21st Jun 2019
6 Common Knitting Questions
By Orla Cronin
There are plenty of questions we ask ourselves as knitters. But we've compiled a list of the most common ones - with answers of course!
1. What should I knit?
The answer to this question very much depends on your knitting ability. Whatever your skill level, select something that’s doable. If it’s too difficult, you won’t enjoy it and you’re likely not to finish it. Start simple and build up your repertoire of knitted treasures as you increase in competence.
A knit kit is a good place to start if you have limited experience, or even when moving up a difficulty level. A kit will include everything you need - needles, the right quantity of yarn, the pattern – all in one package.
Make sure you give yourself a bit of a challenge. Try a pattern you haven’t tried before, or if you’ve only knitted scarves and socks to date, why not try a shawl or sweater? Keep life interesting by extending your reach and trying something just a little more difficult than you’ve tried to date. You’ll enjoy the challenge and you’ll be so proud of what you’ve achieved once it’s completed.
Finally, always only ever go for something you really like – choose colours you love, beautiful soft yarn you’ll love to wear, something you’d buy if you saw it ready-made in a store, something you’ll wear with pride and treasure for years to come!
Here’s a list for a bit of knitting inspiration: beanies, scarves, gloves, sweaters, cardigans, socks, blankets, teddy bears, dolls, toys, Christmas/Easter decorations, bunting, mug warmers, tea cosies, hot water bottle cosies, bags, wallets, glasses cases, phone cases, laptop case...
2. What do I need to start knitting?
Must have: Two needles, yarn and a pattern
Good to have: Knit kit – includes everything you’ll need in one kit
Nice to have: A little patience and a friendly tutor if available.
3. What yarn should I use?
This is always a tough question to answer. Climate, feel, color, weight, type and texture all play a part in this decision. But ultimately, it's a personal one.
Start with finding the type of yarn you like to work with. Visit yarn shops or try yarn samples online to learn the type of yarn you prefer to work with.
Next, decide on the weight. This can largely come down to how cold it is where you live. Sportweight will be lighter and more suited to autumn and early spring in cool climates. While Worsted weight will be warmer and great for especially cold climates.
Read reviews of yarn online to understand what other people say the yarn is like to work with.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, choose a colorway you love!
We may be biased, but the range of Yarn Vibes 100% Irish yarn come in beautiful, traditional colorways and they're a delight to work with.
4. What can I knit with just one skein of yarn?
The answer to every question in this FAQk is not going to start with “Well, that depends on…”, but quite a few will, including this one. Because the answer depends on the type of yarn you’re planning to use.
There are so many great options if you're looking for a quick, simple knitting project with a single skein of yarn. It obviously depends on what you're looking to knit, but there are plenty of hats, gloves and cowls you can knit with one skein of yarn.
The Aidan Fingerless Gloves, the Aileen Lace Leaf Cowl, and the Riley Aran Hat are a few of our favourite single-skein knit kits.
5. What should I knit if I'm expecting?
Pregnancy is a very special time, during which your love for your child grows as they grow. While it’s important to stay fit and healthy, it’s also important to take time to rest, especially during that last trimester. This is the perfect time to take up a knitting project and knit something beautiful for your little one.
Select something that’s doable – you don’t want to stress yourself out with complicated patterns or mixes of yarns, that you’re still struggling to complete while in the throes of labour! Knitting during this time should be therapeutic, easy and relaxing. And often the simplest thing is the most beautiful. Why not try a simple pair of bootees, a cute little hat, or a cosy blanket? Use the softest of yarn (make sure it’s washable), a colour you love and you can’t go wrong.
6. What should I knit for my partner?
Whatever takes your fancy! If they really love you, they’ll wear it with pride, just because you knitted it specially for them! Even if it’s a black and red stripy ‘Denis the Menace’ sweater. (Well, maybe best not to use this as a measure of how much they love you!).
All joking aside, there’s no single answer to this question – it depends very much on your partner’s individual personality and style. Unless you’re sure they really dig bright colours, keep it fairly muted – shades of grey, green or navy work best. Beanies, scarves and gloves are probably a good place to start. They won’t cost the earth and you can always regift them to your mum or dad if your partner doesn’t wear them.