Kids Can Knit - I hope...
Now that the weather is getting cooler, I am going to try again to teach my daughters the art of knitting. For me it is a relaxing past-time, something that I can do while I am sitting, so I don't have idle hands.
I learned to knit from my mother, who learned to knit from her father and mother. In passing on this hand-craft form, I am passing on my grandparent's legacy to my daughters.
Since my first attempt to teach my older daughter to knit wasn't too successful, I decided to look for new resources, ideas and projects to make the process a bit easier. They are included in this lens.
Image Source: Children in Art. Anker's "Little Girl Knitting."Teaching Children to Knit
According to Alison Ellen, author of Hand Knitting: New Directions:- Children can be taught to knit from the age of five or six, and a good way to start is to sit them on your knee when small enough, let them hold the needles and put the needle into the stitch, but begin by putting the yarn round the needle for them.
Image Source: Albert. Anker The Little Knitters, 1892, oil on canvas.
Basic Supplies for Getting Started
- Finger Knitting to understanding the technique. Start with a Finger Knitting project.
- Knitting Needles - not too sharp or too long. Minimum of Size 8, shorter needles (9 in) are better.
- Yarn - something that feels good to work with, but is not easily tangled and is also easily undone, if there is a mistake.
- Kid-friendly, kid-inspiring pattern - one that the child is likely to be easy enough to make and interesting enough to finish.
- Instructions on How to Teach a Child to Knit.
- Patience, patience, patience.
Get Children Started with Finger Knitting
Articles with information and diagrams for getting you started teaching your child to finger knit.Image Source: Michael McCauslin. Crafty. Creative Commons. Some Rights Reserved. Public Photo.
- Finger Knitting - Knitty: Summer 2006
- Finger knitting can be a good way of introducing knitting to children, a technique where you knit with your own fingers.
- Finger Knitting Instructions
- Instructions and photographs for Finger Knitting.
- Arts & Crafts - Finger Knitting
- Finger Knitting instructions from Kids Can Make It.com.
- Finger knitting
- An article with instructions and the benefits of Finger knitting...a way to use up the odd ball yarn stash.
- Double Finger Knitting Instructions for Children and Adults
- Learn to finger knit with two or more colors. Double finger knitting is a variation of simple finger knitting that creates a wider, fuller finished product.
Finger Knitting Book Available on Amazon
Finger Knitting 1 (v. 1)
Amazon Price: $381.96 (as of 06/01/2012)
This book includes easy instructions for introducing children to the craft of finger knitting.
Also included are designs for original finger knitted projects: hats, sweaters, mufflers and others.
Colorful Wool Yarns Available on Amazon
A Squidoo Lens on Bamboo Yarn
Cotton and Blend Yarns for Getting Started
Available on Amazon
Solid basic color yarn is good for getting started. It is easier to see how the stitches blend together.
Once the technique is mastered, then the child can move on to wilder yarn choices.
1
Sugar'n Cream Cotton Yarn- Warm Brown
For your chocolate cupcake - 100% cotton. 2-1/2 ou more...0 points
2
Sugar'n Cream Cotton Yarn-Ivory
For your vanilla cupcake - 100% cotton. 2-1/2 ounc more...0 points
5
Sugar'n Cream Cotton Yarn-Sunshine
For your yellow cupcake - 100% cotton. 2-1/2 ounce more...0 points
7
Sugar'n Cream Cotton Yarn- Hot Pink
For your shocking, strawberry cupcake - 100% cotto more...0 points
Wool Blend Yarn Available on Amazon
Knitting Rhyme for Teaching Children How to Knit
- In through the front door,
Run around the back,
Hop through the window,
Off jumps Jack.
Bamboo Knitting Needles Available on Amazon
These 9 inch long Bamboo Knitting Needles range in size from 8 - 11.
