Saturdays are a special day for me. My daughter is on the school swimming team and has practice every Saturday morning. I drop her off then head to the near by coffee shops. It is walking distance from the school, so I get my walk in, drink coffee and use the time to plan the week and knit.
Knitting in public means people get curious and ask questions. And I love answering them. To be honest, I love a conversation with curious people and when it is about knitting it feels like a bonus.
So the barista saw me knitting the Tegna sweater. She asked me what it was and loved the lace panel. She then started asking me how to get into knitting and what to do. I think that everyone needs to at least learn how to knit, it is a great affordable hobby, that can be done anywhere and is great for the soul.
But how do you talk to people about knitting without scaring them away?
Start with the basics
Usually, the biggest barrier to entry is getting the basic supplies. While you can get everything online, it is always easier to just go to the nearest local yarn store and buy basic needles and yarn. The added benefit of getting familiar with your yarn store is that they are usually eager in offering support and can be helpful to a beginner. Tell them where they can buy their needs from.
Offer Supplies
Most of us who have been knitting for a long time will have extras or duplicates in our knitting needle collection. Offer them a starter set. A pair of needles and a ball or two of a basic wool or cotton yarn will get anyone started. Bonus points if you can offer them wood and metal needles so they can try both.
Start Simple
I generally like to start people off with 4 or 5mm needles and a DK or worsted weight yarn. Easy to handle, neither too bulky nor two fine and most people find them easy to deal with. I love fingering weight yarn and smaller needles but when I first started out there was no way I could manage them.
Suggest a pattern
Most people start off with a scarf because they are usually simpler. I don’t think that’s the best way to start. Dishcloths are my go-to. They are smaller and a great way to learn different stitches and they can be used year round. Don’t just tell them to google a dishcloth pattern. Find one for them. They will learn how to cast on, knit, purl and bind off.
Continental or English
Your job is not to end that debate nor to push your favorite method. A total newbie will not know that there are two main ways to knit. I started out knitting English and it was easier for me. But then I realized that continental knitting was very similar to the way I crocheted. Explain that there are two ways, send them YouTube links and let them have a crack at them.
YouTube or a Class?
While on the topic of YouTube, not everyone can learn from video, some people really like to take a class so they can master a new skill. A middle ground is a platform like Craftsy. You get the best of both worlds and I find that many beginners love it.
Let it go
If they are not interested you should walk away. Don’t be that person who tries starting the knitting cult. There will always be other people who will be knitters in the world, find them and help them get started.
About this Tegna sweater. It was a dream to knit. The lace was done in a flash, the stockinette body was done before it became too boring. Even picking up for the sleeves was simple. The back, front and shoulder shaping was simple to follow and quick. Might not be a great beginner project, but would definitely recommend.
