Planning for a successful knitting project involves several important steps. There is more to making a beautiful knitted piece than having the appropriate knitting needles and the perfect yarn.   The right preparation and visualization are key to ending up with a gorgeous knitted garment.

Knitting patterns are abundant, especially online. That’s one reason that preparation is so important.  Oftentimes, people write patterns as best as they are able, but mistakes are inevitable. These are accomplished knitters, but not always professional-level pattern writers. This is a compelling reason to read a pattern before you cast on. If felting is a part of your project, be sure to have the felting supplies you need on hand.

Examine the photos of the fitted garment.  Will it flatter your body type?   Will the yarn you’ve chosen drape correctly? By thinking about these questions, it’s more likely you’ll end up with an attractive garment.  Additionally, the photos should make clear how many parts comprise the garment.   Not many projects get knitted in one piece. The instructions should have instructions for all parts of the garment.

The pattern details should include a minimal amount of information.   It’s chancy to knit a pattern without knowing the gauge, or stitches per inch.  You could end up with a project that is far too small or impossibly large. There are so many different knitting stitches; you’re bound to come across one or more with which you’re unfamiliar. Practice these on a gauge swatch ahead of time to save yourself the trouble of ripping back (“frogging”) any mistakes. Charts included should be clear and easy to read.  In the case that something is unclear, just take the time to work everything out in your head before beginning.  Even if you need to re-write the instructions yourself to make everything clear, do it, you will not be sorry you did!

Having the right tools on hand is important before you embark on a new knitting project. Taking time to prepare adequately is critical to success. By knowing in advance of the possible challenge, you mitigate errors.  Just these few simple steps will assure that your projects proceed with ease. Your end result will be stunning!

So you see, it only takes a few bucks to get what you need to knit a project.  Free knitting patterns are widely available.   Online is the easiest place to find free patterns.  All major yarn manufacturers offer free patterns on their official websites.   Often, a free pattern is included on the paper wrapping around store-bought yarn. People running their own yarn blogs write and share patterns for general use.  Several major social networking sites also offer sections with free patterns, as well as useful tips and tricks. 

After getting the hang of knitting, you may want to try you hand at felting. Felting supplies are easy to obtain, and you can learn the technique quickly and easily. It is important to keep in mind that felting shrinks the size of your project, so prior to felting the piece should always be larger than the intended final size.   Felting is perfect for items that benefit from a more rigid texture than normal knitted fabric.   Knitted toys and handbags are popular felted projects.

Heat and agitation are the ingredients for successful felting.  For this reason, most people felt their projects in their washing machine.   The hottest water setting and the highest agitation should give you great felted results.

The perfect first project, whether felted or not, is the traditional scarf. There are a few reasons why scarves make such a perfect first project. First, you need not worry too much about gauge, or “stitches per inch,” that has a significant affect on the sizing of knitted garments.    Scarves don’t envelop the body or fit around many bodily curves, so if you knit the project slightly bigger or smaller than the pattern writes, it’s no big deal. It still keeps the neck warm! Also, scarves knit up quickly, giving you a sense of accomplishment in a short period of time.

Knitting and other yarn arts are a great activity that can relieve stress. You can do it anywhere, and easily carry it with you on any kind of outing. If you’re seeking out a new hobby, try out knitting!