I am sure you might have tried to knit before and decided "forget it, this is too hard", right? Well if you take it slow, follow these simple tips, I know you will be knitting beautiful items in no time!
I know you see all kinds of patterns for beautiful sweaters and other things out there, but if you want to learn without getting discouraged, the secret is to start slow.
I always use "Red Heart" yarn. Worsted or sports weight, whatever the pattern calls for. This yarn is easy to work with, washes up nice, and is very durable.
Remember to look at the pattern and make sure that you buy the amount of yarn it calls for to avoid getting different dye lots.
Do a test swatch.Knit a 6 inch square to make sure you knit the same size as the pattern calls for. If you don't you may have to use smaller or larger needles than what the pattern says.
Read through the pattern a few times before you begin. This will make you familiar with what is coming up as you knit, and allow you to look up any abbrev. you don't know.
Keep a notebook and plot out each section so that you can circle each row as you do them to keep track.
When starting a new skein knit the knot right in to the piece you are working on, in back of your work. This will save time and aggrivation later on, and all you will have to do when done, is snip the little ends that are sticking out.
Start with a simple scarf, afghan, etc.You can always upgrade to harder patterns as you learn.If you try the hardest first, you will undoubtedly give up before you even start.
Don't worry if you don't knit the same size as they do, I myself tend to have to use a size smaller needles that the patterns call for.
As long as your knitting is consistent, you are doing great!
Example:
Ribbing
1..2..3..4..5..6..7..8
Front body
1..2..3..4..5..5..
This will also help you to remember how many rows you actually did on each part. That way when you get to your second sleeve, it will be the same size as the first one.