I search for a technique and just get video results :P

Anyways, OP, I liked the patterns in Knit Socks!, but I was already pretty familiar with sock construction so I don't know how helpful the 'how-tos' really are for a beginner. The Amazon reviews are pretty glowing though :P On the other hand, though, it's all one-at-a-time top-downs...

Are you wanting to learn a bunch of different constructions? I think maybe the best thing would be going to the bookstore and flipping through some likely suspects - I.e., does it have a long section on TAAT toe-ups, or does it have one vanilla construction with a few textures thrown on? In the index, how many heels does it mention? (There is no 'best heel', because feet are actually pretty weird in their own way, so it's best to try out a bunch!) And if all else fails, Knitty has spent the last 10ish years reviewing books as they come on the market; I'm sure reading through a few of those would give you a good idea of what to look for, even if you didn't find the perfect title!

The Knitter's Book of Finishing Techniques by Nancie M. Wiseman (US Amazon link) really helped me figure out seams. All the pictures are clear, and the text isn't too wordy.

Elsewise, locking stitch markers are your friend! Amy Herzog has a good tutorial on sleeve cap seaming using locking stitch markers. I use the same concept on every seam I sew, and it really helps keep things from bunching up.

Knitty's super fantastic Techniques with Theresa column has a sleeve cap seaming tutorial and a general seaming tutorial, both with very clear pictures.

Vogue Knitting also has a very extensive seaming tutorial, but with illustrations rather than pictures, if that is more useful to you.

I find the biggest thing is to be patient and go slowly. It's a pain, because you just want your FO to be finished already, but slow, careful, neat seaming really adds polish to an FO.

(As an aside, I've heard that seams add extra structure to garments so they fit better, but does anyone have examples to show that? I've made both seamed and seamless sweaters and don't really notice a difference...)

I just bought Knitter's Pride Karbonz "Box of Joy" and I am in love with them. Beware that no sets contain sizes bigger than a U.S. size 11 (8mm). What's nice about Knitter's Pride is that the cords work with KnitPicks and Knit Pro, as well as the many different lines of Knitter's Pride.

People with arthritis or who need a more ergonomic circular needles swear by Cubits and say they are much easier to use and maneuver, slippery, yet because of the corners, they are grippy enough. The square shaft scared me off, but I wish I could have tried it before deciding on the Karbonz (which I love!!).

Be careful with the twist locking tool (key) on any of them. I kind of messed up the formerly flush edge of the hole it goes in by being in a rush pulling the pin out while I was turning - now it snags on the yarn a tiny bit. Still deliriously happy with the Karbonz overall. So much easier to use metal tips, and they are warm to the touch, unlike all-metal knitting needles..

If you're a brand spanking new beginner first try making swatches and practicing techniques before attempting to start socks or a sweater.

This is a good [video] (https://youtu.be/hqySdHjIPIc) to follow for making socks as it's just better to make both socks at the same time cause when I did one sock at a time I almost didn't want to start the other lol

As for circular needles, I got [these] (https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B000WURGNC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_M2fXDb8MR5AXP). Certainly cheaper than if you went to the craft store to buy them.

Good luck

Knits at Home has some seriously gorgeous knitty home stuff, super easy to make and she explains the process so you can properly get a handle on what works and how to tweak it to your taste.
Sally Melville's Knitting Pattern Essentials is an awesome learn-stuff book if you want to know how patterns work (and therefore how to adapt them to what you want and make them fit). Some nice patterns too.
I'm putting Alana Dakos's two Botanical Knits books and Cirilia Rose's brand new Magpies, Nomads and Homebodies on my own Christmas list cuz they both look so darn pretty (and fun in the second case!) but I haven't actually read them yet. :)

I think Trigly is spot on suggesting circulars and DPNs, though I would caution against the set they recommend. Those circulars are known for disconnecting from the plastic cord and there's really no way to reattach them. If it's within your budget, I would strongly recommend going for a set of interchangeable needles like these, these, or these. For DPNs I have this set which I'm pretty happy with.

I saw these on Amazon but they seem too good to be true... I've never been to Hobby Lobby before but I'll definitely see if I can find one near me. Thanks!