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Bamboo Single Point Knitting Needles 9''-Size 8
The special look and feel of bamboo, which improve more...0 points
2
Bamboo Single Point Knitting Needles 9''-Size 9
The special look and feel of bamboo, which improve more...0 points
3
Bamboo Single Point Knitting Needles 9''-Size 10
The special look and feel of bamboo, which improve more...0 points
4
9 Bamboo Knit Ndl-Sgl Sz9 2/Pk Takumi
The special look and feel of bamboo, which improve more...0 points
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9 Bamboo Knit Ndl-Sgl Sz10 2/Pk Takumi
The special look and feel of bamboo, which improve more...0 points
6
9 Bamboo Knit Ndl-Sgl Sz11 2/Pk Takumi
The special look and feel of bamboo, which improve more...0 points
Tips for Teaching a Child or Teen to Knit
Knitting is also a good learning or educational tool. Children learn design skills and about yarns and natural fibers. They also develop dexterity, math skills and spacial recognition.
- It is important for children to learn the basics techniques. Acquiring a new skill, like knitting, can improve self confidence and build their self-esteem.
- Finger knitting is a good way to introduce a child to knitting. They get the concept down and don't need any additional tools except their fingers.
- Start with natural yarn fibers or blends that feel good to the touch. A good quality worsted weight wool, cotton or bamboo yarn.
- Wooden needles, like bamboo, are good starting choices because the yarn won't slip off as easily. Start with a fairly large size diameter needle, 8-11, but one that is short in length, 9 inches.
- You can help beginners by casting on the yarn stitches for them.
- Be patient and don't fuss over mistakes.
- If the child drops stitches help them by picking up their stitches. Calmly make any corrections necessary so the child can start knitting again.
- When the project is done cast off the stitches for them.
- As a special reward, let the child knit a few stitches on the parent's or teacher's knitting project. You may need help them out a bit, by holding the needles together.
The Art of Knitting 4 Kids Available on Amazon
The Art of Knitting 4 Kids (Leisure Arts #4406)
Amazon Price: $9.98 (as of 06/01/2012)
The Art of Knitting 4 Kids features a proven method of teaching kids skills that will help them for life. Includes three different ways of learning to knit
1. Animated Stories
2. Kids Teaching Kids
3.Toy Stitch-Along
This Video is a Christmas present for my daughters.
Picking a Good First Project
Choose a pattern (or patterns) that is easy enough to finish in a relatively short period of time and one that is exciting enough to finish. You might also have older children especially knit something for a cause.
- Bracelet
- Necklace
- Potholder
- Wristwarmer
- Scarf
- Cupcake Container
- Amigurumi Toy
Patterns for Good First Knitting Project
- Lion Cotton Dish Cloth
- Free Knitting pattern: Dish Cloth from the Lion Brand Yarn Knitting and Crocheting Web Site.
- Lion Cotton Pot Holder / Hot Pad
- Free Knitting pattern for a Pot Holder or Hot Pad. One of over a thousand free patterns on the Lion Brand Yarn Knitting and Crocheting Web Site..
- Fun Fur Furry Headband
- Free Knitting pattern: Furry Headband from the Lion Brand Yarn Knitting and Crocheting Web Site.
- Fun Fur Knitted Black & White Scarf
- Free Knitting pattern: Knitted Black & White Scarf from the Lion Brand Yarn Knitting and Crocheting Web Site.
- Free Knitting Projects
- Knitting Patterns from the Craft Yarn Council of America.
Knit Kits for Children on eBay
More Squidoo Lenses to Get Kids Knitting
Knitting Rhyme for Teaching Children How to Purl
- Under the fence
Catch the sheep
Back we come
Off we leap
Books for Teaching Kids to Knit
Available on Amazon
Articles on Teaching Your Kids to Knit
- Maggie's Rags Knitting Tips - Teach Children to Knit
- Basic instructions on how to teach children to knit
- CRAFTS : Knitting : Slipknot, Casting On and Knit Methods : DIY Network
- Slipknot, Casting On and Knit Methods
- Teach Your Kids to Knit
- Tips on teaching children to knit.
- How to Teach a Child to Knit | Fiona Carter's Easy Knitting Blog
- Comments Children love to imitate what they see. They're much more observant than older people real
- CRAFTS : Knitting : Swatch Scarf : DIY Network
- This scarf is great for the coldest days -- it's made of a double thickness of yarn, so your throat will stay toasty warm when you wear it!
