I developed an app for iOS and iPadOS to help you keep track of your stash. I hope you’ll check it out! apps.apple.com/us/app/yarn-store-stash-tracker/id1622439630

I learned to knit when I was three. I knitted a two inch by one inch rectangle to be used as a mouse doormat for a tv show. Mum sent it in and the program read out my name. A few years later, I knitted a striped dog coat for our dachshund, Fritz. He promptly took off around the block, came back without it, and despite looking I never found it. I have been knitting 54 years, and always enjoy new patterns.

Casting on tip: place a marker every ten stitches to make counting way easier! When you get enough stitches use a separate color marker like red to remember where to start. Remove the other markers on your first round. Makes double checking that you cast on hundreds of stitches quicker 🤣 and now you don’t have to sit and count out 233 stitches one by one 😝

For your notions pouch, I also recommend a nail fille, nail clippers, and travel sized hand lotion. Sometimes I don't realize my hands are dry, or I have an uneven edge on a nail or a hang nail until I go to knit. Having hand care items in the notions bag just makes sense for how my life works.

KZfaq: Do you want to watch this video about knitting? Me, a crocheter: Sure!

Everyone laughed about me when i, a boy at that time, started crocheting and knitting. Now i'm not ashamed anymore, as i succesfully made some money out of my crocheted items, and as i never considered arts (because yes, knitting and crocheting are arts), being a feminine thing to do, or a thing that only women can do. So boys, if you read my comment and you like knitting and/or crocheting, start practicing it, no matter what others say.🤗 Edit: thanks for all your likes and all your kind words. You are amazing people.

I started knitting in 1943 or44. And have always enjoyed it knitted for my children then grand children and now at 93, for my one and only great grand child. Have learned so much since I got an IPad and wish I had had the help of experts way back then. You are never too old to learn so thank you for your advise .

I’m a 70 yr old granny who has the goal of learning to knit socks this winter. I’ve ripped out my socks 22 times but I’ve learned so much & the winter is not over. I can do a long tail cast on , tight join & even ribbed cuff with no holes. Huge progress from my first class 2 months ago. I will master this as I’m enjoying the process. I like the sounds of interchangeable needles. It’s so hard to find the size I need at Walmart in my small city.

I’ll add, never drink wine while knitting (unless you are knitting in the same color as the wine) and if you are over 50, never knit without your reading glasses or never knit in low light, or when you are tired.

As far as WIPs - Usually have one crochet project and one knit project - that way I can switch back and forth if one “gets to me” over time.

I just started knitting, as a crocheter, and it’s so interesting how it’s very similar but also feels completely different to your hands

I think I’m still a beginner knitter, but I would recommend to anyone super new, that starting an “easy” project, even if you know you won’t use the item, is totally worth it. You can always unravel the yarn to make something you want. The point is to get used to knitting and make all the necessary mistakes to learn before starting a more complicated dream project. Lol I was too ambitious and my first knitting project after taking 2 days to learn knitting was a super cool cable knit sweater and boy was it stressful and took me 3 months lmao it didn’t even fit me right because I didn’t measure the correct size for myself and now it’s in the closet graveyard. (It will be unraveled soon lol)

I'm so happy to learn that my multiple WIP's are actually a good thing. I just assumed that more experienced knitters plow through projects to get the jobs done as quickly as possible.

I'll knit the very first thing that brings me an "Oh, that must be fun to knit!". I'd like to know earlier that "Any knitting is better than No knitting", and not considering it earlier took the fun off of knitting for a while to me. What I mean by that is that back then when I started knitting, I saved all the yarns I thought were pretty (I was 9yo and saved to buy yarns), to use them when I had the perfect skills and the perfect pattern for it. It ends up I didn't practice properly, got bags full of yarns and then lost Interest in knitting, because I pressured myself to do it properly "with the yarn I saved for so long". I'm moving out of my house, and decided to knit WHATEVER as a gift for everybody who likes it. And boy, I improved as I didn't in 25 years of knitting! So what if I don't have the right needless? Then it will be a loose hat. So what if I don't know this stitch. I'll try, and then I'll do it better. When you risk to try, you risk to improve - by learning with mistakes, or expanding your understanding and skills. Practice makes improvement, not saving all your yarns for later. Yes, swatch, test, but Do it. Any knitting wil teach you what Not knitting won't.

I just taught my 9 year old grandson how to knit and crochet, he has really taken off and is creating his own projects! This is good advice to share with him!

Who doesn't swatch after 10 years and still just hope for the best? And just undo when disappointed that it doesn't work.

