Back in August 2023, I posted some thoughts about learning to knit as a crocheter. It was a few notes and observations about my own journey. Things I struggled with, things that I enjoyed, tools that I found helpful, etc. Given that we are almost at the two year mark since that original post, I thought that an update would be fun.
Check out what I’ve been doing since then and what I have learned along the way…
If you’d like to catch up, you can find the original post from 2023 here: Learning to Knit as a Crocheter
If you’d like the short version: I originally tried learning to knit but ended up connecting with crochet instead. After years of crocheting, I gave knitting another try and it ended up being a positive and enjoyable experience.
So here we are, 2 years later. Am I still knitting? YES! Do I still enjoy it? SO MUCH!
Back when I wrote the original post, I was mostly focusing on hats. I know, it seems weird to jump into hats as beginner projects but as I mentioned in that first post, I found learning on circulars so much easier than learning on straight needles. And working on projects that were knit in the round, made a lot more sense to me.
Since then, I am still obsessed with knitting hats. That hasn’t changed at all and almost every time I’m searching for patterns, I’m always drawn back to hats. It’s relaxing and enjoyable and they are smaller so progress shows more quickly which I do like. It makes me feel productive.
While I still deeply enjoy a simple beanie pattern (shout out to one of my favourite’s, the “Everyday Knit Hat” from B.Hooked), I was ready to create some more challenging projects and stepped into the world of graphs and colourwork. I found the Cat-Tastic Hat by Christina Ross and decided to jump in. This hat introduced me to working with multiple colours and strands of yarn. It made sense to me and isn’t too different from graphs in crochet colour work patterns. The way the yarn gets carried is different because in crochet, you can work over the unworked yarn to carry it. With knitting, you have to carry it behind the work (floats), making sure to pick it up in appropriate points to avoid tightness and tension issues. I struggled with this and spent a lot of time watching YouTube videos and chatting with people in knit focused Facebook groups to see various methods. As you can see in the photo below, the pink collars on the cats aren’t quite the same tension as the other colours. Now those other colours are a little too tight anyway but inconsistent tension was something I struggled with when learning how to do colourwork in knitting. BUT, you learn and practice because that’s how you grow your skills.
I learned about Flynnknit and found the Scraptacular Extra Lite Beanie which was a really exciting and fun design. I purchased this pattern and just LOVE the way it’s laid out and written. I’ve made this hat a few times in different colours and it has really helped with practicing colour changing and carrying yarn (floats). It’s also a really fantastic stash buster project and looks super cute! As you can see, the colour changing looks a bit more even although I did have a bit of a hard time with the individual knit stitch colour accents at the very top section of the hat. That is a me issue and not a pattern issue because I did struggle with pulling those individual stitches too tightly. That’s just skill and technique and something I’ll need to spend more time working on.
Now believe it or not, I have made a few things that aren’t hats. While also still made in the round, I completed a cute pattern called the Songbird Neckwarmer from Emma L.K. This was another practice piece in colourwork and I think I’m definitely getting better! Below you’ll see a photo of the front (right side) and then underneath, a photo of the floats on the inside.
I have spent some time using straight needles and I made some classic dishcloths that were cute. I gave a whole bunch away as Christmas gifts and they were loved and really appreciated. I found straight needles to be SUCH a pain though. That’s one thing that hasn’t changed from my first post to this one. I just couldn’t get them into a comfortable position where the ends weren’t getting caught on my sleeves or bumped. It felt awkward and I eventually did go back to my circulars but not just for things made in the round but also projects in rows. I can knit a lot more smoothly and more quickly this way so I think it’s safe to say that circulars are my go to for most knit project.
Despite my love and obsession with circular needles, in my attempt to make some teeny tiny baby hats, I ran into a problem. Because the diameter of a baby hat is a lot less than that the child and adult hats I have been making, my trusty circulars were not up to the task. The needle itself was too long in length and was causing the stitches to stretch and be way too pulled and tight. I read that the “magic loop” method (not to be confused with the magic circle in crochet) was a great way to work with small projects like baby hats, sleeves, etc. By using a longer cable, you can divide up the stitches between the needles making it easier. It seems simple and for many knitters, they really enjoy this method. However, I just can’t get the hang of it. A few people suggested the short needles (more on that later) so that seemed the way to go for me. That leads me into….
Tools and accessories! When I started, I was fortunate enough to be able pick up a few basic needles. Along the way, I was gifted a few more and also purchased a couple different kinds to figure out what I liked and also to have what I needed for specific projects I was working on (or planned to). Many accessories I already had in my crochet stash and could be used for knitting as well.
I was given a handy pouch from a family member at Christmas, meant to organize and keep my needles together. I just love it and it keeps everything so neat and tidy which is important to me. If you take a closer look at the photo, the dark needles in the top left pouch were also gifted to me and they belonged to my grandmother who was an amazing knitter.
More recently, I purchased the Radiant Short Interchangeable Needle Clutch Bundle from Knit Picks which is SO cute and practical. I had tried interchangeable needles and found them really useful so it made sense to have a set, especially in the sizes I use most often. I also like the short length of these needles although some people mind find them a little uncomfortable if you like to have more of a grip. Just like with crochet, you might lean towards using a specific style or make of hook and knitting is no different. I have discovered that I typically switch between wooden needles like birch or bamboo and stainless steel. I prefer using Clover Takumi, Knit Picks Radiant and the “Knit RED” line from ChiaoGoo.
So it’s safe to say that since 2023 when I really gave knitting a chance, it stuck and I have grown to love it. I have branched out a little, trying new methods, patterns and materials, always learning new skills and tricks. What’s next for me? Probably more hats if I’m being honest because they make me super happy. But skills don’t grow unless you put time into them so I really should keep trying new things. Maybe some fun scarves or ear warmers….and perhaps a pair of socks.
If you are looking to pick up some knitting needles for the first time (or maybe again after a long while), give it a try! And remember, learning looks different to everyone and there isn’t only one path. Take your time, be open to learning and just have fun with it.
Happy knitting!