Knitting is a fun craft that you could learn and enjoy as a child. You can use it to make a variety of different projects, such as necklaces, blankets and more.
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Part 1 of 7: Considerations for Teachers
Step 1. Know what to expect from each age group
Knitting becomes easier for children as they get older, but basically, any child who can use a pencil and sit still for a few minutes is old enough to learn to knit.
- Between ages 4 and 8, children are still working on their fine motor skills. You will need a hands-on approach to teaching and allow children to spend plenty of time learning each skill before moving on to the next.
- Between the ages of 9 and 12, children can start learning and practicing on their own, but you need to stay close to them to answer questions and demonstrate new techniques.
- Once children become teenagers, they are usually able to learn on their own and enjoy working without supervision.
Step 2. Demonstrate each technique
Regardless of age group, it is usually easiest to learn a technique the first time someone else does it.
If you can't demonstrate the technique yourself, try finding tutorial videos or pictures that clearly and slowly show how the technique is done
Step 3. Explain each term as you use it
Whenever you use a term in knitting, you need to explain what the term means. Some children are difficult to ask questions, so you should try to anticipate passages that may not be clear and mention them as you teach.
Step 4. Repeat the crochet row
It's easy for beginners to forget how to start once they've finished what they've created. Repetition is the best way to help children remember.
- When the child you are teaching completes the first row, encourage him to disassemble it and rebuild it from scratch.
- Alternatively, after completing the first line, start a new piece from scratch instead of continuing from the old one.
Step 5. Let the children express themselves
Let the child you teach exercise their creativity and work at their own pace.
- Let your child choose from an assortment of simple yarn colors and materials.
- Encourage your child to think of other projects that can be made with simple ties and stitches.
- Some children will enjoy repeating the same technique over and over again, while others may want to switch to a new technique as quickly as possible. When children are allowed to move at the pace they want, the activity will usually feel more enjoyable for them.
Step 6. Be positive and proud
By praising the child's work, you help him feel proud too. This sense of accomplishment can make children enjoy the learning experience more.
Verbal praise is fine, but you can increase the fun by taking pictures of your child with their finished work
Part 2 of 7: Preparation
Step 1. Choose a large knitting needle
Larger knitting needles are easier to hold and move, so they're your best bet while still learning the basic techniques.
- Look for H, I or J knitting needles. If you see needles marked in millimeters, that means 5mm, 5mm and 6mm, respectively.
- You can choose a slightly larger or slightly smaller needle, but make sure the needle feels comfortable in your hand.
Step 2. Choose a ball of yarn
Look for dense yarn and choose whatever color appeals to you.
- When learning how to knit in childhood, it is better to use simple yarns of dense colors. Avoid patterned yarn until you've learned the basic techniques.
- Yarn with a fine thickness (worsted weight) and dense (chunky / bulky weight) is the easiest to use, especially for beginners. The thread is also better suited for use with larger needles.
- The thread should also be fairly fine. For the time being, avoid very fine strands as they can be more difficult to grip and use.
Step 3. Sit in a bright and clear area
Sit at a table location with good lighting. Remove everything from the table except yarn, knitting needles and scissors.
Part 3 of 7: Making the Knot
Step 1. Wrap the yarn around your finger
Take the end of the thread in your left hand and wrap it around two or three fingers of your right hand, forming a loop.
- Start on the palm side of your hand and wrap the thread around your index finger.
- Wrap the string around the back of your fingers, past your middle or ring finger, and loop it along the side of your palm.
- You have to create a full circle and close it. Hold this circle covered with the thumb of your right hand.
Step 2. Pull the thread through the loop
Use your left hand to pick up the thread behind the loop. Pull this thread through the loop, starting at the bottom (palm side) of the loop and working your way up (thumb side).
- The yarn you pick up should come from the side of the yarn attached to the ball. Do not pick up from the loose end.
- After completing this step, you will see a second circle forming. Slide the first loop of yarn from your finger after the second loop has formed.
Step 3. Insert the knitting needle into the second loop
Tuck the part associated with your knitting needle into the second loop you made. Pull the unattached thread under your loop to tighten the thread around the knitting needle.
- The loop of yarn will measure 2.5 cm from the top of your knitting needle.
- As you pull the yarn down, the first loop will tie and the second loop will come closer to the knitting needle.
- Once the thread is securely attached to the needle, you're ready to start stitching.