There are a lot of options on Amazon, ranging from children's playmats (which many people review as blocking mats!) to exercise mats. I bought this set because the Add-On price was great. So far, they have been performing great! For what it's worth, I don't even use a towel, and I have had no dyes transferring.

If you want to look at something else, many exercise foam mats pieces are all black like this. But many of these are textured.

Overall, I would say just find some foam puzzle play mats you're happy with! I thought about getting actually branded blocking mats but find nothing lacking with the foam puzzle play mats! Unless, of course, you really like the grid on mats specifically made for blocking.

I've always known my primary goal as a knitter would be to make sweaters, and I'm absolutely obsessive about how my seams look. This book, The Knitters Book of Finishing Techniques was a lifesaver when I was first starting out. I make sweaters all the time now, and I still find myself occasionally referring back to it. Books always seem to gloss over seaming, and yet good seams are so essential to having a good finished product, and this book shows you the techniques in great detail.

http://www.amazon.com/2-at-Time-Socks-Revealed-Knitting/dp/1580176917 buy this book, I own it and it's great. It teaches you the method with two worsted weight different colored yarn, makes it super easy to learn.

I would definitely recommend getting circular needles, because you can do everything with them.

This would be very affordable "investment" for a beginner, but the quality isn't usually that great. But they'll get the job done.

I've never used Clover needles before (we don't get them around here), but at least for the price, I'd imagine they'd be better quality than what I mentioned above. Few needles that fall in the most common sizes (3 mm - 4.5 mm - that's what, US 3 to US 7?) would last a long way.

If your girlfriend really gets into knitting, a quality interchangeable needle set would be a very good investment - Addi, Chiao Goo, KnitPicks/KnitPro, those would be the main ones.

I finally got these interchangeables Knitter's Pride limited addition Karbonz needles. They are amazing! My family looked at me like I was mental when they saw how excited I was to open them. They are so fast!

The idea of one thread doing all of this and making all of these patterns is what grabbed my attention 30 years ago when I made my grandmother teach me the string arts. I’ve knitted and crocheted on and off for the entire time. I still have problems finishing projects so I’m hesitant to start something big.

Your project is interesting with how the color layout turned out. Was this intentional or on purpose?


If you like the connectedness of it all, I’d suggest looking into a pattern book like this:

750 Knitting Stitches: The Ultimate Knit Stitch Bible https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250067189/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_2WX2Ab19VGBMR

With a little more experience you’ll be able to tackle cables etc which I love: it’s two levels of that connectedness: one thread throughout and a pattern repeat to get a surface.

Lace Chain counters;
https://www.amazon.ca/Lacis-Basic-Hands-Knitting-Counter/dp/B004BP61T4

bone straight needles (with fancy carved stoppers);
http://lacis.com/catalog/data/AB_Knitting.html

Portuguese knitting needles (crochet hook on one end, pointed needle tip on the other, no flat spot in the middle) [called Hook/Point 'Wanda' needles on the Lacis website];
http://lacis.com/catalog/data/AB_Knitting.html

Knitting feeder/ring;
https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/91738407/the-original-most-popular-knitting-ring

Personalized Yarn Bowl;
https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/256718282/petite-yarn-bowl-personalize-with-color

Quiviuit yarns (Arctic Muskox down);
http://windyvalleymuskox.net/product-category/yarns/

And of course, other things, but these are the more unusual things on my personal list.

Good Luck!

I got the pattern from this book Knitted Wild Animals. There are other cute patterns in there, the monkey was just the most tempting! Make sure you get good toy stuffing - you don't want him to end up lumpy!

I like the Clover Takumi Bamboo circular needles. Size 7 (4.5mm) at 16" is the perfect size for making a hat or ear warmers. The bamboo holds the stitches well so that they don't slide off like on aluminum needles.

There's a book I found at the library recently that is AMAZING!

The Beginner's Guide to Writing Knitting Patterns, by Kate Atherley

Get it. It goes into sooooooo much detail about what makes good patterns.

I very much like Knitting Pattern Essentials by Sally Melville for understanding sweater fit and patterns. However I believe she mostly addresses women’s wear (I don’t have it with me so I can’t check right now). Ignore the included patterns. I do think many concepts are transferable to menswear (e.g. how different shoulder styles make your shoulders appear wider/narrower etc). As long as you already understand what looks good on your own body, I think this book could be a good reference for working with sweater patterns.

