Knook Knitting

I was so excited to get started with the Knook Knitting Kit. The kit comes with 3 hooks, 3 cords, an instruction manual, and 4 patterns to get you started. I love the look of knit and the Knook seemed to be the answer to all the problems I encountered on previous knitting attempts. So I got cozy on the couch and attempted to learn from the book. The book is great but I quickly discovered that I learn better if I see someone do it. Fortunately the makers of the Knook, Leisure Arts, have some great videos online.

By watching a couple of their Knook instructional videos, I was able to get the hang of it quickly. I decided to make a scarf for my daughter's doll. It didn't take me all that long. However, when I finished, it didn't quite look like knitting. Plus since I was a newbie, my tension wasn't all that great so it looked a bit uneven.

The instructions in both the book that comes with the Knook Knitting Kit and the online videos state that you have to hold the hook differently than you do in crochet. I disregarded this and that is why my stitches look twisted in my first attempt (the red scarf). I re-read the instructions and watched the video again and realized I was pulling the yarn through like a crocheter does. So when I made a simple adjustment to my technique, I was able to produce the second scarf which looks like it should.

So the moral of the story here is read the Knook instructions carefully before getting started, especially if you are a crocheter.

After I learned the correct technique, I found that I quickly got into a rhythm. Knitting with the Knook isn't any harder than crocheting, and in my opinion is much easier than knitting with needles. I have seen comments that people who already knit may find dealing with the cord tedious. However others have also said that tricky stitches, where the yarn is likely to slip off the needle, are much easier using the Knook.

All in all, I am pleased with the Knook Knitting Kit. The instruction book included 4 simple patterns. I am planning on practicing some more by making a simple doll sweater.

For my first simple project, I decided to create a simple knitted scarf for my youngest daughter's American Girl doll. I figured it would help me learn to control my tension and would be great practice for the basic knitting stitch. Since I used only the knit stitch, I didn't have any issues with rolling. I was able to finish the scarf in a couple of hours while I was watching tv. This Knook project would be a great way to teach your daughter or granddaughter to learn to knit.

Instructions

Ch 6

Pick up 5 sts on foundation chain, 6 sts

Knit across

Repeat until scarf is desired length. Mine is approx. 22 inches long

Bind off all sts in knit

Finish your scarf with fringe if desired. I used 10 - 4 inch strands per side