- Teaching Kids to Knit
- If you're lucky, you learned to knit as a child at the hands of someone who loved you: a mother, grandmother, aunt, even a father or grandfather, perhaps. Chances are, you'll never forget who introduced you to...
- Knitting with Children
- A selection of favorite links with commentaries. There are special sections for beginners and children, along with special pages of fun and humor.
Books for Teaching or Learning to Knit
Available on Amazon
No-Rules Knitting at the Teen Knit Cafe
Available on Amazon
No-Rules Knitting at the Teen Knit Cafe
Amazon Price: $7.97 (as of 06/01/2012)
A hip and trendy way of teaching teens and tweens to knit.
This instructional video will have teens knitting in no time.
Beginner projects include iPod cases, leg warmers, messenger bags, throw rugs, hats and others.
No Rules Knitting at The Teen Knit Cafe Clip
On YouTube
The Complete Beginner's Guide to Knitting Video
Available on Amazon
The Complete Beginner's Guide to Knitting
Amazon Price: $17.96 (as of 06/01/2012)
An excellent resource for parents or teachers wanting to learn or brush up on knitting skills and techniques.
This highly recommended step-by-step, hand-holding guide to knitting is EASY to watch and makes learning fast and simple. Projects include Scarves, Ponchos, Baby Blankets, Sweaters, and others.
More Books for Teaching Children to Knit
Available on Amazon
A Squidoo Lens on Teaching Yourself to Knit
Fun Knitting Kits Available on Amazon
These are good basic projects for getting started with knitting, whether a child or an adult learner.
1
Alex Yarn Craft Kit in Carry Basket
Learn to knit and crochet a chic scarf and bag! De more...0 points
3
Alex Bloom Loom Yarn and Fabric Flower Making Kit
Make 7 fabulous flowers on a cool, reusable loom! more...0 points
14
Dye This Yarn, Knit This Scarf, & Bead It Too!
Did you ever want a scarf in just the right color more...0 points
16
Alex Chunky and Funky Scarf Beginner's Knitting Kit in Carry Case
It's the perfect kit for beginners to learn how to more...0 points
18
Children's Arts & Crafts Teddy Bear Knitting Kit Gift *Great Gift Idea*
As easy as A, B, C, knitting has never been that e more...0 points
A Squidoo Lens on Knitting for Charity
Knitting Kids on CafePress
Future Knitter Kids Hoodie
Price: $26.99
Knitter in training! Infant Creeper
Price: $16.00
Little Knitters Kids Sweatshirt
Price: $26.99
Mommy's Helper Knitting Kids Hoodie
Price: $23.99
Squidoo Lenses on Knitting Basics
Knitting Kits for Children on eBay
More Squidoo Lenses on Knitting
How to Teach a Child or Teen to Knit Guestbook
Your Place for Feedback, Comments and Suggestions
Have you taught a child or teen to knit?
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KateTheKnitter
Jul 6, 2009 @ 12:18 pm | delete
- You've got great information on knitting and teaching the kids to knit on this site. I've been knitting for many years now and have knitted with my children and currently knit for my grandchildren. I list in my lens how I got them started in knitting.
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LilliputStation
Oct 16, 2008 @ 7:21 pm | delete
- This lens is awesome!Great info.
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riff999
Mar 19, 2008 @ 10:06 pm | delete
- Thanks, in part, to your lens I hope to spend some quality time teaching my daughter how to knit. Awesome job!
All the best
~Jane
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myfeetarentugly
Dec 17, 2007 @ 6:28 pm | delete
- What a great lens, and wonderful pass time for children and teenagers! A fun skill and good sense of accomplishment to boot
Helping teens feel good about themselves is my passion. I'd love for you to stop by to visit, and please say hello if you do.
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Evelyn_Saenz
Dec 15, 2007 @ 3:55 pm | delete
- I have taught all three of my children to knit. Their great grandmother even taught one to Tat. Well organized and extensive lens. Thank you for joining Unit Studies: Fun,Active, and Creative Learning Please come check out all our lenses.
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by RestoringMom
Restoring Mom is the mother to two energetic, curious young girls. She often looks for moments to restore her spirit. One way is to stop and enjoy a cup... more »
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