Part 4 of 7: Preparing to Sew
Step 1. Hold the knitting needle
Take a knitting needle with your right hand (if you are right-handed) or left (if you are left-handed). Hold it like a pencil or knife, with the hook pointing down and facing you.
- To hold the knitting needle like a pencil, turn your hands to the sides and interlock your thumb, index and middle fingers. Hold the needle with these fingers, allowing it to extend past your fingertips.
- To hold the needle like holding a knife, lower your hands, with your palms facing the floor, and bring your thumb, index and middle fingers together. Insert the needle into the space between your thumb, index finger and middle finger.
Step 2. Hold the thread between your fingers
As you untie the yarn, hold it firmly between the index finger and thumb of your non-dominant hand (left hand if you are right-handed; right hand if you are left-handed).
- You will need to pick up the yarn with the knitting needle as you make the stitches.
- Do not use your fingers to twist the yarn around the knitting needle.
Part 5 of 7: Making a Simple Chain
Step 1. Pick up the yarn with your knitting needle
Use your needle to pick up the thread. As you pick it up, twist the needle so that the thread is wrapped around it in a clockwise direction.
- If you have trouble picking up the thread, place a knot between the thumb and index finger of your non-dominant hand to create tension and try again.
- Grasp the thread from the side that is still attached to the ball, not the end that comes off.
- The yarn should be tucked into the corresponding part of your knitting needle.
Step 2. Pull the yarn through the loop on your knitting needle
Carefully pull the thread tied to your knitting needle through the loop of knots already on your knitting needle.
- When you do this, the loop of knots will be your first chain stitch.
- You will still have one loop on your knitting needle.
Step 3. Repeat
The technique you used to create your first chain stitch is the same technique you should use to create the other chain stitch. Make as many chain stitches as you want until you are comfortable with the process.
- Take the yarn in the same way each time you want to make another chain stitch.
- For each chain stitch, you'll need to pull the thread through the loop that's already on your knitting needle. A new stitch will form, and a new loop will appear on your needle.
- Now, you should try to loosen the chain stitches that are easily visible. Also try to make each stitch the same size.
Part 6 of 7: Using Chains to Create Simple Projects
Step 1. Make chains of different sizes
You can create a wide variety of projects simply by making chains of different sizes. Decide what you want to make, then crochet long enough to wrap around what needs to be wrapped.
For example, you can use chain crochet to make a thin, endless necklace, bracelet, ring, or scarf
Step 2. Close the chain
Once you've made the chain long enough, you'll need to close it into a loop. To close the chain, you will need to make a special stitch known as a slip stitch.
- With one loop still on your knitting needle, thread the end of the needle through the first chain stitch you made.
- Pick up the yarn with your knitting needle the same way you picked it up when making a chain stitch.
- Pull the yarn you just picked up through the stitch and through the loop of yarn on your knitting needle.
- When you're done, the chain will form an interconnected ring and you'll see a loop on your knitting needle.
Step 3. Tighten the thread
Before you can work on your project, you will need to cut and tighten the thread to prevent the chain from unraveling.
- Cut the thread that is still connected to the ball. Leave about 10 cm of thread when you cut.
- Pick up the loose thread with your knitting needle the same way you pick up the thread for your chain stitch.
- Pull the yarn you just picked up through the loop on your knitting needle. Continue pulling to form a tight bond. There should be no loops on your knitting needle after this is done.
- Use scissors to cut off excess thread.
- Safe! You have completed a simple knitting project.
Part 7 of 7: Learning Advanced Techniques
Step 1. Learn additional stitches
Once you're comfortable and confident in your ability to chain crochet, you can start learning more and more difficult stitches.
- Every time you practice a new stitch, you will need to build a long chain foundation first. You will need to insert these new stitches into your chain loop.
- When learning a new stitch, try making multiple rows using the new stitch. Continue making rows of the same stitches until you are comfortable with the technique.
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Once you've mastered the chain stitch and slip stitch, the next stitches you'll need to learn (in order) are:
- Single skewer
- Double stab
- Triple stab
Step 2. Choose an easy project template
Once you've practiced your basic stitches, you can start using them to make simple projects like blankets and scarves.
- Look for crochet patterns written for children because the instructions will be easier to understand.
- Check the stitches listed on the instructions before you start. Make sure you know how to make all the stitches needed.
