Learn to knit?

Kelseyl34 · August 2013

Anyone knitters out there? I thought it would be fun to knit the baby a baby blanket. Anyone done this before. I just want to do one color, keep it simple. Is it hard to learn and how many hours would an average baby blanket take?

buffyjsa · August 2013

My mother showed me knitting years and years ago and I don't remember well. A few years ago, I picked up crocheting, which is relatively simple and offers a bazillion different stitches for different projects. I actually had a small squee moment after I found out I was pregnant when I realized I now have an excuse to make those cute baby projects I keep seeing. Whatever you choose, enjoy!

pineconey · August 2013

I love knitting! Some craft stores offer classes. It's not super hard to learn.

RedDawnsRevenge · August 2013

How about starting out smaller than a blanket? The only reason I say this is that new knitters start out knitting real tight, and loss or drop, many stitches. I made a baby blanket once... It's 100cm at one end and 75cm at the next... I recommend wash clothes. I made these years ago for a friends baby shower in all different colors. I think they would be a great first knit.

justright47 · August 2013

I got myself a Visual book that shows how to knit and crochet. Taught myself after a big breakup in college. Have been doing it for years now. If you use a simple stitch it could take as little as a few days. I crocheted a full sized flag blanket with stripes and granny circle stars as a border, it took me about 6 months:) it apparently helps reduce stress as well, I like to do it while I watch the boob tube.

justright47 · August 2013

I got myself a Visual book that shows how to knit and crochet. Taught myself after a big breakup in college. Have been doing it for years now. If you use a simple stitch it could take as little as a few days. I crocheted a full sized flag blanket with stripes and granny circle stars as a border, it took me about 6 months:) it apparently helps reduce stress as well, I like to do it while I watch the boob tube.

mandacann · August 2013

My mom taught me but I supplement with videos online when I get lost or mess up. I'm a really slow knitter so it takes me months to finish a scarf, especially with any sort of pattern. I recommend starting with something smaller just to get the hang of it and see how you like it.

teachingmama11 · August 2013

I learned to knit a couple years ago, but I don't really do it often. I took a short class at a local craft store to learn the basics. It is pretty relaxing, and I'm thinking about trying to do it more now to make something for the baby. I knit my son a blanket, so I'll probably do the same for this LO.

BiggerinRealLife · August 2013

Hey! Great idea! I've taught knitting for years and it's totally do-able. As at as how long they take, I know this wont help, but it totally depends on you. Do you find you pick up handcrafts well? Or did you learn to use chopsticks quickly? If so then you'll likely pick this us quickly as well. If not, you've got eight months to figure it out! Either way keep in mind that a baby blanket is a marathon, not a sprint. If you make something tht will tuck into a stroller and cover a lap it will take awhile to make. I'd say I'm knit at a moderate speed and its takes me around 20 hours collectively to knit a baby blanket, depending on the complexity if the pattern.

Some things to consider for time/cost: Are you good at following written directions? If so you can give a go at teaching yourself (I'm entirely self-taught). If you learn better visually you'd do we'll to factor in the cost/time of taking a beginners class. Lots of people we had in were new moms knitting for their first baby, so you may have company! Look for a local yarn store (LYS) rather than a big box store. They're likely to have more classes available, better quality materials, and, best of all, be able to help you throughout the process of your project. If you took a class or purchased your materials at a LYS most are happy to help with any questions you have along the way.

Another thing to consider: good yarn isn't inexpensive. Knitting a Quality baby blanket will likely cost you the same as four store bought blankets (or one at Pottery Barn.) Yes you can buy a pound of acrylic blend at a box store, but what are you getting of your money? Think of how your body processes heat when you wear synthetics. You sweat. So will a baby under an acrylic blanket. A good washable cotton, or even better, a machine-washable wool (yes they have them and they are suuuuper soft!) will allow your baby's body to regulate temperature and will last a lifetime. Also, wool is naturally flame retardant, while acrylic melts into a puddle. Choose your materials carefully, and be prepared to pay for quality. After all, you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.

Some pattern suggestions: both are super simple for a beginner. The first is a loose pattern you can buy online or at a LYS. I've made it many times and it never fails to impress at baby showers. The second is in the book I taught myself to knit from and is a great beginner's resource. It's called Stitch and Bitch by Debbie Stoller and I think it's, like, $15.

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/prairie-blanket

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/big-bad-baby-blanket

I hope this helps! Good luck!

Kelseyl34 · August 2013

Thanks so much, this helps a lot! I figured it would be more expensive then buying one but it will also be very special that I made it myself.

littlebaker5 · August 2013

It's not hard once you get the hang of it. My problem with knitting though is that it's so time consuming. I crochet instead -- everything works up so much more quickly.

I would check out youtube for video tutorials. There's some pretty good stuff out there.

Bmbrammer89 · August 2013

YouTube! They have great instructional videos! Happy knitting!

crystalmir91385 · August 2013

I crochet, and can complete a baby blanket in under week if I have a decent amount of free time. Good luck!

BiggerinRealLife · August 2013

Kelseyl34 said:
Thanks so much, this helps a lot! I figured it would be more expensive then buying one but it will also be very special that I made it myself.

You're welcome! And it's so totally worth it and very, very special. I just wanted to give you the heads up because as a former knit teacher I like to make sure people know what they're in for. Good luck! I can't wait to get started on my own. Post a pic when you're done!

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