Knitting novice needs help please

Aldi had cheap coloured wool, I haven’t been in for a bit but worth a look if you are near.

Sorry, sent too soon!

I don’t know whether you’d be interested in making such things, but the Jean Greenhowe patterns for knitted toys are designed so that anyone with just basic knitting skills can manage them - her instructions are so clear and detailed.

I do hope you’ll njoy your knitting, Notagran.

YouTube is great for showing you how to do things. In the beginning I’d suggest just practising the basics without a pattern as such - maybe 20 or 30 stitches to practise casting on and off, garter stitch first (every row knit, then alternate rows of knit and purl (stocking stitch). And simple increase and decrease.

I don’t know whether you’d be inter

I used Wendy Evolution Scarf kit. It is a triangular scarf so you learn/practice increasing and decreasing. Lovely and warm

I agree Nana3, even a simple scarf looks wonderful and stylish in these yarns.

You can knit small things on long needles, but not big things on short needles, so long needles are much more versatile.
That's all I had for donkeys' years, and I made everything from small knitted lace items to large, heavy sweaters on them.

The yarns that are made up of different colours on one ball are very satisfying, some of them come with a pattern. Happy knitting.

Fantastic! Thank you all .

Ravelry joined and I have watched the intro video.

Wool Warehouse have obviously delivery issues but looks great .

Not heard of Baby Banks but looks to be a great idea . I will do some local searching when I’m up and running.

Lots of changes ... when I was a child needles were numbered . Going to order a selection of sizes I think as it may get harder with time to buy stuff.

I’m looking forward to learning something new and hopefully something to benefit others .

Thanks again x

Knitting is keeping me sane during the self isolation. For double knitting I also use the long grey needles - 4mm and 3.25mm, Been knitting almost non stop for the last 2 weeks. I have used up left over wool to make multi coloured childrens jumpers for a local charity and baby blankets and hats.

If you are a novice knitter, the standard long grey needles will be fine & size for DK yarn will be determined by what you are knitting - usually between 3mm and 4mm. The pattern will state what size.
Worth looking at Ravelry for project ideas and many patterns on there are free. Also consider companies like Wool Warehouse who are very reasonable and offer a huge range go yarn, needles and accessories. Again, they also have ideas for projects. If there is a Baby Bank near you, they will be very grateful for simple baby blankets which don't take long to knit. Good luck, I've been knitting since I was 9 and it soothes my soul. More recently I've learned to crochet (from YouTube) and I enjoy that too though I'm less proficient at that.

Double knit usually needs 3.25 mm for the rib and 4mm for the main knitting. I like bamboo needles, particularly for smaller items as I find the shiny metal ones can slide out.
There are a number of online companies that offer free patterns to down load but I have found some of them to be very difficult to knit as they do not give the detail needed. Simple hats etc shouldn’t be a problem though. Perhaps stick to printed ones like Sirdar or King Cole.
Good luck!

*knit loosely

4mm or number 8 is the usual size of needle for double knitting wool. I need loose so I tend to use a smaller needle 3.5 mm but you’ll find out what works best for you.
Have a look online at ravelry.com.
There are thousands of knitters on there but lots of advice and lots of free patterns. Have fun!