If you are new knitter looking for some resources, I am happy to help you get started!
Needles
If you like knitting and think you will continue to knit in your future (I hope you do!) I would highly recommend getting a set of interchangable knitting needles. You will get every size needle from size 2-15, which will save you lots of money since you won’t have to buy new needles for every project! You can knit with them just like you would with straight needles, but have the option to connect them to make a circular needle for garments knitted in the round.
With this set, you also get different lengths of cords and can connect them, so the cord length is totally customizable for your projects. This will also save you money on buying different lengths and sizes of circular needles. I try to design my garments to be knit in the round whenever possible so that there is minimal seaming when finished, and so that you can try on your work as you go to ensure it will fit (which you can do by extending the cord with your circular needle set). Another advantage of knitting with this set is that you won’t poke people sitting next you when knitting! I use this set ALL the time and highly recommend it!
Books
The Big Book of Knitting was the first book I purchased when I got serious about knitting! It has served as my knitting resource bible for many years! My favorite part about this book is the loads of high quality pictures. As a visual person, especially with knitting, great pictures are a must! It features basic patterns and lots of fun stitch patterns and embellishment techniques. From the basics to advanced techniques, it’s all covered in this wonderful book!
Stitch ‘N Bitch
I absolutely LOVE the Stitch ‘N Bitch series of books! It is the best series of books for fun, young, hip knitting patterns that I’ve found. Each book features tons of great patterns, as well as lots of resources for knitting techniques that are very well explained through words and visuals.
For the beginner knitter I would recommend Stitch ‘N Bitch: The Knitter’s Handbook, then Stitch ‘N Bitch Nation. If you are interested in advancing your skills further and want to learn design, check out Stitch ‘N Bitch Superstar Knitting: Go Beyond the Basics, which is the book that actually taught me how to design! This book also covers fun advanced level techniques like knitting with beads. As with all of Debbie Stoller’s knitting books, she explains everything clearly and with humor which makes learning that much more fun.
Online Video Courses
If you prefer watching video tutorials to learn new skills, I actually have two online knitting courses! The first is called “Learn to Knit: My First Hat and Glove Set“, where I walk you through everything to get started knitting from choosing yarn and knitting needles, to learning all of the knitting basics. After mastering casting on, knitting, purling, and binding off, we make a super cute hat and glove set together!
Next, it’s time to learn cables! My second course is “Learn to Knit Cables: Mug Cozy and Cowl” where I walk you through how to knit a basic cable, and we make an adorable mug cozy together. Then we take our skills to the next level to learn how to read a cable chart, and knit a cowl which features 3 different types of cables.
You can also find my free YouTube tutorials here!
Jill Young
January 22, 2018 at 9:21 am (7 years ago)Hey Lauren, just wondering what your favourite double pointed needles are? I started looking at different sets but since they come in different lengths I wasn’t sure on what would be best for starting to knit socks. Thanks!
Lauren
May 8, 2018 at 5:51 pm (7 years ago)Hi Jill! I usually prefer 7″ ones 🙂
sandra valencia
August 1, 2018 at 9:41 am (6 years ago)Ms. Riiker, I purchased your pattern “Cowl Me Maybe” dress. I didn’t know it was knitted in a pattern—the picture kind of looks like a stocking knit pattern or that it was knitted in the round. I haven’t knitted in the round before. Do you have any suggestions for what I do after I pm for start? How do I get to the next round? And can this be done in stocking knit instead of the diamond pattern. I will have no trouble following the diamond pattern, it’s just I like stocking knit pattern better. Yeah I know it’s easier, but I do like challenging myself, but mostly on sweaters (they are smaller and quicker to finish). Thank You SV
Lauren
November 30, 2018 at 2:09 pm (6 years ago)Hi Sandra! I apologize for the delayed reply, for the quickest response, please e-mail me at girlyknits@gmail.com. Yes you can knit this dress in Stockinette Stitch instead of the diamond pattern. If you search youtube for “how to knit in the round” you should find some good tutorials. I also show how to do it in my video “How to Knit a Bra Top” here: http://knittingisawesome.com/howtoknitabratop/
Hope that helps and please e-mail me if you have any more questions!
Lauren
Cathy Plantery
November 17, 2018 at 9:39 am (6 years ago)Hey Lauren your patters are adorable! Are they available in a book or do they all have to be purchased individually.
Lauren
November 30, 2018 at 2:02 pm (6 years ago)Hi Cathy! Thanks! 🙂 I have e-books which are a collection of patterns for a discounted price, or you can make your own custom pattern collections (buy 6 or more patterns and get 50% off) on Ravelry. Here is a link to my shop there and you will see the coupon code! https://www.ravelry.com/designers/lauren-riker
Kali
January 16, 2023 at 3:03 am (2 years ago)Hi,
I’d like advice, if you know please.
Im an absolute beginner and Id lke to knit jumpers for dachshounds- sausage dogs.
I’m thinking of buying a knitting machine.
Do you know what the silver reed KL100 is like.
Would it be suitable? Or is the silver reed KL 150 a better choice. I’m finding it hard to get I info on it.
Regards Kali
Lauren
June 28, 2023 at 8:06 am (1 year ago)The LK150 is amazing! You can use everything from fingering weight to chunky yarn, though it’s ideal for DK and worsted. I believe the LK100 is for bulky yarns so just depends on which yarns you like to work with. Thank it would be great for dog sweaters!