Because of my arthritis I tend to mostly knit by machine. The interesting thing is that all your points apply equally well to that. One thing I'd add is how your yarn changes when it's washed and/or pressed. Some become soft and fluffy, others go stiff. Some just go limp and insipid. The colour isn't stable with other yarns. Sometimes your tension changes dramatically.Testing this on your swatch is vital.

Additional tip: As much as you love a color, make sure the color loves you, too! An honest LYS will help with this. They want you to be happy with your results so you will come back again. Congrats to whoever gets the needles!

Saving your swatches to create a stitched afghan can lead to an interesting crazy quilt style afghan...oh, yeah...you can make stitch markers by tying little loops out of scrap yarn instead of buying plastic stitch markers. Just make sure your self-made stitch markers are a different color than your project yarns, or they might get lost in the pattern. The benefit is that they cost virtually nothing except some time when you tie them.

I have always used stainless steel needles, but sometimes had troubles with my vertical guage while my horizontal guage was perfect. I switched to bamboo for my most recent project because I was making a sideways knit sweater where this would cause a huge problem. Fixed my problem perfectly! Just another thing to consider when choosing knitting needles.

THANK YOU for saying it's ok to have more than one WIP! I've always done that and felt guilty about it, but now I've added them to my knit/crochet journal as a running list 💙

I would also add a tapestry needle for sewing in ends to my notions bag.

"not an immutable property" love the programmer language 😂😂

I've been crocheting since I was 5 and knitting since about 14. Because I crocheted first I hold my knitting needles differently which can sometimes lead to problems knitting lace. Some "knitting snobs" told me I knitted all wrong. I was in a class on knitting lace. The instructor, a lovely man, told off the snobs. There is no "right" or "wrong" in how you hold the needles as long as the project comes out correct. He watched me knit a few rows and then pointed out how I could adjust the way I knitted. Haven't had a problem since then. BTW I am 69. To anyone out there who has been knitting shamed, tell the snobs to get lost. If you can't seem to get a stitch to look right search for a video on line seeing someone do the stitch slowly can help. Happy knitting!

Thank you! I needed a reminder to get back up to speed from a too-long absence... Your tutorial has been so helpful in getting me organized an confident to pick where I left off and feel confident. Love and Blesses to you!

I just found you, and I love you!! You are very clear and you speak to my soul. I love knitting, crocheting and sewing. You make me feel like doing just that much better.

Spot on! The only thing I'd add is that I don't buy the odd "beautiful skein" or great deal yarn unless I have an idea for a project to use it in. I'd love to use the interchangeable needles to cast on Andrea Mowry's stripes sweater.

I knitted on aluminum straight needles, short and long, until a nice German lady said to use circular needles when I was worried about dropping a needle in a lecture hall. I bought some aluminum circular kits, large and small. Then I knitted a doll sweater on bamboo needles b/c that's all Joann's had that day in the store. I LOVED bamboo. I bought a bamboo circular set. Very well suited to me.

Thank you for all the helpful tips. I’ve started knitting several weeks ago, and I began learning the basic stitches. Knit one purl two and I feel confident that my first project is going to be fingerless gloves. I will post photos once they are completed. Thank you for all your advice.

I began my yarn journey as a knitter- I learned from KZfaq tutorials and I love knitting, some projects you must knit. Later I moved on to crochet, I absolutely love crochet. It's so great for making things I enjoy making like afghans. But like I said. I love both and I really recommend learning both.

I’ve been knitting for 40+ years and learnt from this video. Thank you. I’d love to try those needles. I think I’d try a top down sweater that I’ve made before in a bamboo yarn but I’d use a different yarn.

OH and thanks for simplifying all of this… i’ve been knitting for over 20 years and never had anyone so succinctly before!

I would love to use these needles to practice new stitches! I am an adventurous beginner knitter and have a friend who loves knitted potholders - so I’m making a variety of potholders for her while practicing my knitting. I’m so happy to have something beautiful to give away and she’s so wonderful to always say each piece is beautiful! I’m up to the half brioche stitch. Shawls are next.

The project I would first cast-on with this lovely set would be my first raglan sweater made with my own handspun yarn. Caleb, you have inspired me to try my hand at sweaters and socks!

I LOVE the tip about having multiples WIPs. When I started I just naturally did this, and was taken to task by several knitting members of my family about how "bad" it is to start a new project before I finish one. Nowadays I almost always have a project in a simple shape but a complicated pattern, and one in simple fabric but a really cool, unique shape, going at the same time. When the pattern gets overwhelming, I take up the other one and mindlessly knit the rows in between shaping.