One solution is to use a knitting chain. You can buy one or make one. (Read the "make" version to learn more about using a chain.)

It hangs on your needle between two stitches, and every time you knit a row you have to pass it. When you get to it you put your needle into the next link in the chain, thus effectively counting on one. You can't forget to update it for this row because you have to knit past it.

Using the commercial chain you can tie a coloured thread on every fourth link and then knit from one end of the chain to the other with every fourth row marked. If you make a chain you can design it to be 5 links long so that when you reach the end you can start back the other way and it will take 4 rows to get to the other end.

EDIT: How to make smarter knitting chains is here.

I made one of these too. My pattern was from the Tiny Owl Knits book. Super fun stuff!

I have made almost all of the animals from this book. So much fun! I highly recommend her stuff. Here is the ravelry page

Started off without a pattern, saw some tentacles I liked from a book and tried to recreate. Failed miserably. Then Went back to Amazon to look "inside the book" to see if there were snipits of the pattern. Turned out I could see the whole thing. I don't know if this is bad or not...but cant I just blame Amazon?

Anyways, made this for my sisters Arbitrary Day Match, I am debating whether to attach the hat and 'stache or make them detachable and use a bobby pin? not sure if I should do that or just attach them.


LINKS:
My Ravelry Project Page

Amazon

Ravelry Link to Top Hat

Ravelry Link to Mustache

Edit: Adding my Ravelry Project Page

Edit 2: Not sure if everyone will see this, I'm not very good at posting things. But here is mr. octopus with all parts attached link

Thank you for all the comments, and if you live in Ireland and are a dude then you have a better chance of being the recipient. I don't know exactly who the lucky redditor is, but I do know that much! Also, since this is /r/knitting how do you guys respond when people are like "take my money" I have never been able to sell any of my things, but heck I wouldn't mind. But i'm not sure how to respond....any thoughts?

I taught myself to knit socks using the book KNIT SOCKS! It's even shaped like a sock (the book is). I found the instructions to be very helpful, and the patterns are varying levels of difficulty in case you want a challenge.

Here it is on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Knit-Socks-Betsy-McCarthy/dp/1580175376/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1416946884&sr=8-4&keywords=knit+socks

Thank you so much!!!! I bought the Circular Knitting Workshop and love it, but couldn't find an explanation of how to do this.

Clear pictures of any significant details are beyond important to me. Pictures are a hugely important part of the pattern, not just for marketing and selling it.

Some one above mentioned a book. I recently perused this one and it seems like it would be chock a block full of the kind of thing you are asking about. If you don't feel like purchasing maybe your library can grab it for you.

I have the Encyclopedia of Knitting that I got when I was still a beginner. I really like all of the stitches in the back that it outlines and it also has a lot of border stitches that you can use! I love making washcloths because of this book. Each stitch has the written instructions, a picture of the final product, and a chart (if necessary).

Disclaimer: there are a lot of one side only stitches which I DESPISE because that means it only has one "good" side. However, this book has gotten plenty of use from me!

Different books have different uses.

The Knitter's Book of Finishing Techniques is an invaluable little reference for making your knitting look handmade rather than homemade. It comes in a spiral-bound version, which is very nice to have.

For sweater design & customizing, you can't beat Sweater Design in Plain English. Again, it's all about the difference between homemade and handmade. Righetti also wrote Knitting in Plain English, which is a more general book and just as invaluable.

My favourite stitch dictionaries are the Walker Treasuries - I use Volume 1 most often.

There's leather thimbles that quilters use that might help, like this.

I have Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Knitting. I have found it to be a great resource, especially for cables.

This book is a great resource - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1580176917

You can buy stick on thimbles like [these] (http://www.amazon.com/Colorbok-Thimble-Pad-Per-Package/dp/B001J5JN7G). They protect your finger without adding bulk.

Not that I know of. I got it from this book. I also bought this one. I think the projects in the second book are a lot cuter.

EDIT: FOUND IT!

