Knitting: Choosing a project

By: Ha Tien Nguyen

Book: Knitting for Dummies by Pam Allen, Shannon Okey, and Tracy Barr 

When first starting a project, first consider your own ability. If you are a beginner, opt for an easier and less complicated project. However, if you are confident in your skills and want a challenge, pick a harder project like making socks and such.

When first beginning a project, you will have to choose from a variety of yarns and needles. According to Knitting for Dummies, "yarns come in different weights or thicknesses. The thickness of a yarn determines how many stitches it takes to knit 1 inch" ( Allen, Okey, Barr, Bird 17). The weight or thickness of your yarn can determine the look and the amount of time it takes to knit your project. Therefore, choosing the correct type of yarn is important. 

If you are having trouble choosing your yarn, use this chart as a guide to help you decide upon the most suitable type of yarn for your project.

After choosing a type of yarn, you must also select needles. Needle sizes range from 0 to 15 and there are around three different types of needles; Straight needles, circular needles, and double-pointed needles. The needles that you choose will determine how many stitches you knit per inch. This will have an affect on the amount of time it takes for your project and the overall appearance. Knitting for Dummies suggests that you use your yarn labels for guidance when deciding upon your needle size because "yarn labels suggest appropriate needle sizes, but the best needle size for your project is dictated by your yarn, your gauge, and... how tightly you knit" (Allen, Okey, Barr, Bird 30). You may want to knit a sample with the suggested needle size before starting your project to decide whether the needle fits your expectations. After knitting a sample with the suggested needle sixe, you may feel that the fabric is more open than you want (needle too large) or too stiff (needle too small). In that case, try another needle size. You can experiment to your heart's content with different needle sixes until you produce a fabric you like.

There are certainly many options when it comes to picking the right needles or yarn. Fortunately, the process of picking the right needles an yarn can be reduced. Luckily for indecisive people like me, a specific project will often recommend a certain type of yarn and needle. When you pick out a pattern for a specific project, it will also include suggestions on which type of materials to use for the project.





For my project, I've chosen to make a Garter Ridge scarf. It's an easy project for beginners. For this project, you'll need...

Needle: US 5 circular needles

Yarn: White Lion-Brand worsted-weight yarn

Pattern: 

Cast on 60 stitches on to needle.
Row 1: knit all stiches
Row 2: Purl all stitches
Row 3: Knit
Row 4: Purl
Repeat these four rows until piece measures as long as you desire it to be.
End on row 3.
Bind off and sew in loose threads.

Although it's very simple, I tend to mess up quite often. In addition, it's very time consuming since there are so many stitches in one row. However, I've enjoyed working on my project. It's very easy once you get the hang of it and I've gotten skilled enough to not have to look while I knit. I can't wait to finish it and see the outcome. It would be a great winter accessory. What is your favorite winter accessory?

Works Cited

Allen, Pam. Knitting for Dummies. John Wiley, 2014.