I just restarted kitting from over 30 years and it's slowly coming back to me now. Your video was very helpful and thank you for that. If I won the needle set, I would definitely get into making a vest for myself. Thanks again for your help.

I learned after blocking my first knitting project, "Blocking is Magical!!" 😁

Learn more than 25 Knitting Terms Beginners NEED to Know (including what swatching is): kzfaq.info/get/bejne/aZNpZ7JznMioiKs.html

I usually have a few projects going at the same time and if I hit a wall, sometimes I will start yet another one just to do something new. Usually with the intention of ripping out all the stitches and rewinding the yarn to the ball, but sometimes those projects go on to be some of my favorite things.

This was so much more insightful than most similar videos I've seen. As a very experienced knitter, I loved recalling my growth and even revisiting old mistakes. New subscriber! Thanks!

Great video. I do all these things (been knitting all my life, so over 60 years!) I got the steel interchangeable ChiaoGoo needles last year and absolutely love them - best needles I’ve ever used. I use the little pouch to keep my other bits and pieces in too (scissors, needle gauges, stitch markers, tape measure etc.) Highly recommended! I have also got a couple of sets of brilliant blocking mats from Amazon, and wish I’d known a about these years ago - they make blocking super-easy. I design all my own knitwear these days and my greatest inspiration is Kaffe Fassett. I have boxes of bits and pieces as well as cones (my fav way to buy yarn). I adore colour! You can save all your swatches and when you’ve got enough, crochet them together into a blanket. I also crochet and love that too.

I have a book "Knitting Short Rows" and love a featured sweater that uses the German technique. The sweater features contrasting short-row broken lines for color/texture and is worked seamlessly from the top down with simultaneous set-in sleeves. The gaultlet has been cast.

I absolutely love talking notions with people. I love seeing what other people carry, and learning what people like about different tools.

I’m 2 weeks into learning how to knit and I’m loving it so much that I started a double knit scarf with some fancy non mirrored letters which was quite a challenge!

Thanks for these 5 great tips! After learning how to knit 45 years ago I have recently began again. So much more out there as far as fibers and needle options - so exciting! Have stuck to simpler projects but it is time for me to step out and try a beginner sweater - which is what I would use these needles for. Great video - glad I found you! 😁

I'm planning on starting one of the Papillion shawls soon, once I get done with all the rainbow amigurumi I'm currently making up to sell at Pride. So those Chiagoo needles would be amazing to use for that shawl. :-) Just found your channel yesterday, loving it so far! Thanks!

Thanks! I’m teaching myself to knit. I just finished my fish scarf and I usually consider myself a quilter! I love the feel of this thick soft fabric as it glides through my hands. So now I’m looking forward to the journey of yarn. Sure would love some great needles! Thanks

Just taught my four year old son to knit on a loom. Love to see other male knitters to show him!

Don't feel guilty about using yarn you can afford. If knitting a cardigan out of "unicorn" yarn means the difference between rent or hobby, go ahead and buy an acrylic or acrylic blend you like regardless of what others say. I hear so much "but that's not wool!" No. It isn't. But not everyone can use wool (or a quality vegan yarn) and sometimes you just use what you can afford. You aren't "knitting wrong" if you use acrylic or an acrylic blend. If you are making knits and purls with two sticks using acrylic/acrylic blend, you're knitting correctly. I've seen so many new knitters quit because of "yarn snobs".

I've only ever used Acrylic in all my projects, and I recommend blocking for that as well. Even if it doesn't "reset" the stitches, it can take out any oils or grime that might have accumulated on the project in the knitting phase. The only times I wouldn't block is if it was for a toy -- and most cases the mums I give them to will wash them anyways.

I started a big chunky knit blanket last winter. I'm so ready to pick it back up again! Even though I just moved to the desert south and it's not really cold enough to use, it will still be a comforting project.

I learned to knit when I was 5. I didn’t know anyone else who knitted at the time, except for the neighbor whom taught me. I plan on knitting my husband the single malt sweater. I really think he will love it. Thank you for for sharing your knitting and time with us out here looking in on you and other podcasters.

It’s probably too advanced for me but the Papillion butterfly shawl is what I want to learn to knit! It is gorgeous!

I really like your suggestion of having several projects going at the same time. I bought some beautiful fine tweed yarn over a year ago to knit an argyll sweater however have not started it yet since I felt I had to finish another project I have been struggling with. So if I win the wonderful needle set I will start working on this sweater and put the other work aside for a while...just thinking about it makes me excited and I am looking forward to doing something new and with interesting and fun colors !!

I do traditional and Tunisian crochet. All of your tips apply to these yarn crafts also! Love the way you presented them.