I was really excited to get my first interchangeable needle set on Saturday. It's the box of joy set, my lys was having a sale, so my fiance got them for me as an early b-day present. I just wanted to share but didn't feel a post was appropriate.

This is a fantastic book: https://www.amazon.com/Circular-Knitting-Workshop-Essential-Techniques/dp/1603429999/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1488238744&sr=8-2&keywords=circular+knitting

All of the pieces, except the ears, were done in the round, starting with CO6. The body and head are all one piece. I think I decreased to 12, and then started increasing again. I had to stuff the body before I got down to 12 sts, though. The muzzle is sewn on, as are the arms, legs, and ears. For the hooves, I just made them the exact same way as I made the arms and legs, except with a larger needle (size 7; I used size 5 for everything else), and binding off after only a few rounds.

Even though I didn't use a pattern for these guys, I learned to knit animals using this book, so I'm sure a lot of the techniques I used came from there. The only difference is, those animals are knit flat and sewn up, whereas I prefer to knit in the round as much as I can to avoid seams. Hope that helps!

> sometimes it's really cathartic to frog

This so much. My first real project was a hat. About halfway through, I took it to a friend to help me fix a mistake. She took one look at it, just lousy with mistakes, and said, "Rip it. Rip the whole thing and start over." I protested, but she insisted. SUCH a weight lifted when I ripped that damn hat. I started over and produced one that I felt much much better about.

As for socks, a pair of two at a time cuff-down socks was my second project. You need to be able to decrease, pick up stitches, and do short rows (not hard at all). I used this book and can't say enough wonderful things about it. It includes a comprehensive illustrated tutorial for making a little practice pair of toddler-sized socks in worsted weight yarn, so you can run through all the sock skills and be ready for your first real pair quickly.

Knit what you want!!

Yeah, there's a relatively popular designer who does whimsical stuff. I'm not a huge fan, but Dosen does appeal to certain demographics. Woodland Knits. Her rav page

Edit: sorry, I somehow missed that you want to do fair isle mitts. She does have colorwork mitts, not sure that'd fit the bill. Otherwise, maybe this this or this?

I really liked the book Socks from the Toe Up: Essential Techniques and Patterns from Wendy Knits by Wendy Johnson. The three basic starter socks in the book are:

1. Short Row Heel
   
2. Gusset Heel
   
3. Slip Stick Heel

A good reference book is Socks from the Toe Up.
http://www.amazon.com/Socks-Toe-Up-Essential-Techniques/dp/0307449440

I liked http://www.amazon.com/Koolers-Encyclopedia-Knitting-Leisure-Series/dp/1574862839 because every project had a different technique and wasn't all the same thing.

You could always buy these.

I don't like magic loop haha.

Circular Knitting Workshop.

It's a good book, but I am having issue with knitting in the round still. I tried to cast on to start a round bag using dishie yarn, and it was not working out at all.

Exercise mats on amazon. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0050P218E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B009OXJ1TU/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?qid=1413526366&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70

Just search for "Bamboo Knitting Needles" and a bunch will show up.

I use thimblepads

Pattern from http://www.amazon.com/Knitting-Mochimochi-Super-Cute-Strange-Amigurumi/dp/0823026647

My husband got me 750 Knitting Stitches. It's so cool.

It's from this book- https://www.amazon.com/Socks-Toe-Up-Essential-Techniques/dp/0307449440

I really love this needle set from amazon for $30 as a beginner set. Then these mats to use for blocking also from amazon for about $20, depending on exactly which set you get, but it’s much less than the marketed blocking mats. Then some rust resistant T-pins from any basic craft store or Walmart. This should cover most of your basics!

no, here's the link to the book i snagged it from...tho not many of the patterns are actually accessible from the sneak preview

https://www.amazon.com/750-Knitting-Stitches-Ultimate-Stitch/dp/1250067189/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1250067189&pd_rd_r=81ac8908-c107-11e8-8fdb-93447179dba3&pd_rd_w=QqSqI&pd_rd_wg=fRq1X&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=3f9889ac-6c45-46e8-b515-3af650557207&pf_rd_r=9KYM1XKH2F8ZZH9WV3T2&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=9KYM1XKH2F8ZZH9WV3T2

sorry for the long AF link but this one has no charts