Knitting for Beginners
It often happens that people attending my knitting or crochet classes tell me:
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Photo Haley Parson by Unsplash[/caption]
"I'd like to learn how to properly shape armholes and necklines, increase and decrease stitches, and sew and finish all garments perfectly."
Certainly, it's an ambitious and wonderful goal, but it takes time to achieve. Theory alone isn't enough: you need to work hard, experiment, and learn from your mistakes. Every garment created with knitting needles or a crochet hook is a step forward towards this goal.
But what should beginners do who have just learned to hold knitting needles? What can they create to gain some satisfaction without having to wait months? And what can those do who don't have the opportunity to take live lessons with a teacher?
Here's a solution for all of you! 
I propose a simple style, accessible to everyone: creating garments starting from basic shapes like
rectangles and squares. Yes, it's truly possible to create sweaters, scarves, ponchos, and even dresses using only these simple geometric shapes. This approach has many advantages:
Ease: No advanced techniques are needed; you just need to know how to cast on stitches, knit or purl, and bind off.
Creativity: You can focus on choosing colors, stitches, and yarns, exploring combinations you like.
Immediate Satisfaction: Seeing your work transform into something wearable is a great encouragement!
I suggest you start with an armhole-free vest:
Simply knit two rectangles and partially sew the sides, leaving space for the arms and head.
You can easily customize this project, for example, by creating longer rectangles that reach the knees or mid-thigh. You can also use different colors, working in stripes. The customization possibilities are truly endless! One of these is choosing
fine yarns such as
cashmere or
cashmere blend, wool alpaca and others.
Every garment made with these yarns becomes truly precious, not to mention the pleasure one feels during the making process.
Here are some
video tutorials that will guide you step by step. You'll find practical tips, clear explanations, and creative ideas to customize your projects. Don't forget to experiment with yarns and colors that inspire you!
In this
video tutorial, you'll find a summer top or a vest (it's up to you how you wear this garment), made of two rectangular pieces, with garter stitch and eyelet patterns.
In this
video tutorial, you'll see how to make a vest in two rectangular pieces with garter stitch and the seed stitch, or rice grain stitch.
In this
video tutorial, you'll see a vest made in one piece, with garter stitch and stockinette stitch, without seams.
And finally, again, a vest or a
top (depends on how you wear this garment) made with a beautiful but slightly more difficult stitch: the astrakhan stitch with 1:1 ribbing.
Start creating now: it's a journey that will bring you great satisfaction, one garment at a time.
Happy knitting and have fun!
Alicja Kwartnik
for Hircus Filati
Immediate Satisfaction: Seeing your work transform into something wearable is a great encouragement!