Ever wondered if you are doing your knitting patterns correctly?
What about where to buy the best knitting needles without spending past your budget?
There are various resources available to help you master knitting: you just need to look out for them! This article will discuss how to stay budget-friendly while knitting and reliable online resources you can use to learn knitting.
Is knitting an expensive hobby?
Vicuña wool is the most expensive knitting yarn in the world that you can buy.
Regarded as the most comfortable natural-fibre wool, a kilogram of unprocessed vicuña wool can sell for over RM16,000 in Malaysia!
You don't have to buy luxury yarn to enjoy knitting, though.
Even knitting needles don't have to be bought at an exorbitant price for you to have a pair that will last years. Below are some tips for knitting on a budget so that you can enjoy taking knitting classes worry-free.
Repurpose old fabrics
If you have any old sweaters, scarves or knitted tops lying around that you haven't worn for years, how about turning them into new knitted products? This is a great way to keep your pocket full of money, or even just to practise new knitting patterns!
It's recommended that you unravel the original piece before transforming it into new hats, tops or even bags. You should also pick fabrics of natural materials like sheep's wool or cashmere, as the weight will help it unravel easier as compared to thinner material.
Opt for DIY coloured knitting yarn
Have you ever thought about DIY or dye-it-yourself yarn? The process is pretty straightforward as you'll just need to source the right colour of food colouring to produce your desired yarn colour. You will also need a pot for boiling, white vinegar and some detergent. Here's a video on how to dye yarn by Sheep & Stitch.
Purchase knitting tools from local stores
It may be more affordable to purchase knitting tools from local sellers than to buy them from overseas stores. PinkyFrogShop and Jayarnfibers are popular knitting stores from Malaysia that allow you to purchase quality yarns that are still budget-friendly. You can even buy knitting kits and sign up for loyalty programmes through these stores.
There are numerous benefits when you learn to knit as a hobby.
Where can I learn to knit for free?
Now that you have your DIY knitting yarns and fabrics that can be repurposed, it's time to find resources to learn knitting!
Here's an idea: you can learn how to use your knitting needles correctly from a teacher you already know.
If you have developed an interest in knitting for some time now, it's likely you have come across online knitting accounts or friends who share the same interest in this activity. This could be a great time to ask around and see if you can learn from an experienced knitter who is willing to teach you or hold weekly knitting classes for you!
On the other hand, you can also get acquainted with fellow knitters and knitting enthusiasts by reaching out to your contacts to see if they know anyone who knows how to knit.
Try asking others around you to find out who you can learn knitting from. You may even get the chance from a close relative or friend who is willing to share their knowledge at no cost!
Learning how to knit from someone you know helps you get free knitting advice and immediate feedback on how to hold your knitting needles correctly, or if there are ways you can improve your knitting patterns.
However, since you are learning from a fellow knitter, they may still want to charge you a price for their knitting classes and it may not even be lessons from someone who has years of experience in this recreational activity. Be sure to clarify what your teacher's background in knitting is like and if you need to compensate them for their time.
Some contacts may confuse your request about free knitting classes for crochet classes, so be sure to know the difference between knitting and crocheting.
Can I learn knitting online?
Instead of learning knitting patterns from a relative, there are loads of video tutorials that you can learn from online!
Most videos about knitting on YouTube are free as long as you have a personal device and a good Internet connection to start with. Many knitters look to knitting tutorials on YouTube as they can easily find step-by-step videos to learn specific stitches or even get a total introduction to knitting.
Another advantage to learning knitting online with video tutorials is that you can learn at your own pace. Even if you miss a step for casting on, you can either pause the video or go back to the part that you've missed - this can be more effective than asking your knitting teacher to repeat their instructions about the same step.
Learn from online knitting tutorials and try your hand at easy knit projects for beginners.
These knitting channels on YouTube are worth checking out if you want to get free tutorials on how to knit and if you are using the right knitting tools for your project.
RJ Knits
Fans of this channel regard Ryan Collett (the person behind the channel) as a teacher who makes knitting easy to learn and who knows how to provide steps that are easy to follow. You can find playlists for stitches that every knitter should know and step-by-step tutorials for knitting methods like cable knitting and picking up dropped stitches.
This tutorial on how to knit for beginners made easy is the most-watched video on the channel.
Typical Bliss
You'll love this channel if you want to get creative with your knitting patterns and are curious about the latest and weirdest knitting trends! Tiffany Liew, the knitting enthusiast of the channel's videos, offers tutorials for basic knit designs and how to recreate iconic knitted pieces - you can even watch vlogs about her knitting and how she styles her handmade knitted pieces.
Here, she explains the 101 of what you need to know about knitting.
What is the best website to learn knitting patterns?
In addition to online knitting tutorials, you can also look for knitting websites which are great resources for learning how to knit!
Websites run by knitters and knitting enthusiasts can offer sources of inspiration for new knitting patterns and creative projects that even absolute beginners can try. Say you want to build your own knitting style or look up how to make a Christmas sweater for your next gathering: look no further than popular websites to seek out fresh ideas!
Additionally, experienced knitters may use these websites to offer tips on how to successfully master certain knitting patterns and styles, and even where to buy the best yarn and knitting tools. Hence, making use of this resource will pick up new knitting patterns quickly as if you were going to knitting classes.
These websites are fantastic for educating yourself about knitting and drawing inspiration from fellow knitters:
- LoveCrafts, which offers downloadable PDFs for free knitting patterns
- Knitgrammer, recommending the best yarns for knitting and even free knitting calculators
- Ravelry, a huge community site for knit-goers where you can search for knitting projects
Resources like these can help you learn all the essential knitting techniques.
What are the advantages of taking knitting classes?
Knitting classes are another way you can learn to knit as a complete beginner knitter and build progress towards more complex knitting patterns. You can even draw inspiration from your favourite knitter and replicate similar knitting patterns of your choice when you study under a reliable teacher.
Unlike learning from a friend or watching knitting videos online, a teacher who is actively conducting knitting lessons will help you:
- Learn how to use knitting tools correctly, such as adjusting the way you hold your knitting needles depending on their sizes and yarn material
- Identify knitting projects you can start with at your current skill level and build progress from there
- Explore various knitting patterns and styles to develop your knitting style
- Know your strengths and weaknesses in knitting by providing feedback based on their professional knitting experience
Are you looking to reap the advantages of taking knitting classes? Look no further than Superprof!
We understand you may be worried about the cost of knitting classes after buying the necessary knitting tools and getting your hands on quality knitting needles. However, you don't need to break the bank with knitting classes on Superprof that start from as low as RM23 per hour! You don't have to compromise your budget for quality knitting classes with an experienced knitter on Superprof.
Another advantage of learning with sewing tutors on Superprof is the detailed tutoring descriptions that are provided on each tutor's profile. These details help you get to know your tutor before the lesson: what led your tutor to pick up knitting, their favourite knitting projects, their class size and whether they have been positively reviewed by previous students.
Visit Superprof now to join other knitters in taking the best knitting classes!
Knitting is a versatile way to create amazing craft pieces and will bring joy to the person who created them. By exploring these various resources that will help you master knitting patterns and become good at knitting, you, too, can experience the joy of knitting!
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