Oh thank you so much! What a relief to learn about more wips:) I have always felt guilty when Ieaving one project and starting another.

I guess I’m more experienced than i thought 😅. I’ve just begun blocking my swatches! And I’m starting to experiment with lace fibers. I love it so far. If i were to win i would start getting into my cabled patterns on my wish list 😅

These all sound like great tips, for someone doing initial research in order to start knitting pictures examples of swatching & blocking and how that term applies would be nice. Thanks Eric B.

I have been crocheting for years. I am teaching myself knitting now. I would probably do a scarf or baby blanket first before tackling a big project. Thank you for sharing.

Swatching is good practice for literally every creative discipline. I swatch everything. I'm pretty new to knitting, but I win awards for my sewing and needlepoint, and play with other crafts from time to time. People always ask how I pick things up so easily, and why "everything" I do comes out perfectly. Swatching makes a huge difference. If I'm sewing, which I'm very experienced at, I still try every seam finish, every interfacing, every finishing stitch, every thread, etc. *IN THE MATERIALS I PLAN TO USE.* Same for needlepoint. I try every stitch, in the threads I plan to use, either on the margins of my canvas, or on a small separate canvas. People who are great at painting, tend to swatch their colors before starting a big canvas. Swatching is magic. The other tip I feel like more beginners of any discipline need to hear is: Always buy the best materials you can possibly afford. When you consider what something costs, consider how long it will take you. $300 to knit a sweater in a really luscious yarn sounds like a ton of money, but if it takes you 100 hours to finish it, that's $3 per hour of enjoyment, and you end up with a designer quality sweater. Nicer materials are more satisfying to work with, and you won't be spending $40 to knit something you could buy at TJ Maxx for $15. Even if you're allergic to wool, there are still better options out there than Red Heart.

I'd make Claire's shawl from the Outlander season 1 episode "Rent".

I sure would love a set of these needles! I am wanting to try to make the beautiful Papillon shawl, and I think the bamboo would give me just the right control over the yarn that I would need. These sound perfect. I agree with other viewers who recommit keeping hand lotion nearby. Knitting really dries out your hands, and a drop of lotion feels wonderful! I loved your video!

Thank you so much,I'm still a beginner a year after my wife's grandmother taught me the basics of knitting,I've found 2 wonderful ladies that has taught me alot different stitches and I made a blanket and a bunch of wash clothes,I finally mastered the Irish moss stitch,but truly failing on the fan stitch,but I just wanted to thank you for the great videos. And your tips are wonderful, and has already been a great help.

Thanks for making this video, I came to so many of these solutions organically, and always wished that someone was around to tell me these things. I will definitely be buying one of these kits.

I would like to be able to have the correct size of needles when starting a project without having to run to the big box stores to see if they have it in stock. These needles would be far superior to what i have now. I also would like to learn to make the vanilla sock by Kay. thanks for your advice on making swatches too! Good video.

Well dang, I thought I was an experienced knitter before watching this video 😂 Thanks for the great tips!

I am so excited that I found your channel! I am someone who has been knitting my whole life-on and off. So, at this time I picked up my needles for the first time in years just a couple of months ago. Unfortunately, I have never progressed because I have been so off and on and feel like I am in a place in my life where I can finally let go of my anxiety and dig into learning and growing in this craft (as someone who has always had to be perfect I always put way too much pressure on myself during this process). So I guess you could say I am a beginner again! Also unfortunately, the women in my life who had been teaching me when I was younger are no longer around to do this, and I find myself feeling a little lost through this process (for instance I always wanted to learn to crochet, but never got around to it and now I find it so difficult to learn from video). In fact getting back into this process is another way to honor these people who meant so much to me and I feel lost without. Thank you so much for your videos!!

Yes, so many WIPs!!! When it comes down to it, I knit to enjoy the time, so I always work on what I feel like. Even if it means starting a new WIP!

Love Stephen West patterns I would try one of his shawls. Beautiful needles

I would cast on the a chevron blanket in my daughter’s school colors for her dorm.

Ok, a dude, talking about knitting, I was skeptical. But this is one of the best ruminations on knitting I've ever listened to...so smart, to the point and useful. Thank you.......

Although my grandmother taught me eons ago at age 7, I am just restarting with crochet and planning to switch off to knitting soon. Thank you for these tips! I'm excited to try garments for the kids and myself.

Excellent tips. I've been knitting since I was 5 and do most of these. I also keep a yarn needle in my knitting tool kit, for seaming and working in ends. That yarn store looks amazing!

