​How old is knitting?
No one knows exactly how old knitting is. It's generally thought to be older than other handcrafts, such as rug hooking, but not as old as weaving. Scraps of knitted fabrics have been found in Egypt, dating back to 1200 A.D.

Is straight knitting more difficult than circular knitting?
There are conflicting theories on this question. Many knitters claim that circular knitting is far easier than straight knitting while others say that straight is easier. In most cases, a person will find the easiest to be the one that they learned first. In the United States, most knitters learn straight knitting before circular knitting.

What yarn fiber is best for learning?
We recommend using 100% wool worsted weight yarns. It is best to buy light colored yarns since it is easier to distinguish the stitches on light colored yarns. Never buy browns, dark blues, dark greens or blacks for learning.

Should I keep the labels from my yarns?
Yes, it is best to always keep the labels from your yarns. We recommend carefully removing the labels from the yarn and writing on the back of the labels the date when the yarn was used and the project that it was used for. Though it seems unnecessary, you may find that it will be an invaluable reference later on.

Can children learn to knit?
Absolutely! Children as young as 4 years old have learned how to knit. Depending on their determination level, younger children may find it boring and aggravating due to their short attention span. Oftentimes, they will put aside knitting for several years, then take it up again after they are a little older. Tip: Giving a child something to look forward to at the end of each ball of yarn can help to keep their attention on the knitting. Roll a piece of candy, money of a small toy into the center of each ball of yarn as a reward and you will find they will be probably be more willing to learn.

What is the best yarn fiber for knitting in general?
That depends entirely on what project you intend to make with it. Every yarn has its place. Look at what yarns other knitters have used to make the pattern you want to make, or look for yarns similar to the one recommended in the pattern (try YarnSub, an easy to use tool for yarn substitution and comparison).

What kind of needles are easiest for beginners?
Most beginners find that bamboo needles are the best for learning because stitches don't slip off the needles as easily as other needles. They're warm to the touch and they are not as noisy as metal needles. Size US 8 is the most common size for beginners.

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What is the difference between 'Continental' knitting and 'English' knitting?

Continental knitters hold the yarn in their left hand, while English knitters hold the yarn in their right hand. For those who know how to crochet, Continental will likely be easier to learn, since the yarn is held in the same hand as in crocheting. But most American knitters learn to knit in the English style. We recommend trying both methods to find the one that works best for you.

How many different stitches are there?
There are thousands of knitting stitches and, surprisingly, new ones are being created all the time. There are endless possibilities, some of which you may even discover yourself! Stitch Dictionaries are a great way to discover new knitting stitches. Look for them online or at your local yarn store.

Who invented knitting?
No one knows where knitting originated, or exactly when. The term 'knitting' has had various definitions over the years. Ancient Peruvian tapestries and wire decorations, which have a knitted structure, have been referred to as 'knitted'. But they were not made using knitting needles, as we know them today.

Why are my stitches so tight on my needles?
Tight stitches are common for beginners, resulting from lack of experience in holding the yarn and the fear of the stitches slipping off the needles. Purl stitches are usually looser than knit stitches. Tight stitches will go away as you master the techniques. Try to knit a little looser, or work more purl rows, to loosen up your stitches.

 

What’s the difference between a skein, ball and hank of yarn?
The difference between a skein, ball and hank of yarn is how it's wound (put up). A skein has two yarn ends and can be used as is, without being rolled into a ball. Skeins are especially common amongst synthetic yarns. A 'ball' of yarn can desrcibe either a hand rolled spherical ball, or a sudo-ball shaped commercial put up, which is similar to a skein and also has two workable yarn ends. A cake of yarn is a short cylinder shaped put up, which doesn't roll away when being used and also has two workable yarn ends. Few yarns come in cakes, but cakes are commonly used by natural knitters, because they are formed by mechanically winding a hank of yarn, using a ball winder and swift. A hank is the put up in which most natural yarns are sold and has a twisted appearance. It must be carefully unwrapped and rewound into a cake or ball, before using.

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Is there more than one way to cast on and cast off (bind off)?

There are many of different ways to cast on and cast off. Some are stretchy, which is ideal for rib patterns, while others are stiff or decorative. For beginners, a simple loop cast on, such as the one demonstrated in this video by Staci Perry, is usually the easiest to master. But if you're looking to learn more, consider purchasing Cast On, Bind Off by Leslie Ann Bestor.

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How much yarn does it take to make a scarf?

The amount of yarn needed to make a scarf, the most common beginner project, can vary greatly depending on the size of the scarf, the yarn and needles being used and the stitch the scarf is made of. The following table is an approximate estimate for a plain 60" long, stockinette stitch scarf without fringe. If you want fringe, add an extra 5%. If you are planning to use a more complex stitch pattern, add 10-20% more than specified. Most beginner knitting books will give you directions for basic scarves, with the exact yarn quantity needed.