I’ve been a knitter for almost 45 years, give or take. Back in “the day,” there was no such thing as Google, or YouTube, or even the internet! So, if you wanted to learn to knit, you had two options: find someone who had the skills and could/would teach you, or find a book and learn through trial and error.
If you were fortunate enough to have a local yarn shop located near you, then finding someone (and probably paying them) to teach you to knit wasn’t a big deal. You just drop into the store, take a good look around, talk to the owner or the manager or someone who might be hanging around the store knitting, and ask someone. Chances are you would find someone more than able and willing to teach you to knit, whether they were actually employed by the shop or not.
If, however, you lived in the middle of the delta of the Mississippi River in northeastern Arkansas, you had never even heard of a local yarn shop, much less visited such a wonderful creation. That was me in January of 1981. So, I drove myself to the local big box store that originated in northwest Arkansas and spread all over the state by 1981 and found a cute little brochure published by Red Heart Yarn entitled, appropriately, “Teach Yourself to Knit.” (Or was it ”Learn to Knit”? I can’t recall exactly; I’m old, you know.) I bought that cute little brochure, a pair of size 10 straight knitting needles, 10 inches long, and a ball of pale blue, really scratchy acrylic yarn—also Red Heart brand. (Their yarns have improved over the past 45 years, thankfully.)
I could already crochet. A lovely elderly missionary lady graciously taught me to do so some 2 years earlier. So yarn wasn’t exactly foreign to me. (I crocheted a LOT of hats and blankets over those two years!) But I decided that I liked the “look” of knitted fabric more than crocheted fabric.
Now Came the Hard Part
You probably know by now that knitters have their own written and spoken “language.” Yeah, well, I did NOT know that at the time. When I opened that cute little brochure and started reading what I believed to be instructions in American English, I almost cried.
Long story short, after much trial and error and lots of tears and maybe even an occasional swear word or two, I finally created my first knitted object. Mercifully, I don’t recall what it was.
Fast Forward
Fast forward ~45 years. I’m about to sign up for yet another knitting class as I continue to learn to knit.
WHY? you may ask yourself. Well, here are just a few answers for you.
- There’s Always a New Trick to Learn
Even if you’ve been knitting for years, there’s always some clever technique, stitch pattern, or finishing method that can take your projects to the next level. Whether it’s a new way to cast yarn onto your needles, an intricate lace or cable pattern that you’re dying to try, or a fun new tool that lets you knit faster or easier, I can guarantee that you will never know all there is to know about knitting. Even the most expert knitters are always looking for a new challenge, a new technique, or a new pattern that they just can’t wait to attempt. A class can introduce you to fresh ideas that make your knitting easier, faster, or just more fun.
- Master the Skills You’ve Been Avoiding
We all have those knitting skills we sidestep—maybe it’s steeking, brioche, or intricate lace. For me, it’s been chart knitting, colorwork knitting, and knitting socks. Everybody has “that thing” that they’ve managed to avoid in their knitting experience. A class gives you the structure and guidance to finally conquer those tricky techniques with confidence (and without endless YouTube frustration). I’ve taught beginning knitting classes and without exception, the people in the class have complained about how frustrated they became as they tried to learn to knit using a YouTube video. Let’s face it: it’s just easier to knit in person with someone who understands the skill or technique you want to learn.
- Get Inspired and Break Out of a Rut
It’s easy to fall into knitting the same types of projects over and over. If I had a dollar for every knitted dish cloth I’ve knitted over the past 4+ decades, I would be a very wealthy woman! A class can shake things up, introduce you to new patterns, and spark fresh excitement for your craft. Plus, seeing what others are creating is always inspiring! If you would like to start with a dish cloth, I wrote about it here.
- Connect with Fellow Knitters
Knitting is more fun when you share it with others! I’m blessed to participate in two online zoom-type groups, one of which is weekly and the other takes place approximately every two weeks. Since my LYS (local yarn shop) opened last August, I’ve really enjoyed knitting with a group of yarn crafters every Thursday evening after I finish teaching piano. Honestly, I think we laugh more than we craft, but that’s okay; there isn’t a minimum daily requirement of yarn-ing completion! Whether online or in person, a class is a great way to meet like-minded knitters, swap tips, and maybe even make some new fiber-loving friends. My in-person group consists of knitters, crocheters, weavers, and spinners! All of us in a room together makes for such great fun!
I’m sure there are many more reasons to sign up for a class. I know my LYS owner, Ashley, really loves it when community members come into her shop and declare, “Oh, I’ve always wanted to learn how to—” (Fill in the blank.)
Time to Sign Up!
So, yeah, I’m old. Yeah, I’ve been knitting for almost 45 years. And yeah, I’m gonna sign up for yet ANOTHER knitting class.
You’re never too old to learn something new, right?? So what am I learning to knit now?
Rabbits!
Happy knitting!
For More Help Learning to Knit
| Learn to Knit: 25 quick and easy knitting projects to get you started. by Fiona Goble (Author) Available on Amazon. |
| Two Needles, Many Knits: The New Knitter’s Guide with Easy Patterns by Quayln Stark (Author) Available on Amazon. |