I’m a long-time crocheter who recently got into knitting, with a set of interchangeable needles I would love to cast on my first pair of socks! 🧶 😊

Thanks for sharing your tips. I have just recently picked up knitting (i have been crocheting for years) and your tips are so helpful - I don't feel so guilty for having so many WIPs. I need to put all my notions in a pouch- that is such a simple concept but, for some reason, it never crossed my mind. I just found your channel this morning and am looking forward to checking out your other videos.

I started knitting this winter and the journey has been so nice since then. I've made some hats, headband, baby blanket and baby boots... and I just finished my first sweater just for me! I think I would like to challenge myself with these new needles with more sweaters, this time for my nephews (probably a long-time challenge that would be a Christmas gift this year). I'm still searching for the right pattern, but I know I'll find one soon.☺️

"Control over my stitches"😅, they have control over me. I would cast on Kells by Lucy Hague. Have this on my list for years 🙈

I would cast on the vintage ‘Sign of Success’ sweater pattern by Giles Brandreth

Thank you for this! I'm going to take your advice with WIPs because I do tend to get caught up in having to finish what I'm working on and it can be stressful. I do enjoy the feeling of completing something so I plan on having little WIPs while I have one big project. Excited to knit my first sweater in the round!

These tips are great! I’d love to knit “Meg Swanson’s Weekend Sweater” from Schoolhouse Press. It looks like a good first sweater pattern.

I sooo want a set of interchangeable needles. I am determined to knit my way through the Harry Potter Knitting Book, and I also really want to do an entralac cowl.

Hello! And a big THANK YOU! I’ve only been knitting for about 9 years, and still consider myself a beginner because there is always something new I learn every day. I started knitting as a cognitive exercise after cancer left me with an “acquired brain I jury” and it’s been a grand journey so far! I love your advice about swatching. I knit for others and right now I’m making a Celtic cabled scarf for my 6’5” brother. Scarf makers will immediately think, Wow - that’s going to be long!! I started with a heathered yarn, and your instinct was right, the pattern didn’t show well. Stash that yarn. I started with another yarn, but to get the dimensions right, I had needles that were too big for the yarn - too loose, and the pattern didn’t show. Stash yarn number 2. I took my story to the knit store I love in Tucson and asked for help. They recommended a yarn that was perfect, color& weight. So I started to knit. Yay? No. Because although the yarn doesn’t advertise this quality, it sheds. And sheds. And sheds. All these little tiny hairs. I’m still knitting because I noted that where I had to rip out and redo some sections, way more than twice, the yarn has started to felt. So I think I can be hopeful that, after I block it, my brother will be able to wear it. Also, I have the Chio metal needles, and I definitely need bamboos! So now I ask for your advice. If you were me, would you give up and return to the yarn hunt, or would you continue to knit?

Having multiple projects is a great mention. We go thru different stages, moods, weather outside… etc and it’s nice to have different projects to work on depending on our current mindset. Or just to take a break from difficult projects!

I’m learning toe up socks right now, but would love to try Norwegian pattern sweaters from Arne and Carlos channel

A Charlie Brown hat, that resembles his classic shirt that we all know and love.

Really good tips! I especially liked that a swatch is not just for gauge. I agree! When dealing with speckled yarns, or color changing yarns, some stitches don’t look as good as with a solid colored yarn. Best to try it in advance and plan your project accordingly!

Thanks for this!! I have always questioned WIPS! Your suggestion was perfect and makes sense. Thanks!!!

I don’t swatch or block just simply because I’m lazy 😂

I would cast on "Tulips Shawl" by Happy Knitter. Never knit brioche before.

As 30 year knitter, this is a great video! Such good advice, i even chuckled at the rookie mistakes I have made😝

I wish I would have seen this ages ago. I’m very new knitting and haven’t even begun a project yet so I know little about patterns. I’m learning a lot from you. Now to search for the right needles to get started properly.

I'm dying to make the Selkie Tank by Dragon Hoard Yarn, so that would be the first cast on!

Since I have never knitted anything, I would like to make a simple shawl for my shoulders when it gets chilly.

thank you for sharing your knowlegde. every tip is a new beginning along the path. thank you. ( i am an experienced knitter with many flaws) knitting for at least 50 years)

Every new knitter needs to watch this! OMG if only I had known all this at the beginning right!!!

The first set I bought did not last, off brand, I love the chiagoo needles. Flax by tincanknits is what I would start next. I need to get away from always doing socks.

I would cast on the Lightweight Hipster Shawl by Joji Locatelli.

Yep, I learned all of your tips from my own trial and error. Definitely very useful info for a newbie!

Yeah! a lovely clear video with no background white noise or muzak. Thank you!

Hi when I win the needles. I will make an infinity scarf. Then socks.